Thanksgiving Week in the DR

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