from the world. with love | my life in the DR

December Newsletter!

2011-12-22T20:22:00.011-05:00

So I technically never wrote my last blog post for my "blog everyday for a week, to make up for all the times I should have been blogging in the last two months" series thing.
So here it is! A copy of my December Newsletter I sent out to my supporters! Enjoy!

Christmas Rice & Beans!

2011-12-16T17:31:00.003-05:00

I wrote this blog today for the Makarios website and I thought I'd share it on my personal blog as well!
One more day of the "blogging everyday for a week to make up for all the times I should have been blogging over the past 2 months" series. Hope you've enjoyed!
To see this actual post on the Makarios website click here, or just continue reading below.

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Makarios was blessed once again this years with donors who are willing to help our children and families eat over Christmas Break! With the donations we were able to buy 7 pounds of rice and beans for each student! Rice and beans is an essential staple in a Dominican & Haitian’s diet. We’re so excited to help our students and family eat over the holiday break.

The students were so excited that they pushed in line to receive their bag of rice and beans. We had to have several teachers act as “crowd control”


Pat giving our students from Chichigua their rice and beans for they left.	Profe Bella helping Pat hand out the bags to the children
Erickson	Aldiani realized how heavy her bag of rice and beans were as soon as she picked it up

The students showed their excitement in many ways: smiling for a photo, chanting “arroz, arroz, arroz” (rice, rice, rice), and by balancing beans on their head.


Francesca, Rachel, and Ruth with their beans	Carlos Alfredo & Pat
Carlos Alfredo and his teacher: Johan	Raidi
Profe Johan and Raidi

Blani (one of our Pre-K 3 students) was all smiles as she opened her bag. Check out the slideshow below:

And finally.. our Dominican and Haitian staff were surprised and blessed to receive their own bags of rice and beans!!


Profe Narolin celebrating with her bag of rice and beans	Profe Bella celebrating as well!

Rice and beans to all, and to all a good night!

Llegó Navidad en la Republica Dominicana (Christmas has arrived in the DR)

2011-12-15T22:25:00.004-05:00

To tell you the truth, Christmas arrived in the DR about 2 months ago in our favorite grocery store: La Sirena... but we decided to hold off a bit in our actual lives.

First Sarah and I found our Christmas tree, literally on the side of the road in Santiago. It was across the bus station the day we were going to see Breaking Dawn. We spoke with the guy and asked him if he would be open later (we didn't think it would be the best idea to drag the tree into the movie theater with us). So we picked it up after the movie and took it on the bus with us. He (being the tree) sat next to me in his very own seat!
The following week we invited Miranda over, and the 3 of us decorated the apartment.

The finished product-- I know very Charlie Brown Christmas Story like-- and that's why I'm in love with it!

The following Friday we had our Fiesta de Navidad at the school --complete with dressing up, a pizza party for each class, and performances for the children's parents. Here a few pictures from the "dressing up" part of our day:

Isn't Estaci BEAUTIFUL?

One of my favorite pictures of the day.

Warner!

Ricardo & Antony are best friends. I was able to capture Ricardo telling Antony a secret before all the students started singing.

I always envision these two boys.. years and years from now, still best friends and hopefully doing great things for the Lord!

Blaini all dressed up!

Alturo

Profe Nicole & Andy

Manuela and Profe Sarah.

Finally we had our Makarios staff Christmas party, where all of the families of our Dominican and Haitian staff members were also invited! It was a GREAT time. So great in fact, that I didn't have time to take as many pictures as I wanted. Here are a few from my point and shoot camera (which for w/e reason the resolution/tone is suddenly awful on).

This is Lismery. She is one of Yomo's (Yosmery is her full name) daughters. And Yomo is one of the Makarios staff members. I wish this photo wasn't blurry!

Surprise cake for the December birthday girls.-- Sarah, Yomo and Narolin.

And the night ended with Kelvin pretending to be Clark Kent.

I love my staff.

Thanksgiving Week in the DR

2011-12-13T19:20:00.004-05:00

Day 3 of blogging everyday this week!

Thanksgiving for us in the DR started the Saturday before. We had a large family style dinner with all of our American, Haitian and Dominican staff members. Even though I'm not the hugest fan of typical Thanksgiving food.. it was really nice to have a turkey, mash potatoes, gravy, etc. etc.

Here's a few photos from the night:

Writing down what we're grateful for

Group shot.

(taken with Pat's camera)

Thanksgiving continued with our relaxing mini vacation to Lifestyles resort. After our half-day on Wednesday, Sarah and I headed to Playa Cofresi to begin our stay at the all inclusive resort (that we got practically for FREE through cheapcarribbean.com). Miranda, her sister Jamie (who was visiting from the States), Janelle, and her coworker Tracy joined us on Thursday.

Now, I wouldn't exactly put Lifestyles in the 5 star category.. but coming from our small town Montellano, it was just what we needed and more! My favorite parts included hot showers that you didn't need a hot water heater, relaxing on the beach side canopy beds, food being prepared for us, spending time with the girls, watching part of the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade, watching cable TV in general, having time to read for pleasure ( ie discover my new love for "The Hunger Games") and being able to leave my cafe con leche on the counter without ants devouring it.
It's the small things, ya know?

Here are some pictures from our long weekend:

The balcony of our hotel room

The inside of our room

She's pretending..

Bathroom

The beachside canopy beds!

Our Thanksgiving Day Dinner, at the Mexican Restaurant.

Rainbow above the ocean.

Group shot.

AND Sarah and I ended our weekend by taking a quick trip to Santiago to see BREAKING DAWN! (which premiered a few days before Thanksgiving here in the DR).

If you're wondering.. it was amazing, and I'm ready to see it again (and again, and again).

That was our DR Thanksgiving: A relaxing/amazing time spent with friends. Grateful that God brought me to this country to live and serve him for the next two years!

Come back tomorrow for another post!
Imani

Meet Lisela

2011-12-12T17:54:00.003-05:00

So about those blog titles that I was supposed to have. I think they're over. I think the only one I'll stick to is the "Hola ___".... slowly introducing you guys to the people that surround me in this country. And I think I'll change it to "Meet ____." (I'll probably change my mind again, stay tuned)

Anyway. This is Lisela. Enjoy.

Lisela is a first grader in Profe Sarah, Profe Kelvin and Profe Belizeur's class. She's an extremely smart girl that is always one of the first in her class to raise her hand with the correct answer. She has the kind of fresh/hilarious/sassy attitude that is only cute on a 6 year old. She has a little sister that's in Kindergarden at our school, and a baby brother who's almost 2 years. Her mother is very sweet and attends a church next door regularly. One of my favorite things about Lisela is her little raspy voice and how she pronounces every single syllable of every single word. She is wise beyond her years and always keeps us laughing.

(Photo taken by Pat Miles)

This is Lisela on the day we had our Makarios school Christmas presentations. The kids had permission to "dress up" in whatever they wanted, versus their uniform. Lisela arrived to school super unpleasant because she didn't think her pants, shirt, and shoes were cute enough (plus the pants were falling off of her body). After Sarah walked her home, so that she could change into a skirt and different shirt.. she still was unhappy about the way she looked, and proclaimed that she was ugly. Pat pulled her aside to tell her how beautiful she was, and I immediately offered to take a photo with her, affirming her again how beautiful she was. She felt better for the rest of the day!

So blessed to work for an organization where we have the ability to encourage the self esteem of 6 year old girls.
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Thanks for reading! I'll be blogging everyday for my last week in the DR before I spend Christmas/New Years in the states. Hoping to make up for all the times I should have been blogging over the past few months! The blog posts will be short snippets of life here. Enjoy! (Also here's a link to yesterday's post in case you missed it.)

Weekends

2011-12-11T21:07:00.004-05:00

Just a snapshot of how we've been spending a few of our weekends.
(disclaimer- this may seem like a "long" blog post, but I promised it's not. It just filled with lots of photos!)

••Santiago: (November 5-7)
Many weeks ago, the 4 of us girls ventured to Santiago to explore a city we had heard many things about. Before we stepped on the bus, we knew Santiago wasn't going to be a grandiose (I felt cool using that word) tourist location, but instead a typical "city" with typical city-like activities (restaurants, sport games, malls, etc.). And that's just what we needed compared to the region we live in.. that doesn't have all of tha to offer. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade where we lived for the world.. but it was nice to get away for a weekend and enjoy going out to eat, our first Dominican baseball game, going to a MOVIE THEATER (something we missed greatly, since the one near us was closed down for 3 months), and visiting a mall.

Here's a few pictures from the weekend:

The Monument

View of the city.

Before we went into the baseball game. Lauren, Andy, Cakito, and Emily came down for Montellano.

Aguilas vs. Escolidos

The whole reason we went to the game was for Cakito. We surprised him for his birthday (which was a week before this) and told him that we were going to take him to the game for his birthday!

2nd base coach arguing with the umpire. He was thrown out of the game 2 minutes later.

Trust Sarah to find Latin dancing

Movie Theater!

(photo from Dena's camera)

••Sousa Beach (October 22)
With the beach being only 30-40 minutes away, we try to visit often.

Can't get over that this is where I live.

••Malacon (October 29)

There's a historic fort in Puerto Plata, and one weekend we decided to explore it. So we hopped in a carrito (public transportation cars) and once we arrived, told moto drivers that we wanted to go to the forteleza (fort in Spanish). LITTLE did we know that you have to specify the tourist forteleza, or the forteleza at the point.. because our taxi drivers took us a to a prison (apparently this is what forteleza also means). After some explanation, we finally got to where we needed to be.. only to find it was closed on Saturdays! No matter, we walked around the Malacon (the walkway by the coast) and took pictures instead.

••Jazz Fest (November 11)
Jazz Fest is an annual multi-day jazz concert that takes part of different parts of the North Coast. We had been hearing about this festival since our first day in the country, so needless to say we were excited. And it didn't disappoint.. I wish they had live music like that every single weekend.

My favorite group of the night- Xiomara Fortuna

Groupies. What?

Other weekend events not pictured- watching the new Makarios documentary (A Rising Tide) as a staff, movie & pumpkin spice lattee night, watching episodes of New Girl, eating dinner in each others apartments, and Makarios Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners (saved for a later blog post).

Headed for a mini getaway..

2011-11-22T15:40:00.002-05:00

Well there it goes.. out the window, my goal of blogging at least once a week while in the DR. Adjusting to life, praying my way through the transition process that comes with moving to a new country, and not to mention working/continuing to live my life in the DR.. has put my blogging a bit on the back burner. Hoping to get back to my once a week goal eventually. Bear with me! :)

And I wish I could provide a full on blog post right now.. But alas.. I'm home sick in bed (pray for me), trying to nurse my cold, and needing to pack for our mini getaway tomorrow. Where I am going? I'm glad you asked. Myself and a few other Americanos are spending our Thanksgiving Break at an all inclusive resort named Lifestyles!!! (pause for my excitement scream).

For anyone who's thinking: "What? She's a missionary/volunteer! How is she able to go on a mini vacation?"-- Let me explain. At our Mission Training we learned how ridiculously important it is to not work yourself to the bone, to actually take some time off to relax/rejuvenate and to not feel guilty about it. All of this so that you one day don't find yourself burnt out/unable to continue in ministry.. because you were constantly working and working(and working and working), without caring for yourself. Basically a vacation is an investment into the longevity of your ministry!

PLUS- Lifestyles (the resort we're going to) has this AMAZING sale every year where you can stay at the hotel for basically 1/20th of the original cost (no exaggeration). It feels like we're practically getting this vacation for free!

Pray that God let's me do just that. Pray that this yucky cold goes away. Pray that over the next few days we are able to have an amazing and relaxing time-- that when we return to our DR homes, we feel rejuvenated to continue what God has called us to do!

Hope everyone is able to relax as well & enjoy a few days off for the holiday.

Oh and HAPPY (early) TURKEY DAY! I promise I'll blog lots when I get back!

Imani

And because I hate writing posts without pictures, here's one of my favorites I've taken since being in the DR:

[Laughter] Public Transportation Guarantee: You will be entertained.

2011-10-31T21:47:00.003-04:00

One of the most entertaining/interesting moto ride I've taken.

Went to La Sirena last night, and as I'm leaving I tell the moto driver that I'm going to the Parada (I said the right place this time). He says something like "Okay linda" (Linda= cute in Spanish. Dominicans use terms of affection all the time, especially this term) Okay, so that was compliment #1. I put my feet on the pedal things, and apparently I put them the wrong spot.. so as he is fixing them he says: "Oh wow, your toe nails are so beautiful, did you paint them yourself?" I reply with "Yup." And he says, "Wow, what a talent you have." (Compliment #2 & 3). So we're leaving La Sirena and he stops by this bush and picks off a leaf. I just go with it.. and we continue to drive. He continues to ask me questions, and compliment me (you have a lot of energy, you have alot of joy, you're so nice-- so let's say like Compliments #3-10). Halfway through the ride he hands me the leaf (that he picked off the bush in front of me) and says... "It's not a rose, but you know, it's the symbol that counts" By this point I am cracking up at this guy/the situation. He continues to explain to me that next time I come to La Sirena he will have not one, but two roses for me, and that he'll actually have the real flower. We continue talking all the way to my stop.. at which point he refuses to let me pay him for the moto ride. He finishes the conversation by asking me to bring back the leaf next time I'm at La Sirena. I guess.. maybe to show that I remember him?

What a character.

---Also, you know you visit La Sirena too much when you walk in and immediately one of the employees says.. "You like it here, huh?"

Okay. Just thought I'd share that funny 20 minutes of my life here in the DR. Adios!

Imani

PS- I promise to blog about other things soon! AND include pictures. I feel like I'm a bit behind?

[Laughter: DR Style]- Our accidental moto ride.

2011-10-20T22:43:00.005-04:00

*Disclaimer: This may be more funny to Sarah (my roommate) and I.
We go grocery shopping at a store called La Sirena (think Dominican style walmart). When you leave La Sirena at night your choices of public transportation are limited because the carrito (Dominican style inexpensive taxis) stop is too far away to walk with alot of groceries. This leaves us with the option of taking the expensive taxi, which of course is waiting for you right outside the doors of La Sirena.
Tonight, since we didn't have too many groceries we decided to take two motos to the carrito stop, and then take a carrito home (all to save money). So we hop on the motos, tell them to take us to the Gran Parada (the carrito stop that is 5 minutes away in Puerto Plata) and we get moving. I don't think anything of our trip until we start passing landmarks that signified that we were definitely outside of Puerto Plata, way beyond the Gran Parada, and halfway home to Montellano. I scream to Sarah on her moto: "Where are we going?" And Sarah screams back: "I don't know." A little bit later when our motos are next to each other again, the conversation continues. Me: "They're taking us all the way home, aren't they?" Sarah: Yup, I think they are." Sure enough, we continue to pass landmarks that signifiy that we're getting closer and closer to home, and farther away from La Gran Parada in Puerto Plata.
I then realize that out moto drivers probably thought we said La Gran Parada in SOUSA and not the one in Puerto Plata. (Sousa is past our home). I tell Sarah and we both start hysterically laughing (read: laughing/spitting in our own faces because of the wind) at the situation of us accidentally carrying two weeks of groceries* home on a twenty minute motorcycle ride. I've never felt more accomplished, nor more Dominican in my entire life. Accomplished for saving money/not dropping the eggs I was desperately holding on to. And Dominican for carrying a huge cargo on the back of a motorcycle.

I think God knew Sarah and I needed a good laugh tonight.

*Groceries included: eggs, bread, 2 cartons juice, chicken, a plunger, bread, cheese, canned goods, fresh vegetables, etc. etc.

[Mi Vida] Makarios First Day of School

2011-10-15T11:27:00.004-04:00

Hard to believe the first day of school was weeks ago! Sorry for the lateness of this blog post. Enjoy the pictures anyway! (Also I technically blogged backwards, the first day of school was before my first day of ESL classes).

Makarios is primarily a school, that educates children: grades PreK-2nd. As ESL Teacher/Community Outreach Coordinator, I will be working mostly from the villages, and not the school... but in these first few weeks I was able to spend most of my time at the school while I prepped/planned for my village visits and classes. I think I may be in love with each and everyone one of the kids at our school.

Here are some pictures from the first day of school (a day spent of getting to know new students, new teachers, and of course, recess)

Profe Yomo & Wilner

Profe Yomo & Alylin

Profe Miranda & Chinada

Profe Nicole on the playground

Myself & Chinada

Vanessa!

Profe Nicole & Profe Dena singing

Profe Yohan, Myself, and Profe Sarah singing with the kids

Myself & Bernito

Franchesca, Memo, and Rachel

Erickson eating breakfast

Profe Belizeur playing a game with his class as they wait in the line for the bathroom.

Lisela, Ana Wendy, and Mary Ledy

Andy lifting up Anthony

Son

Raidi (who has the best natural facial expressions)

There's a smile!

[Mi Vida] ESL Classes in Los Ciruelos

2011-10-10T21:36:00.005-04:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while! I'm hoping that once things in our apartment are settled.. I'll be able to spend my afternoons relaxing, catching up with people, and blogging.. versus the endless To Do lists I've been having to complete. Here's a photo filled blog on the ESL part of my job:

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After my schedule is in full force, I will eventually be teaching an ESL class 7 times per week! So far I have started with the class in Los Ciruelos (where the Makarios host house is located). These kids have already captured my heart, and I look forward to spending the next two years with them!

Erika (wife of the original host couple that has ended their time in the DR) and I began the process by walking around Los Ciruelos to advertise for the upcoming class. I was so amazed and overjoyed by the warmth of the people that invited us into their house, laughed spoke and spent time with us. (I expect that a similar thing will happen once I start spending time in Chichigua and Tamarindo conducting the Community Outreach part of my position.. and I greatly look forward to that!) Once we passed out the enrollment forms, we formed the classes, and held the first two classes of the year! Take a look through the pictures to see the dynamics of the class:

We spent the first class going over the goals of ESL class and playing icebreaker games with simply English so that we could learn each other's names.

Darlin, Yonalis, Sindy

Estrella

Grelin

Luisanna

Gouri & Esteban

Yonalis, Sindy, Patricia

Patricia

Esteban, Gouri, Simeon

The hope for my ESL class is to provide a much needed service to the people that live here on the North Coast. Because this country attracts many tourists, knowing English is a valuable resource that will allow Dominicans/Haitians to obtain better jobs. Through my teaching I also hope to let Christ live completely through me, exemplifying his love in an audible & tangible way.

[God is good because]...He is Sovereign

2011-09-27T20:41:00.006-04:00

God is good because.. He Is Sovereign. He places his words in my path, at the most APPROPRIATE times, and through the most unique/appropriate of ways. Aka- when he wants to tell me something, he uses whatever means to do so.

Today it was Zephaniah 3:17, someone tweeted the verse, and I could not have read it at a better time. Like, seriously.

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. -Zephaniah 3:17 (Amplified Version)

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PS- I'm currently writing this from my sick bed :(
I believe I'm either pretty dehydrated or have a virus. (I'll leave all the yucky bathroom details to your imagination). Please be praying that I heal super soon, so I can get back to work!! I'm still feeling very dizzy/lightheaded when I'm standing up/move my head too fast.

AND:

Preview on me teaching my first ESL class!! -- full blog post to come soon!

Thanks Erika for the pictures!

[Mi Vida] Sabbath

2011-09-25T17:10:00.007-04:00

Dena, Miranda, Sarah and I spent last Saturday at the beach.... relaxing, laughing, talking.. and taking our MTI advice to have one day of rest per week, for the fruitfulness/longevity of our ministry!!
Oh yes. I forsee many beach sabbath days in our future.

Water & sunglasses. Essentials at a DR beach.

Man selling coconut water.

MTI Reunion with Katie!

Sarah paddle boarding

And a bonus:

Elvis spotted. Cabarate, Dominican Republic

From the DR, with love.
Imani

PS- I know Dena isn't pictured in any of these photos. But she was most definitely at the beach with us! Love ya girl!

[Mi Vida] Yays/Yucks

2011-09-21T19:17:00.003-04:00

As I described before, we learned at our mission training how we will often experience the Paradox of living life abroad. The positive things you experience are the yays, and the negative things are the yucks. It's totally normal/typical/okay to feel both of these things at the exact same time: To know that God has called you to a place and be happy about that.... while at the same time being super frustrated with all the negative things that keep hitting you in the face. I'm going to share a few of my yays/yucks now. PS- another longish blog post coming up. Sorry!

Yays

• A few days into staff training, I re-fell in love with Makarios and God confirmed how much his presences is intertwined in every piece of this organization and the people who work for it.

•The fact that I'm going to once again need (capital N-E-E-D) to rely on the Lord every single minute of every day. (For spanish speaking abilities, for the ability to not scream on the top of my lungs when I get another mosquito bite, for the ability to love like he loves me, for safety, for health, etc. etc.)

•The fact that I'm going to experience what I experienced in Peru. When my bible reading became "alive" to me. When I was able to read a passage and then pray, walk in, and live out the words that I just read.

•Cold showers. For those of you who have traveled to other countries and not stayed in a resort, you've more than likely experienced the coldness of water. It's a complaint I've had in my past mission trips.. but NOT here. After a super humid day outside, a cold shower is the biggest present you could ever ask for.

•The Makarios team is absolutely AMAZING (capitals emphasized). I honestly could not have asked for a better staff. I'm going to aim to introduce members of the staff individually in following blog posts.. so I won't take up more space here explaining how great they are.

•Spotify works ABROAD!

•The warmth of the people here is absolutely amazing. Erika and I went walking around Los Ciruelos yesterday to advertise for the ESL class I'll be teaching, and we ended up being out for 3 hours talking to families/kids about everything and anything. It's common for people to just invite into your homes, ask you how you're doing (and really care about your answer), offer food/drink.... and this is all when you come UN-invited. How much of a culture shock is it going to be when I return to the states and show up to my friends homes (unexpectedly) expecting all the same things ;)

•Going to the beach as our Sabbath. I'll never stop getting used to that.

Photo example of a YAY: Our staff (that is amazing) playing icebreaker games.

Yucks

•Having busy staff days (work 8-4) and busy afternoons (apartment hunting, grocery store shopping, etc.) and THEN wanting to just crash on your bed because you're exhausted from speaking a different language most of the day, learning 2 million things about a new country/culture, and doing your job. Then you have the choice to make: crash and… not finish up your to do list of: thank you cards, blogging, figuring out student loan deferments

•The humidity.

I'm told that I will get used to it. And I believe it.. when I feel the sweat dripping to my toes, only to look over at my Dominican/Haitian fellow staff members whom (because of lack of sweat) appear to be as if they are in the midst of an air conditioned room. But for now, until I get used to it… it's a yuck. A big time yuck.

• LOS INSECTOS (bugs). Okay so huge praise to God, I didn't see many bugs in the beginning days. Yes there was the spider incident, yes I saw the flash of a cockroach.. but overall there weren't many! That was all UNTIL I started to receive 2 mosquito bites per day, there was another tarantula found outside the Mak house, and moths began to attack my computer/me late at night because of its bright light. If you know me well, you know that I am legitimately terrified of all bugs. Like it's right up there with getting a terminal disease. This is a huge yuck. A yuck that I'm hoping will eventually subside as I live on a tropical island. But a yuck nonetheless. (PS- The two tarantulas I've seen now have both been in tuperware boxes to be the kids "pets." Pray that I NEVER EVER EVER see one in real life just crawling around here.. because you will hear my scream for hours and hours upon end.)

•I've been missing a few things lately. (This act of missing falls into my yuck category.) We were encouraged at our Mission Training that it's okay to admit to missing some of the more "shallow" things that you'll be letting go of once you leave the states. So here goes:

Netflix, Hulu, Pandora-- these all don't work outside of the states
Fall (my absolute favorite season). Oh how I miss Autumn, and all it entails. The leaves changing colors, wearing a sweatshirt, jeans & converse sneakers, bonfires, my Steve Madden fall boots that I got on super sale and was only able to wear once because the Syracuse snow kicked in early last year, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin ice-cream, (really pumpkin flavored anything), flag football, flamingo football, 60 degree weather etc. etc. etc.
Syracuse.. everything about it: 24/7 access to my best friends, CRU, Juice Jam, college life, dining hall food choices (who would have thought I ever said that), Famous Artists- who is performing IN THE HEIGHTS this year, NY State Fair, upcoming basketball season, the quad.. etc. etc.
Air conditioning
The lack of bugs the US has.

Photo example of a Yuck: A tarantula (that the Menold Family caught outside). A THOUSAND TIMES YUCK.

(PS- Everytime I say a thousand times ___.. I always think of Pride & Prejudice. You know, when Jane says yes to Mr. Bingsley proposing.. Anyone?)

[God is good because..] Lamentations 3:21-25

2011-09-19T15:01:00.001-04:00

God is good because he's always reminding me of his word when I need it most.
Last Tuesday (9/13), we were having our weekly Women prayer time amongst our staff, and just before I was about to share how I'm in the midst of my "chaos" stage of the transition process (This process being= Settled, Unsetting, Chaos, Resettling, Newly Settled). God reminded me of this passage, and I'll tell ya.. never has this passage applied to me so directly before in my life. Thank you God.

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
Lamentations 3:21-25

How I would like to blog while I'm in the DR.

2011-09-15T14:39:00.000-04:00

If you followed my 365 day project, you probably already know that I'm not exactly the best at posting regularly and frequently. Therefore to become a better blogger, and effectively share my next two years of the Dominican Republic.. I've decided to break my blog posts up into "series", "categories", "groups"..... whatever your heart desires to call them, there will be four:

1. Mi Vida
- In this "category" I will just post general stories about my life and work here in the DR. Expect to here things about work/ministry, things about living in the DR, prayer requests, etc. etc. This will be much like the first post I wrote while in the DR. (PS- Mi vida= My life)
2. "God is good because.."
- In these posts I will simply give thanksgiving to God for the ways he has been faithful/amazing to me. At mission training we were encouraged to write down our daily joys everyday, so that we can look back and look on how God is working. I've been trying to remember to do that, and I want to start posting some of those joys on this blog.
3. Hola ___
- For these posts the blank space will be filled with a name of a Dominican or Haitian that I have been "living life" with. I will include a picture, how I know them and some fun facts about them... just so you guys have a way of "meeting" the amazing people God has given me the opportunity to live and work amongst.
4. Laugher (DR Style)
- I laugh at everything and anything, and we've had some pretty funny encounters here in the DR. When moments are funny enough to share, I'll post them in this category.

--This series things will be super good for me, because I'll be able to tell smaller stories in a more frequent fashion. (I often struggle with waiting too long to blog..and then not having the willingness to write a super long blog post, and you guys not having the willingness to read a super long blog post!).
Be on the look out for the start of these categories tomorrow! I have a few saved up!

From the DR, with love..
Imani

PS- And because I think my posts always need a picture:

I took this on my home from work.

Come visit me?

Dominican Republic: The Beginnings.

2011-09-06T23:48:00.002-04:00

I'll give you 10 cookies if you read this entire blog post. Or 5 cookies if you skim it and look at the pictures. Pretty please?

WOW! Where to even begin? I hate to make this a long blog post (especially since I am the queen bee of not wanting to read long pieces of text on the internet).. but I've waited so long to blog and now I have so much to catch up on! Bear with me friends, my blog posts will definitely NOT always be this long.

I'll describe day-by-day, and it probably won't be super detailed... just to keep it short! :)

-----------------

• August 1-19. I spent 3 weeks in Colorado attending Mission Training International (alongside about 40 other missionaries & families, including my teammates Miranda, Sarah, and the Menold family) There is no way on this earth I would be able to thoroughly describe how utterly amazing this training was. I'll try and summarize it in 5 "phrases"

1. Invaluable lessons (from paradoxical feelings to conflict styles, and everything in between).

2. Dance parties. (Waka, waka)

3. Community that I wouldn't trade for the entire world.

4. Spiritual preparedness. (God paused my entire life and had me focus on him & my faith in a crazy serious way during these 3 weeks. There aren't enough words that can express how thankful I am for this.)

5. Colorado is beautiful. I'm going back one day.

• August 19-26: Last week at home. Pack. Shop. Doctors appointments (x6). To do list. Nurse my cold. Repeat.

• Friday August 26. Still in NJ. I find out that my flight that was supposed to leave the next day was cancelled/postponed because of Hurricane Irene. (Insert sad face/blessing in disguise because it gave me more time to rest)

•August 26-August 30: Many texts with my fellow teammate Dena (who was also on my cancelled flight), many minutes waiting on hold with Continental, reweighing my suitcase so that each is under 50 pounds & spending a few last moments w/ my mom...

Wednesday August 31- I finally arrived in the Dominican Republic!!!!!

• We were met at the airport with part of the staff holding many Welcome Signs! (Sidenote- I've always wanted this to happen to me! My dream has been fulfilled!).

First sight of the island from the plane!

We drove through Puerto Plata and arrived at the Makarious house (where we'll be staying until we get our apartments, and where short term missionary teams are hosted).The rest of the day was spent unpacking & settling in. Well.. unpacking was paused when the 3 kids from the Miles family & 5 kids from the Menold family came into our room, and we somehow began a spontaneous Disney songs/Christmas music/Justin Bieber dance party.
The day ended with myself and my other 3 single ladies teammates (Dena, Miranda, and Sarah) attempting to kill the hugest and fastest spider I've ever seen in my life. A lot of laughing, a lot of screaming, and a lot of praying. But we won, and he lost.

•Thursday, September 1- MY 22nd BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!! More importantly, I got to meet the rest of the Dominican & Haitian staff!!! We spent the day playing icebreaker games, asking each other getting to know you questions and just being with each other. At night we had a Welcome to the DR party, which included dinner, more games, and the Happy Birthday song in English and in Spanish! After that we ate birthday cupcakes and spent time on the roof chatting. (Bonus: we saw shooting stars. I L-O-V-E shooting stars). So happy I got to spend my birthday meeting and getting to know the friends (read: family) I'll be working with for the next two years!

Myself & Dena on the rooftop of the Makarios house. (I later found out the rest of the staff was signing a birthday card to me while we were up here!)

The 4 soltera ladies. (single ladies) of our team.

•Friday & Saturday, was our our staff retreat. We spent the mornings worshipping & having group devotionals, and the afternoons relaxing/having fun on the beach/getting to know one another (a 15 minute commute)!!! Friday we ventured to Sosua where some of us went banana boating and some of us went snorkeling. (I went banana boating, but unfortunately don't have any pictures). And Saturday we made our way to Cabarate.. where soon after we arrived it began to pour, so we ended up chatting in a local restaurant for most of the rest of the day.

The 2011-2013 Makarios staff. (minus Yosemari and Jen).
Picture taken after our devotionals.

Friday Sousa beach. Sunny day.

Saturday. Cabarate beach. Rainy day.

Sunday- Church in the morning at Templo Biblico. It was hard for me to keep up with the entire sermon in spanish, but from what I can see it's a really great community of believers! (We have the option of going to this church or an English speaking church… and I'm still praying about which one to pick). We spent the rest of the day shopping at La Sirena (think... Dominican style Walmart) and having dinner.

Monday was our first full day of work!! We arrived at the school at 8:45 and began the day with a group devotional & of course an icebreaker game! We then spent the first half of the day setting up the school. I helped Miranda setting up the Library (my position is not primarily in the school.. so I don't have a classroom to set up). While helping her I found a ton of bilingual children books that I hope will be perfect to read to my ESL classes/have my ESL classes read! The rest of the afternoon was spent going over some health administration stuff with Docotora Lauren.

Icebreaker games.

(Yomo is in the white,
Belizeur has on the black hat, and Marnelia is in the yellow)

Johan lifting Addie (one of the Miles' children)

After our full day we went to visit an apartment (that we didn't like very much). And finally.. my favorite part of the day, we visited Chichigua, which is a Haitian "battye" (a Haitian village), to have a meeting about the Makarios school!! I was super excited/nervous/anxious about this visit because this is where I'll be spending a lot my time teaching ESL and conducting social work! I prayed the entire time car ride over, and God answered every single prayer request I had!!! The meeting went well, Sarah & I were able to meet many adults and kids from the village and form the beginnings of relationships that God will use for the rest of our two years here!

Fani & myself.

Wilnay, Sarah, Fani, & I

I love this picture!

Boys will be boys!

Hamming it up for the camera.

Tuesday: I met with Erika (the wife of the host couple that are in their transition process of moving back to the states) to discuss ESL classes, go over what she's been teaching, and look through materials. Imagine the hugest smile on my face as I type this. I. AM. SO. EXCITED. to start this aspect of my job! In the afternoon we had a staff meeting at the school, and at night Sharla (our boss that lives in Austin, but has been here in the DR for the past week) took us "soltera ladies" (single ladies of the team) out for a night of fun and relaxation. We first went to a hotel lobby (read: air condition & beautiful facilities) to order cafe con leche and use their fast wifi. Then we headed to a restaurant named "Taste" where we had great food, an interesting waiter, and a lot of laughs. Great, great night!

Sharla (our amazing boss), Dena, Sarah, myself, and Miranda.

Overall this first week has been a great general getting to know each other/this country stage. My transition thus far has been fairly well! There are a few of "yucks" (a term we learned to use at our training that describes the paradox we will experience while living in another country. Yays are the positive things. Yucks are the negative things)... and life isn't a bed of roses here.. but that's life right? I'll share a bit more about this paradox in another post.

Okay that's it for now. Thanks for sticking through. (If you made it this far).

Love you all, y que Dios the bendiga! ( and may God bless you)

Imani

PS- I realize their is probably many unanswered question on this blog post (Who exactly are your teammates, what's transportation like, what's the food like.. etc. etc.) BUT I promise you will see posts dedicated to those things soon!

#365. I'M DONE WITH THIS PROJECT/I'M HERE IN THE DR!

2011-08-31T23:30:00.002-04:00

Ta-da. I am done with this 365 day project. (Thank the good Lord, I was over this thing about 4 months ago).

[All point and shoot pictures, all not the super greatest pictures, and all taken from my plane window... but I'm okay with that because I was living/enjoying my first official (half) day in the DR.. not worrying alot about this project.]

first sightings of the coast

Final thoughts on my 365 day project + some other thoughts mixed in there.

• My 22nd birthday is TOMORROW. Holler.

• I'M HERE IN THE DR!

• I am so excited for this blog to switch from 365 day project to my life in the DR blog.

• I know, so much negativity towards this 365 day project. But after chatting with a good friend about it.. I realized that as much as I love photography, love my camera, love capturing life etc. etc... I just really despised being forced to take a photo everyday. A 365 day project is supposed to hone your photography skills, and mine did just the opposite. I often watched my photo quality decrease, because I just wanted to get the daily photo over and done with, and move on to the rest of my "busy" day.

•I'm really looking forward to photographing the next two years of my new life here in the DR (without daily pressures), learning the ins and outs of my camera, adding stuff to my "portfolio" of photos that I'm proud of... you know doing all the stuff my 365 day project was supposed to do originally.

• You live and you learn right? All in all.. I guess I'm happy for the lessons this past year of taking a photo every day taught me. Not super clear about those lessons yet, but I'm happy about them.

• I'm done being a negative nancy. I'm in the DR, and God is about to take me on the biggest adventure of my life (at the risk of sounding super cheesy).

#364. typical.

2011-08-31T23:05:00.000-04:00

If I were to go through pictures from this 365 day project, I'm pretty sure flowers would be very high up on the list of most frequently photographed.

(Photo taken on August 30)

#362. more damage from Irene

2011-08-31T23:02:00.001-04:00

After driving on Monday, I realized the damage was more extreme then I thought in our area.

(Photo taken on August 29)

#361. leaves flown on the balcony after Hurricane Irene

2011-08-29T00:14:00.001-04:00

Thankfully, the hurricane didn't have a huge effect my neighborhood. Praying/hoping that everyone else is okay where it had a huger effect.

(Photos taken on August 28)

#360. more flowers

2011-08-29T00:05:00.001-04:00

Who's noticed a small pattern in photos of the last few days? Flowers. My mom l-o-v-e plants. When I have crazy busy days (as I've had the past few days).. I only have time to take pictures of the flowers around our house.

#359. roses. b&w photoshop action

2011-08-29T00:03:00.001-04:00

Okay this photo is really me experienting more with photoshop action. It wasn't super great straight out of the camera. I'll openly admit that.

(Photo taken on August 26)

#358. scale. packing. luggage.

2011-08-28T23:53:00.002-04:00

Things I learned today:

Packing for 2 years of your life WILL take you 7 hours, so when you start at 10pm, you will finish at 5am.
There's not many exciting things to take pictures of when you're running from doctor to doctor appointment all day.. and then rolling up clothes to fit in suitcases
A bathroom scale will not effectively weigh your toiletries or suitcases (Thankfully got a better scale from my mom's friend later!)

Regarding #2. Here's the only pleasing photo I was able to take today. And truth be told, it's only "pleasing" because I added a few of Pioneer Woman's Photoshop actions to it.

(same photo, different action)

(Photo taken on August 25)

#357. surprise fireworks

2011-08-28T22:59:00.002-04:00

Shopped ALL day today for the Dominican Republic. As I was leaving Old Navy/Target/Marshalls the Somerset Patriot stadium started setting off their fireworks. Let me tell you, after a long day of being in out and out stores.. seeing (free) fireworks from my car was the nicest surprise.

(cell phone pic)

(Taken on August 24)

#356. lily (favorite flower)

2011-08-28T22:22:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I take several photos of the same thing, changing the focus spot each time. And sometimes I can't decide which of those various shots to post. So today I post all 3.

All in focus

Left petal in focus

Right petals in focus

(Photos taken August 23)

God is able!

2011-08-23T18:01:00.005-04:00

T minus 4 days until I leave for the Dominican Republic, y'all! (After hanging out with two of my Texan teammates for the past 3 weeks of Mission training, I've already begun to say "y'all").
This week is CRAZY (emphasis on the caps). I've been packing, shopping, having goodbye dinners, being commissioned, figuring out my advocacy team, attending many doctor appointments, and maintaining a terrible awful cold. But God is in the midst of all that chaos, and he is constantly reminding me his strength is made perfect in my weakness! And even though my to-do list seems near impossible.. he will help me through it, allow me to have a stress-free day on Friday (a high recommendation from training) and board that plane feeling better Saturday morning!

Also in the midst of all that chaos is the matter of support raising! I'm officially at 50% of my monthly support! Which is a HUGE praise compared to the 30% I was last week. Technically I am allowed to board the plane with the 50% I have raised, but my biggest prayer this week is that I would leave for the DR with at least 75% under my belt! It's going to be a busy first month, and I would love to invest most of my time on what is in front of me in the DR versus trying to raise the 50% I have left!
Pray with me? Our God is able! And when I think about (Ephesians 3:20- Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us) I get pretty excited, because my God is able. Able to do more than I ask or imagine.

And because I think plain words are boring, here's a picture of one of the kids I'm going to meet soon!

(Photo courtesy of Erika)

--
PS- If you're personally interested in giving support to assist me in teaching ESL/conducting social work in the DR.. click this link. Any amount is a huge blessing!

PS again- I've had 3 blog posts saved for awhile, and have finally posted them. Scroll below. Or click these links: On blog changes, on 365 day projects, on support raising.

on blog changes, 365 day projects, and support raising [part 3]

2011-08-23T17:57:00.000-04:00

[on Support Raising]

[What I've learned so far on the subject of Support Raising]
Support raising is about trusting God more than anything else. God promises that he will provide my needs... therefore I shouldn't worry (Philippians 4:19/Matthew 6:25-34). So support raising is believing/trusting that if God wants me in the Dominican Republic (as I believe he does) than he will provide the financial means in his own time. And as I ask people to partner with Makarios' mission and wait on God's provision.. I must never ever take my eyes of the Lord. It was as soon as Peter took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the storm (aka his circumstances) that he stopped walking on water and began to sink. (Matthew 14:22-33). And it is when I take my eyes off of God, that my circumstances become way too large for me, raising $15,000 seems impossible, and I too begin to "sink." So here I continue.. trusting God, and not my circumstance.

[Recent story on support raising]
- I was feeling super discouraged about support raising for most of the week leading up to Colorado. Friday night as I was working on my blog, I prayed something along these lines: "God I know you will eventually provide all that I need for the Dominican Republic, but is there anyway you can send in a bit of support.. just as a bit of encouragement to me?" The next day I checked my account to realize I received a donation of $2,500 from a woman I do not know personally!!! For the the largest donation I have received to be from a person I don't know personally... is just beyond amazing!
1. God is good.
2. Why does it surprise me so when God answers my prayers?

[my new support raising page]

http://fromtheworldwithlove.blogspot.com/p/giving.html

[an amazing blog post on frequently asked questions of support raising]
http://catherinepng.blogspot.com/2011/05/interviewing-elephant.html

on blog changes, 365 day projects, and support raising [part 2]

2011-08-23T17:53:00.000-04:00

On 365 day projects
Technically I have about 5 weeks left of this 365 day project. But I want to give myself a "self evaluation"now.

[The negative stuff]
• I kind of suck at the 365 day project.
•I want to quit.
•I wanted to quit about 2 months ago.
•I hate being forced to take a picture everyday.. ESPECIALLY on the days where life is mundane/I sat on my couch all day.
•I'm a bit ashamed of some (most) of the photos that have been taken over the past almost year
•In my mind, this 365 project kind of made my photo quality lower. (meaning when I'm forced to take a photo everyday, I produce suckier pictures)

[What I've learned]
•All the above negative stuff has produced me not uploading the photos I take daily, waiting weeks to upload those photos, and forgetting to take a daily photo all together many many days.
• It takes an extra effort to photograph everyday life. (To actually pull out your camera and make the world around you aesthetically pleasing).
• Steph Hart is BOSS at 365 day projects. When she announced she was doing a SECOND year of taking photos everyday my mouth dropped. Why? I couldn't even imagine doing another year of this project, and maintaining quality/amazing photos throughout. 4 for you Steph Hart, You go Steph Hart (Mean girls reference).

[The good stuff]
• For the remaining days, I am going to make a conscious effort to treat this 365 day project the way I did in my first few months of having it.... When I loved doing it. When I aimed to post the photos before midnight EVERYDAY. When I didn't miss days. When I didn't wait until 11:58 to take a photo. When I was actually "proud" of the photos I took.
It's a huge goal. And I can't promise I won't fail some days, but I'm going to try.
•I still love photography, and want to pursue the hobby further. This 365 day project didn't totally ruin that aspect. But I would never, ever do a 365 day project again. (Steph, again.. you're a rockstar).

[Really, all this negative stuff only started in the last few months.]

on new blog changes, 365 day projects & support raising (Part 1)

2011-08-23T17:52:00.001-04:00

In the interest of not making this a super long blog post.. I'll break this up. Today I'll post on blog changes. Tomorrow will be on 365 day projects and the next day will be on support raising.

[on blog changes]
There are a few visual changes to this blog. Just thought I'd spend some time pointing them out.

New Tabs across the top:
• About me
- Pretty self explanatory
• Makarios
- Information about the organization I'll be working for.
• Giving
- Information about what support raising is, my progress, ways to give, etc. etc.
• Prayer
- Want to pray for me while I'm in the DR? Click this tab.
• Links
- Again, pretty self explanatory. Links to my twitter, photos. Links to other staff members blog, etc. etc.

New Banner:
- Since I'm switching gears from a 365 day project blog to a blog that focuses on the work I'll be doing/life I'll be living in the DR for the next two years... I figured it was only appropriate to change the blog banner. (Many thanks to Amanda who did that photo shoot with me!)

#355. view from the road.

2011-08-23T17:21:00.002-04:00

On my many many errands today, I snapped a pic from the car. With my cellphone, while driving. (shh)

Sorry these pictures have a been a bit on the lame side lately.. it's all I can manage with my cold/to do list miles long!
(August 22)

#354. sick as a dog.

2011-08-23T17:20:00.001-04:00

I don't get colds super often, so when they do hit.. they hit me hard.

As I'm in my last week of packing, shopping, doctor appointments, goodbye dinners before the DR, I am reminded of what a TERRIBLE week it is to be sick, but I am living and breathing in the truth that.. in my weakness, God is made strong.

(cell phone pic)

(August 21)

#353. prayer cards

2011-08-23T17:17:00.001-04:00

officially printed.

(August 20)

#352. typical typical-view from my plane window-typical

2011-08-23T17:15:00.003-04:00

(August 19)

#351. memorial stones

2011-08-23T17:14:00.002-04:00

For one of our last sessions at MTI we made & spoke about our "memorial stones" from the last 3 weeks.

(August 18)

#350. growth group

2011-08-23T16:58:00.001-04:00

Yes, I didn't take this photo.. but it is on my camera! And it was my growth group (small group) for the past 3 weeks MTI, and these ladies meant a lot to me.

(August 17)

#349. no picture

2011-08-17T18:21:00.001-04:00

It was a long, emotional, and great day at MTI today. And I wish I had time to pull out my camera.. but I just didn't. sorry.

(August 16)

#348. I've run out of creative titles for different Colorado views

2011-08-17T18:19:00.001-04:00

(Photos taken on August 15)

#347. ladies

2011-08-17T18:13:00.001-04:00

Some of the MTI ladies and I before church!

Disclaimer- I obviously didn't take this photo. And confession-- its not from my camera. But I kind of forgot to take a photo today.. so this is the best I can do.

(Photo taken on August 14)

#346. hiking- mt. herman.

2011-08-17T18:08:00.001-04:00

(Photo taken August 13)

#345. basketball, sunset

2011-08-17T18:05:00.001-04:00

(Photo taken on August 12)

#344. dance party

2011-08-17T17:59:00.001-04:00

dance party. MTI style.

(point & shoot camera)

(Photo taken on August 11)

#343. I tried to take a picture of the view from our balcony at night, but my camera wouldn't focus in the dark

2011-08-17T17:58:00.001-04:00

(Photo taken on August 10)

#342. walking

2011-08-17T01:33:00.001-04:00

(Photo taken August 9)

#341. chasing bunnies

2011-08-17T01:31:00.003-04:00

(Photo taken August 8)

#340. night time colorado

2011-08-17T01:30:00.001-04:00

(Photo taken August 7)

#339. 7 falls.

2011-08-17T01:16:00.001-04:00

Went hiking at 7 falls today.

Two of my Makarios teammates. (More about them later)

(Photos taken on August 6)

#338. elephant rock

2011-08-17T01:06:00.001-04:00

Elephant rock. Apparently it's supposed to look like an elephant. I don't see it.

(Photo taken on August 5)

#337. rain through the windowsill

2011-08-17T01:02:00.003-04:00

(Photo taken on August 4)

#336. around the conference center

2011-08-17T01:01:00.001-04:00

Taking a walk around the conference center.

(Photos taken on August 3)

#335. oversize teacups

2011-08-17T00:58:00.001-04:00

(point & shoot camera)

(Photos taken on August 2)

#334. rainbow. cell phone pic

2011-08-17T00:42:00.001-04:00

Photo taken August 1 (First day in Colorado for Mission Training)

#333. cheesecake factory

2011-08-17T00:39:00.001-04:00

Cheesecake factory with my familia.

Photo taken on July 31st.

#332. red leaves in summer

2011-08-17T00:38:00.001-04:00

Photos taken on July 30

#331. vegitation + SPOTIFY!

2011-07-29T23:59:00.005-04:00

Okay, really just leaves next to the side of my house.
-----------------
I love music. I love programs that allow you to listen to music. I love spotify
•Short version: Spotify. Click this link. Download it now.
•Long Version: I'm pretty sure I will use Spotify just as much (if not more) I use iTunes. It's legit. 15 million songs available for streaming. Completely legal. Completely free (that is of course if you stick with the basic account). I think I'm in love. It's been in Europe for a few years now, but just debuted in the USofA in July. So they're still being exclusive.. requiring you to request an invite and all.. but I requested on Monday or Tuesday, and got the link yesterday.
oh MAN, I just realized.. this probably isn't going to work when I'm in the Dominican Republic. Need to milk it when I can now!

#330. lamp chandelier

2011-07-28T23:36:00.002-04:00

#329. street arrow

2011-07-27T22:46:00.003-04:00

#328. potential sun flare & a song

2011-07-26T18:57:00.006-04:00

Stepped out of the car today and saw a potential sun flare. Seconds later, I found out I was right!
If there's a trick to purposefully capturing sun flares.. I myself haven't mastered it yet. So every time I point my camera at a potential one, and actually come out with one...my insides do a little happy dance.

sun flare in focus. leaves not. LOVE this.

bigger flare. black & white.

That's 3 days [of posting photos on time] in a row. Word.

---------------
I posted a summer playlist a few days ago. I can't believe I forgot this song:

#327. post rain.

2011-07-25T23:03:00.005-04:00

Went outside to find some picture-worthy things after it stopped pouring all day.
Came back with these..

Out of Focus. (Water color painting-esque, no?)

A little bit more in focus.

Pine needles. Rain droplets

That's TWO days in a row that I've posted my daily picture before midnight. #lookatmenow

#326. white roses + my review of OS X Lion

2011-07-24T16:27:00.003-04:00

I like white roses. White roses are my favorite.
[Skip through the pictures for my review of Lion]

----------------------------------

My review for MAC OS X LION

Disclaimer- While I am a fan of apple products, I am by no means a DIE HARD Apple geek. If you are a die hard apple geek that knows every nook and cranny of apple products...then you should look at other die hard apple geeks that will review every nook and cranny of Lion :)

[Things I like]

-Full screen app.

Take any program/app and you can view/work in it "full screen"

Haven't used this yet too much yet. But so far so good.

- Switching

Whenever you put an app in full screen, you can use three fingers

- Launchpad.

Similar look to the iphone/ipod touch/ipad, showcasing all your applications.
Haven't used it a ton yet, but I know it will be a super useful feature.

- Mission Control.

Basically the feature that every macbook has where you're able to quickly see
all the apps you have open. It just much fancier.

[Things not so cool]

- Microsoft Word 2004 doesn't work on it. I unfortunately didn't realize I was buying Microsoft 2004 when I started college in 07.. and now I guess I'm paying for it. Apparently if you have Microsoft Word 2008 or 2011.. you're good.

- To access the launchpad via your trackpad you have to "pinch with your thumb & three fingers." Also to show the desktop you "spread with your thumb and three fingers."

REALLY apple? When am I ever going to manuever my hand in this most awkward position possible to do this? I tried doing it, 3 times, and it's not as easy as you make it seem.

- Adobe CS5 doesn't let you do full screen yet, but I read somewhere that as programs update themselves.. full screen will become available. Let's hope!

----Okay so the update is $30 right? I'm not a true judge if its worth the 30 because I actually got the update for "free" since my macbook was bought within the last month (Thanks dad for the graduation present!) BUT, In my opinion.. there's definitely not enough "noticeable" changes for the update. I feel like Tiger to Leopard/Snow Leopard was a "bigger" deal in terms of noticeable changes. So I say save your money.. But I guess if you're a mac geek and want the "latest".... get Lion.

----Better yet, wait until your "forced" to update to Lion. (Example- When I finally bought Adobe CS5, I quickly found out that my OS X Tiger system wouldn't run it. So I was "forced" to get Snow Leopard)

My Summer Playlist

2011-07-24T00:32:00.000-04:00

Just a few songs I've been playing on repeat this summer.

Summer Playlist
1. "Que Lio"- Marc Anthony.
(First heard this song while watching HawthoRNe. I made it one of my pandora stations. Hoping my spanish will improve a bit via this station.)
2. "I won't let go"- Rascal Flatts.
(Someone sing this to me.)
3. "Look at me Now"- Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne
(LEHGO)
4. "Look at me Now"- Karmin
(Everytime I listen to one version of this song, I immediately have to listen to the other.)
5. "Beggin"- Madcon
6. "Next Big Thing"- Nikki & Rich
(Similar to Beggin.. this song comes on my Janele Monae Pandora station all the time)
7." Easy"- Rascal Flats ft. Natasha Beddingfield
(Yup, two Rascal Flats')
8. "Barton Hollow"- Civil Wars
(New found love for them. Get their album for free via Noisetrade)
9. "Super Bass"- Karmin
(True story. I like the Karmin cover of this better than the original Nikki Minaj version)
10. "ET"- Katy Perry ft. Kayne West
(This video is incredibly weird.)
11. "Farther Along"- Josh Garrels.
(Love him. Love the truth behind his lyrics. Love his folk music style. Love listening to him as I do my devotions. Love that I also got his newest album for free via Noisetrade)
12. "Mama's Song"- Carrie Underwood
(Just got her newest album, even though it isn't that new. Also a really big fan of "Change" on the album)
13. "Rumor Has It"- Adele
(Let's be honest. I listen to Adele about 6 times a day. Woman is fabulous. This song happens to be the one I play the most right now. It really represents the whole album).
14. "Just Can't Get Enough"- Black Eyed Peas
(Would love to see these guys in concert)
15. "Don't Cry"- Kirk Franklin
(My church has been doing this alot for worship lately. Love it.)

As you can see I've got a good mix of not so new songs, and actual Summer 2011 songs.

#325. Congratulations Eric & Tina

2011-07-24T00:29:00.002-04:00

I love love. I love weddings. And I love my church family.
Congratulations to Eric & Tina! Your ceremony was so amazing/touching/lovely, and had a great time at your reception!

Photos taken July 23

#324. brownies FAIL.

2011-07-24T00:27:00.002-04:00

I proudly updated my facebook/twitter with these words. "Making brownies for dinner. No shame"

Well... we didn't have eggs. After some online research I found that you could substitute mayonnaise for eggs (yeah sounds gross, but mayo is actually made of mostly eggs.. so it made sense in my head.) WEB OF LIES. They turned out hard as a rock, oily, and gross.

Brownies for dinner quickly turned into Chinese food Takeout for dinner.

Photo taken on July 22.

#323. familia

2011-07-24T00:25:00.002-04:00

Some of my FL family came up "north"and stopped by in NJ!

Uncle, Mom, Uncle (to me)

Brother, Sister, Brother (to them)

Sister, Uncle, Mom, Uncle, Me

Photo taken on July 21.

#322. on the way home.

2011-07-24T00:21:00.004-04:00

Twas a good, relaxing, mini vacation.

Photo taken on July 20.

#321. miami pt. 2

2011-07-24T00:20:00.001-04:00

My mom really wanted to go back to Miami.. after I raved about how amazing the beach was, and how warm the water was. So we went with my Godmother this time. We were there for about 10 minutes when it started pouring. So we went out to eat at Mango's instead. What a place. (I would probably never go back).

Part of Mango's entertainment.

(sorry for the low quality- Point & Shoot Camera pic)

cell phone pic

My passion fruit Mojito.

Later on we attempted to get fried ice cream. (My mom has been dying to try it since her coworker spoke about it). I've had it before, and the one I tried was better than this one..but my mom did like it.

Photo taken July 19

#320. ft. lauderdale beach

2011-07-24T00:15:00.001-04:00

Favorite picture I've taken all summer

Sunglasses, palm trees, and towel. #beachday

Older couples at the beach. #lovethem #typicalflorida

Photos taken on July 18.

#319. rainy Florida

2011-07-24T00:11:00.003-04:00

Photo taken on July 17.

#318. south beach

2011-07-24T00:10:00.001-04:00

We drove down to Miami on Saturday. I got to see Lindsay, AND South Beach!

(sand is in focus here)

Love ya, Linds!

Photos taken on July 16

#317. family + friends from Jamaica

2011-07-24T00:09:00.002-04:00

My mom's friend from Jamaica (whom she hasn't seen in over 30 years) was in the states.. so we (myself, my mom, and my aunt) spent the day with him!

This is at the end of the day at my Aunt's house. My uncle and cousin stopped by for a bit too.

(Bobby [the friend], my mom, uncle, cousin, and aunt)

Photo taken on July 15

#316. pretty sky. via the airplane

2011-07-24T00:05:00.001-04:00

On the way to Florida for a mini vacation with my mom!

Photo taken on July 14.

#315. bye TX/Emily

2011-07-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

(Photos taken with my point&shoot)

Is it just me or did I take zero worthy pictures in TX minus the two above? You know how sometimes you just get in a "I really don't feel like taking out my camera right now" kind of funk? Well I was in one .. for the full 5 days I was in TX. Austin was great.. just my camera didn't see the greatness of it :(

Photos taken on July 13

#314. flan latte.

2011-07-23T23:58:00.001-04:00

cell phone pic.

courtesy of Dominican Joe (the coffee shop that is connected to Makarios)

Photo taken July 12

#313. poolside by night

2011-07-23T23:47:00.001-04:00

Photo taken July 11

#312. cowboy boots & vintage cameras

2011-07-23T23:42:00.002-04:00

I wish I remember this antique/vintage store's name. But it was awesome. I could have spent hours in it.. but we had to get to our movie (Transformers 3... huge disappointment).

I was a little nervous about taking pictures in the store (I had a feeling it wasn't allowed).

So I snapped these cowboy boots with my cellphone.

If I were moving into an apartment in the states, oh how I would have totally bought one of these vintage cameras to decorate my living room with..

Photo taken on July 10

#311. yet ANOTHER 11:58pm photo..

2011-07-23T23:38:00.001-04:00

See here for what I mean by 11:58pm photo.

After a great day of my Makarios Orientation, going to Barton Springs & out to eat with 3 of the girls I'll be moving to the DR with.... (why oh why didn't I take a picture of any of those events?)

Emily and I went to the infamous HEB (it's only infamous to myself, Adrienne, and Sarah from our Spring Break visit when we found a way to go back to that grocery store and get the same cashier almost every night).. and I got this soda. It was dis-gus-TING! We get back to Em's house.. and I complain about how I haven't taken a picture yet, she tells me to take a picture of my Wild Red soda. So I do.

I don't know what's worse.. taking silly pictures of soda cans OR not taking a photo at all. Sorry I've been so sucky at this 365 project thing. I'm a bit over it.

Photo taken on July 9, 2011

#310. airplane. EWR airport. on my way to TX

2011-07-23T23:32:00.001-04:00

(cell phone pic)

I'm pretty sure I have another picture just like this somewhere in this 365 day project. I'm getting pretty un-original huh?

Photo taken on July 8.

#309. luggage/another 11:58 picture

2011-07-23T23:30:00.001-04:00

Yup. Another 11:58 kind of picture. The thing I saw in front of me and my camera? My packed luggage for Austin, TX!

Photo taken on July 7

#308. an 11:58pm kind of picture

2011-07-23T23:28:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I look at the clock and realize its 11:58..and then I scramble around trying to find a picture...

(This has been happening ALOT more lately since I've been home having my lazy/relaxing summer)

So here's my un-original, typical manual focus pointing at lights photo.

Photo taken July 6, 2011

my prayer for today {July.18.2010}

2011-07-19T10:42:00.002-04:00

I know I'm about a million years behind on posting photos for my 365 day project... But I just wanted to share this.

When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation* brought me joy.
Psalm 94:19
*consolation: comfort, solace, relief

Fear, anxiety, and worry have been super present in my life since I made the decision to spend two years in the Dominican Republic working with Makarios. I know its natural to have fears about big changes and I'm aware that the enemy often tries to get a foothold through the aforementioned 3 things... So today I pray. Today I pray the Psalmist's words. Today I ask God for his comfort. I ask the Lord to replace my anxiety with his joy. With his perfect peace. Amen.

PS- Stay tuned for... visual changes to the blog, support raising stuff, AND all the photos I'm supposed to be uploading everyday!

#307. my family (our comedian side)

2011-07-05T22:53:00.001-04:00

Today my sister walked out of the kitchen with foil on top of her head. For no particular reason. (Although she did mutter something about aliens). I hysterically laughed for 2 minutes straight.

My family does weird/hilarious things like this all the time (myself included). In another life I think we were comedians.

#306. 4th of july- a day of cooking.

2011-07-05T22:40:00.001-04:00

I had an atypical 4th of july and spent it mostly cooking. It was relaxing.

Chicken with Red Wine Sauce

(It may look brown and boring, but its good)

Then I got inspired to make my own spaghetti sauce using Red-Wine. So I took tomato paste, used the recipe off of the cooking wine bottle and improvised.

Then made 4th of July cupcakes

(Photos taken on July 4th)

#305. home depot

2011-07-05T22:36:00.001-04:00

I'm pretty sure that even when I do own my home, I will still find Home Depot the most BORING store on the entire planet.

The most fun I had, was this gadget that allowed you to hear the difference between a super soft garbage disposal and a super loud one. Fun, right?

(cell phone pic)

(Photo taken on July 3)

#304. barnes & noble..2nd time around.

2011-07-05T22:32:00.002-04:00

(cell phone pic)

Yeah I know this is dejavu from the last time I took a picture at Barnes & Noble (b.nobes for short). But a few new things occurred on this trip. My new laptop, a VENTI sized coffee (I was going for the grande, the lady informed me that for 10 more cents I could get a venti.. how could I say no?), and a good amount of time actually spent working on support!

(Photo taken on July 2)

#303. my battle with a wasp

2011-07-05T22:28:00.001-04:00

A wasp flew into the house. I screamed and ran away. I then attempted to kill this wasp for the next 25 minutes. I bumped into furniture, got bruises, and got a legit work out trying to kill this thing. Halfway through, the wasp chased me upstairs (yes, in my mind he did this).. I found this raid can, and killed it. Yes the wasp his dead, but considering the bruises & sweaty t-shirt I was left with... it kind of feels like he won.

Excuse the boring picture. I wish I was able to record me trying to kill this wasp.. that would have been pretty entertaining.

(Photo taken on July 1)

#302. chocolate dusted almonds

2011-07-05T22:24:00.001-04:00

Yes this may look like rabbit poop.. but these were the BEST almonds I've ever had.

(Photo taken on June 30)

#301. hello macbook pro + hilarious

2011-07-05T22:23:00.002-04:00

Thank yous go to my dad for this graduation gift!

(My old laptop was on its way to the grave.... perfect timing, it being right around graduation time and all)

Photo taken on June 29.
-------------------------------------------

Randomly found a page of the cutest quotes from little kids. Kids are both wise and hilarious.

What is the proper age to get married?

•When I am done with kindergarten, I’m going to find me a wife.” (Tommy, 5)

When is it okay to kiss someone?

•“You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, ‘cause she’ll want to have videos of the wedding.” (Jim, 10)

•“Never kiss in front of other people. It’s a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy, but just for a few hours.” (Kally, 9)

The Great Debate: Is it better to be single or married?

•“It’s better for girls to be single, but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them.” (Lynette, 9)

•“It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I’m just a kid. I don’t need that kind of trouble.” (Kenny, 7)

On the role of good looks in love and marriage:

•“It isn’t always just how you look. Look at me. I’m handsome like anything and I haven’t got anybody to marry me yet.” (Gary, 7)

Concerning why lovers hold hands:

•“They want to make sure their rings don’t fall off, because they paid good money for them.” (David, 8)

Confidential opinions about love:

•“Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I’ve been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.” (Bobby, 8)

How can you tell if two adults eating dinner at a restaurant are in love?

•“Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food,” (Brad, 8)

What most people are thinking when they say ‘I love you’:

•“The person is thinking: Yeah, I really do love him, but I hope he showers at least once a day.” (Michelle, 9)

How to make love endure:

•“Don’t forget your wife’s name… that will mess up the love.” (Roger, 8)

•“Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take the trash out.” (Randy, 8)

#300. new perfume

2011-07-05T22:20:00.001-04:00

Got a new perfume on SUPER sale today. It smells fantastic.

(Photo taken on June 28)

#299. opps

2011-07-05T22:06:00.001-04:00

OPPS :(

(Photo supposed to be taken on June 27)

#298. I really promise..

2011-07-05T22:03:00.001-04:00

This is the last time I will forget to take a photo.

.....I think

(Photo was SUPPOSED to be taken on June 26)

#297. #syracusemeetsthejerseyshore

2011-07-05T22:01:00.001-04:00

Claire, Sarah, Nikelle & I went to visit some pretty awesome people on summer project in Wildwood.

Lizzie being one of them..

And Zack & Molly being the other two (seen here in this group picture)

(Photos taken on June 25)

#296. Detweiler farm

2011-07-05T21:57:00.001-04:00

Was in PA for the night. As we were driving by Sarah informed us that her extended family owns that farm. I had to take a picture.

(Photo taken on June 24)

#295. flower

2011-07-05T21:55:00.001-04:00

(Photo taken on June 23)

#288-#294. the ones where my hard drive crashed

2011-07-05T21:41:00.002-04:00

I may just be the world's worst 365 day blogger ever, it seems like I always have excuses for why my photos are late or not super good.
The excuse this time though is kind of valid... my laptop's hard drive crashed, as I mentioned in this post... and unfortunately I hadn't backed it up in awhile.. thereby losing all the photos I took every day.
Sorry. I don't think they were super great anyway.
(again-- showcasing how I'm utterly over this 365 project.)

The photos that I did take.. but are in the deep oblivion of my old laptop's sucky hard drive were taken from June 16-June 22.

good excuse

2011-06-21T22:39:00.001-04:00

I actually have a semi decent excuse for why I haven't posted pictures in the past week.
My laptop's harddrive crashed (for the THIRD time since I've had it, might I add). Thankfully they fixed it even though its out of warranty... but I'm now using a completely new harddrive, and don't want to download my camera software on this laptop when I'm getting my new one/ giving this one to my mom soon.

Don't worry.. I have been taking pictures everyday, not very good ones. But pictures nonetheless.

#287. 2 Corinthians 3:18

2011-06-15T23:59:00.002-04:00

Prayed this verse hard today.

---------

I've thought about quitting this 365 day project many, MANY times in the past few weeks. If I could be so honest... I'm not doing "interesting" enough things to take pictures of, I no longer care about the quality of the photo that goes up..and it has become a bit of a burden on my enjoyment of photography.. to have to hunt for a photo every day. BUT I'm not quitting, because quitting will be giving into my apathy...and if you had the patience to read the below, you will see that I am aiming to give up my apathy.

You can probably tell from my forgetting to take my picture 3 times of the past few weeks, or from the fact that I'm about 2-3 weeks late on posting photos to my blog or from the fact that I'm still not done unpacking my stuff from Syracuse...that I am in an awful state of APATHY. I'm apathetic about life in general right now, and I don't like it. Yes, I do blame the whole.. I just graduated from college-I miss my friends more than you can imagine-I need time to rest after 4 years of arduous school work-This is my first summer at home in the past 4 years of school... state that I am currently in. But really, I need to fight this apathy thing. I need to start spending way more time with God than I currently do. I need to diligently support raise & receive my strength from the Lord as I do. I need finish choosing, editing, and uploading to Facebook the photos my friends saw me take all year long. I need to do a better job of keeping in touch with my best friends, and realize that even though our friendship is now changing FROM giggling while "pretending" to do HW in a Newhouse lab/sleeping on the floor of one of our apartments to wake up at 5am to watch the Royal Wedding/being in a 15 minute walking distance from each other ....TO skype calls, phone calls, occasional visits and hopefully paper letters... that we can and WILL remain close friend for years to come. And lastly I need to start acting like a decent human being and not going to bed at unbelievable hours of the night only to wake up when its time for lunch (and not breakfast).

Okay my rant is over. I'm off to unpack, & support raise.

#286. I don't know what happened

2011-06-14T13:15:00.011-04:00

I'm looking for the photo that I took today.. and I honestly don't know what happened to it.

#285. support raising

2011-06-13T23:59:00.007-04:00

(cell phone pic)

Finally finished my support letter. Tomorrow begins the printing, stuffing of envelopes, and praying.. OH a lot, a lot of praying! Pray with me?

#284. sorry x3

2011-06-12T23:59:00.004-04:00

Third time's a charm. SORRY I keep forgetting to take a picture.

#283.dc at night.

2011-06-11T23:59:00.005-04:00