First off, Monch and I have MOVED. We no longer are King and Queen of the Castle here in San Juan. Instead we are house-sitting for Dan and Kari while they are on sabbatical in the States for a few months. We've been here exactly one week and are enjoying the quiet patio (hammock is UP!) and beautiful home.
However, of course there is always still laundry....
Monch and I have been working on paperwork over the last several years. It almost feels like we COULD be making a little bit of progress. I am waiting to hear from the National Police regarding my citizenship application (I did pass my citizenship test though!) and we have an appointment at the US Embassy regarding a visa for Monch at the end of February. I could go into detail about the trials and tribulations regarding BOTH of these scenarios....but suffice it to say that we covet your prayers. Please refer to our paperwork blog from September for more horrific information. Our goal for the next year is to be able to spend a summer in the States giving myself a much needed breather and allowing my husband to know my family, friends and culture. I could also go into detail about how difficult it is for Dominicans to attain visas overall but again, please just pray for us. Please specifically pray that I can handle all of this paperwork on my own without needing to hire a lawyer. Everything seems very confusing and I have made possibly millions of phone calls and emails to the embassy, visa center, etc to be sure that we are on the right track.
I don't know if I mentioned it before but Monch and I had a fun anniversary trip in December. We returned to our favorite hostel in Jarabacoa, caught a game in San Fran de Macoris, and then blew through the capital and Bani on our way back to San Juan. It was a quick 5 days but a really fun time celebrating One Whole Year of marriage. It's so true what folks say- I love him more today than I did when we got married. Can't believe we have a year under our belt. Craziness.
We went to the Botanical Gardens in the capital for a very brief (VERY BRIEF) time. One of us really liked it and one of us really did not. Does the picture give it away? (Um- I guess I'll go back one day with one of my girlfriends...hahah)
And now in January I've been back to the business of winter season. Barrios and surgery. I loved going back to one of the Bateys that we served last spring and seeing some of the same wonderful patients waiting for me. They remembered braiding my hair and were ready to do it again. They also helped me learn to count to ten in Creole.
For those who don't know, we travel to the barrios (at least most of the time) in Monchy's bus. This is not my husband Monchy but Monchy Sanchez, our fabulous chofer and invaluable do-it-all guy. I can't believe I haven't posted a picture of this yet...but here is our bus at the barrio site last week.
And here's a few shots of the barrios from last week. We had a blast with Pine Hills and the Bryan team with Dr. Sandy helping us out.
And two weekends ago Monch and I hiked up to the Salto of Babor Arriba. It was a strenuous hike seemingly straight up a canyon ON a riverbed but so very beautiful once we arrived! I love discovering new things in San Juan- especially less than an hour away from where we live!
And I must throw out some props to Gainesville, my first surgical group of 2016. I believe that Gainesville was actually my first surgical group EVER, back in 2011. These guys come prepared and willing and ready to go. We had a wonderful week with over 55 surgeries. Thanks as always guys (This is Brent Fowler handling the lapy machine in OR 2) for starting off 2016 in such a great way.
Coming up next is a few surgical weeks with Spartanburg (arriving tomorrow in San Juan) and then a week off in which SUE EBY IS COMING TO VISIT ME. Yes. All is well with the world because my Mama is coming! I'm greatly looking forward to puttering around the patio with her, sitting out in the sun and reading, and sipping coffee and talking in the mornings together. This feels like a special God-gift to me. :)
I have had some wonderful and encouraging messages and phone calls/Skype calls over this past month from several of you. There has also been Kraft macaroni and cheese, beef jerky, M&Ms, candles, and other fab treats. Um.... I have no words except THANK YOU. I am constantly reminded that Jesus has called me here physically....but apparently He has called many of you "here" as an emotional, spiritual, and financial support for me. This has become very evident to me over the last 5 years. I remain so grateful for the ability to be here...and I know it would not be possible without you. Thank you for being the feet and hands of Jesus to me. Blessings on your journey!
