KFC

Here's what a trip to the big city will get ya! When I went to pick up Dad, I had lunch at KFC. I was in chicken heaven and just kept giggling while I savored my juicy, tender chicken strips. They were so good I thought, "I should wrap some up and share them with Daddy when he gets here!" As we got going on the bus ride back I said, "Dad, I had some chicken tenders at Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch and they were SO good. I haven't had chicken like this in like 5 months! Here, I saved you one to try!" to which he laughed and responded, "That's okay, Christine, you eat it." "Are you sure? It's really REALLY good!" "Nah, you go for it." I think he was amused/baffled/not sure what to think of me! It's the little things...

A 100% Pure Tennessean Comes to the Dominican Republic!

Two weeks ago today, I was one excited little girl cause my Daddy was coming to see me. After only a few hours of sleep due to excitement and trying to get my apartment in order (the 'real Christine' is a bit less than tidy...haha), I hopped on the bus and headed to Santiago to fetch him. The following series of picutres are from our week together:

On our way headed to Monte Cristi and so happy to be together!

 Two 50lb. duffle bags without wheels + Seven blocks=

one tired Daddy!

We went to the orphanage on Sunday and Dad met the orphanage directors, Pastor Ramon and his wife, Marta.

Playing a little four-square with the kiddos

We stopped at a friend's house on the way home and enjoyed coconuts fresh off the tree!

Monday night was pizza at Paolo's and he was one happy Daddy after five pieces!

Tuesday morning we lesson planned for reading class. My students really enjoyed the Cliffort painting activity!

Monday night we played some UNO with my girls, Fernanda (left) and Isaura (right).

Did some more lesson planning on Wednesday morning, this time for English class.

Dad was the official BINGO caller. He did a great job and the kids loved him.

Wednesday night we had some guests for quesadillas and more UNO.

Thursday we went to the restaurant, Coco Mar, and had some tasty goat...yum yum!

After lunch, we went and hung out at the pier and beach for a little while.

Thursday evening was ice cream with the girls and more UNO (we sure did play a lot of UNO!)

Friday morning we went to a friend's house and Dad enjoyed some fresh sugar cane...

while Yahira and I made a traditional Dominican meal, Sancocho.

Dad's visit was SO good for my heart. It was nice to have someone who knows and loves me unconditionally come live life with me for a week. It was just what this Domericana needed! 

Got My Nails Did!

I think I've mentioned before that Dominicans like to look their best wherever they go. For the women, this also includes having fake fingernails. I'd been wanting to put them on for a while now, so I finally did it this past Saturday. Some of the utensils used included super glue, household scissors, and a paintbrush. I am 100% positive the whole process was very unhealthy for my fingernails and that every nail technician in the States would be completly appalled, but for me, it was amazing on so many levels :o)