The Weekend

This morning, I went to the salon and got my hair done! After lunch, we all took a taxi and went to town to get on the internet, visit the pharmacy, shop at the supermercado, and go to Helados BON (Bon ice cream shop, the best in the city J ). When we got back, a group of us walked to the waterfall that’s about 20 minutes away. It’s a beautiful walk, and the waterfall is gorgeous!! Of course, on the walk home, it starts pouring. Everything got soaked, even my newly straightened hair. It didn’t last long, but, because it was only 3 dollars, I wasn’t too worried about it. Besides, I like my curls better. J The cool thing about climbing to the waterfall (yes, we climbed up the river) was that it was a whole-group bonding experience. We had to help people the whole way, and it wasn’t just a few people who needed all the help. I really enjoy the group of people here; everyone adds their own spice to the YWAM cake (so to say J). My favorite part is that we can just sit around, talk, laugh, and are completely comfortable with one another after only a week with each other. Stephen and I were joking last night that there is not many material things that you don’t share with at least one other person at this point – and they don’t even have to ask. We have just “clicked” so quickly; I think it comes from all having one main goal: to know God and ourselves better, and to minister to others about His love. That, and the fact that we’re stuck here with just each other. That might have something to do with it as well. There’s a pretty good mix of languages. Everyone speaks at least a little English and a little Spanish; about 1/3 of the people are basically bilingual, so that is helpful when some of the rest of us really can’t understand each other – but that almost never happens. I am really looking forward to the next 19 weeks, spent with some amazing Christian people that will become some of my best friends.

The Sound of Morning

The sound of 6:30 filled the air much too soon this morning. Motorcycles were already roaring down the road past the base, bird calls laced the cool air with a harsh melody, the rooster on top of the neighboring hill gave just one of his many terrifying cries (think of a dying animal giving birth, you´ve got it), and all 3 showers began the steady drum that doesn´t cease until all 9 girls are ready for the 7:00 breakfast. All of that mixed with the beeping of my watch alarm welcomed me to the official first day of the Jarabacoa DTS.

We have hot water, but no pressure (thank you gas heater!). We have great coffee, but no real milk. There´s real toilets, but don´t you dare flush the toilet paper! The bugs will eat you alive, but the food´s amazing. We are 15 minutes from town, but the view is gorgeous...I wake up next to a fog covered mountain every morning.

(The photo is one of my first glimpses of my home country from the sky. I

I Am Well

Usually when I sleep somewhere new, I wake up all disoriented. This morning I woke up and my first thought was surprisingly not “Shoot, where am I?” I feel at home here, like this is where I belong. I don’t know everyone well, I don’t speak the language well, but I know that God has placed me where I am well.

I'm Here!

I have arrived in Jarabacoa safely and simply amazed at my birth country. My first glimpse from the sky took my breath away.

The trip was easy, only one delay (in Miami: border control took a family off the plane, then had to find their luggage in the nearly full plane), so I arrived in Santiago at 5:00. By 6 I was on the road to Jarabacoa with the director’s husband, Joel. I met the 3 girls already here and unpacked just what I needed for the night. Early on, I became frustrated with my lack of Spanish skills; all of the staff speaks fluent Spanish, as well as the 2 girls who are here. I can understand about 70% of what they say, but responding in Spanish takes a lot of brain power, and I got frazzled quickly. I’m planning on just listening for the first week or so, speaking mostly in English, before I really break into my poor attempts at a solid conversation.

Financial Update #2

I leave in 3 days, and (as of this morning) I have raised the rest of my money! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me in the preparation for this adventure! Please continue to pray for me as the year finishes out. The official dates of the DTS are July 25-December 11; I will get to the DR on the 23rd and fly home on the 12th!

Mailing Address

This is the most reliable address to send me snail mail. It is delivered bi-weekly, so it may take a while to get a response. I will write you back!! :)

YWAM DR/DTS Unit #3027
Attn: Rachel Miner
3170 Airmans Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34946

Different Countries

I received an email from the director in Jarabacoa, which gave me details about the other people who are going to be in the DR with me. There are 14 other people who have been accepted to be at the School. One person from Germany, one from Switzerland, 2 from Puerto Rico, 5 others from the US, and 3 from the Dominican. I am excited about the variety! Please pray that we mesh well and don't let cultural boundaries or assumptions hinder our relationships.

Thank you to all my prayer partners. God has already done wonderful things!

Wait, Really?!

Many people in the last week have asked me what I am doing now that I have graduated. I respond with: "Well, I'm going to the DR in July...this month." Then, my head screams at me, 21 days!?! You're crazy! It's funny how I have been telling people for so long that I'm leaving the 23 of July, but now that it's so soon, I don't see how I can actually be leaving. So here's the point of all this: Please pray that I find a peace in leaving, beyond missing people and my bunk bed. I usually handle change well, but I have never been in this situation before.

Again, thank you all for your support in this adventure of mine!

Rachel