Dominican Republic [Sidebar]
July 15th, 2008 @ 6:22 pm

We are sleeping in the middle of the city of Santiago, in a cement dormitory with 10 foot high, 3 level bunk beds and open air. Our power is battery generated and toilets do not like toilet paper. No hot water (at all, at the moment), but who needs that anyway?

Outside my slatted window are the constant sounds of Spanish voices, children playing, birds, bikes, and squeaky brakes less than three feet outside where my head is. If I stuck my arm out, I could probably touch one of the children walking by.

They told me to bring ear plugs to help me sleep since it was loud, but I can honestly not think of a sweeter sound to fall asleep to than the life of this city.

Dominican 08 Trip

16 Comments

  1. Ally said,

    July 15, 2008 at 7:11 pm

    Hope there are a lot more sweet moments to come:)

  2. Andrea said,

    July 15, 2008 at 7:15 pm

    Sounds FABULOUS!! I am going to Costa Rica next week and cannot wait. I had several students from the Dominican and I know the stories and needs down there. Education is sadly so low. :( I am praying for your trip and that your presence is felt in many lives, especially those sweet “babies” (up to about 17 I like to call them this). :)

  3. Jenni Catron said,

    July 15, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    Wait until the cats start howling at 3 a.m. :)

  4. Crystal Renaud said,

    July 15, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    beautiful.

  5. Emily Pitman said,

    July 15, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Hi Anne. I’m a new reader from Maine (for now). The DR has come up to me in about six different ways over the last two weeks, including your blog. Guess I’m assigned some intercession. You are in my prayers.

    PS. largely due to your blog, and a friend who is adopting from Ethiopia (onelessorphan.net) we are going to start sponsoring a child again. Thank you for the faith-growing challenge.

  6. Tyler said,

    July 15, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    santiago is one loud city. people drive like crazy, with loud mufflers into the wee hours of the morning.

  7. Rodney Olsen said,

    July 15, 2008 at 9:56 pm

    I’m reading your posts and remembering being in Dominican Republic just a few months ago. How I wish I was there again.

  8. goteeman said,

    July 16, 2008 at 12:21 am

    First of all, you are amazing…
    Secondly, what a wonderful place to be and what wonderful sounds… a treasure of memories and blessings to take with you…

    J/

  9. Phil Thompson said,

    July 16, 2008 at 12:49 am

    Any black eyes yet?

  10. Jessica Esch said,

    July 16, 2008 at 2:42 am

    Im praying for ya, Hope you brought some good Drugs if you end up not sleeping. I know Id need them! :)

  11. Angie said,

    July 16, 2008 at 7:01 am

    The simplicity of this post brought me to tears this morning. I am praying that you will see God’s face in the beauty of each child.

  12. Aaron said,

    July 16, 2008 at 7:21 am

    LOL! I stayed in Mexico for six weeks several years ago and it was the same way - the noise at least - I was sleeping in a pretty plush place.

    Mmmmm makes me miss Latin and South America.

  13. marla said,

    July 16, 2008 at 8:42 am

    Hi Anne, My name is Marla and I a friends with Brandi and I feel like I know already she has said great things about you and I can’t wait to meet you. After reading your description I just had to comment.The 4am chicken wake up call is one sound that I still don’t miss a year later. But other than that, your description makes me miss those 3″ foam mattresses. Sorry to hear about your lack of fresh(?) water. That was one of my biggest fears last year.

  14. marla said,

    July 16, 2008 at 8:44 am

    Ok so I REALLY should have read that before posting. It sounded so clear in my head and my fingers didn’t properly translate. I am missing a few words and a few periods. Sorry!

  15. Ryan Bult said,

    July 16, 2008 at 9:59 am

    Anne,

    Oh the sounds of Santiago! I am so glad you made it down safe and I look forward to your thoughts on the church/feeding center,Moise, and the beautiful children that reside in a harsh place commonly referred to as “the hole”. Enjoy the journey!!!

  16. Jonathan said,

    July 16, 2008 at 10:03 am

    It is a beautiful place. I have been there and what I found odd was how poverty and wealth live next door to one another. I mean right next door. will you visit any of the villages outside the city? I know a missionary that works about 1hr 30min outside Santiago.

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