Arms Wide Open

Robbie and I are so blessed to have family and friends come visit us. We are so encouraged and uplifted by their presence and help, and we love sharing our life here with them! Almost 2 months ago Sean came to visit us. He spent time helping with Outdoor Education Week at Spirit Mountain in Manabao, hanging out in my classroom (learning some Spanish), and adventuring at the beach. I think I've posted pictures of his adventures at Sprit Mountain--so here are some photos of our time at the beach!

God always amazes me with his greatness by the clouds at the beach!

The boys played frisbee, snorkeled, and boogie boarded!

I read a book in the shade!

Cooking!

So glad you could come visit us bud!

Dinner on the beach, with sand in our toes!

While Sean was here, he really got a taste of everything. He was up in the mountains with students during ODED Week, we spent some time at the beach, he had a week of helping out at Doulos--he joined the students in my classroom, helped cut wood for a house project in the school's wood shop, and helped Robbie create a spreadsheet for workteam/expedition costs. We also had some time to adventure to one of our favorite waterfalls and our favorite rib place!

A big group of us at the Rib Place--best ribs ever!

The week Robbie was hiking with students at Pico Duarte and the week after is known at Doulos as Outdoor Education Week (ODED). Kids all across campus learn about God's creation, and are given hands-on learning opportunities outdoors. Sean (my brother) was even able to come down for part of ODED and go camping with students at Manabao! Kindergartners learned all about pond life the second week of ODED, as we have our very own Japanese Garden and pond on campus! We learned about types of animals that live in and around ponds, we learned about where they live in relation to the pond (all those preposition words!), and students even got to observe some of the pond scum up close with magnifying glasses! We spent quality time observing the fish and turtles in our pond, but I'm sure the kids could have spent the entire 3 days out there! Enjoy the pics!

It's difficult to see, but they are pointing at a turtle!

Busy recording observations. What smart kids!

Exploring.

We're pond experts!

My kindergartners also learned and performed a "pond poem" and presented to parents. All of this unit was taught in English, after only 6 weeks of learning in an English speaking classroom. The kids did a great job and were so excited about their learning!

Students creating simple costumes for their play during Art class with Mrs. Kerrie!

Practicing for our Pond Play!

The beavers.

The ducks.

The turtles.

The frogs.

The birds.

The fish.

The Kindergartners just loved presenting for their parents! I love seeing the joy on their faces as they share their little parts in the play!

During the second week of ODED Week the 4th and 5th graders went up to the coffee farm in Manabao. Sean was able to join them and help with cooking and taking pictures. Robbie was also there leading the trip, helping with medical issues, and teaching class. While this group of kiddos were up at Manabao we had some of the hardest rain in Jarabacoa I have seen in a long time, so I could only imagine what it was like camping. After looking at their photos I was reassured that the rain did not hinder them from having a good time!!