In my last post, I
discussed the top 12 things I’ll miss this Christmas. I must say that it left me feeling really sad! So, in
efforts to lift my spirits a bit and let you know some of the great things I’ll
get to partake in this Christmas season, I decided to write a new blog: The Top
12 Things of my Dominican Christmas
1. Dominican Food-
Eating lots and lots of Dominican food.
One of the popular things Dominicans doing during Christmas is cook a
pig! We had some on Christmas day.
So good!
2. Pijamada “Pijama
Party”- Since all my roomates are
gone, we decided to take advantage of the empty house and have a pijama
party. We have been studying the
book of John and so to finish up our study, we watched the Passion of
Christ. I must say, this was the
first pijama party that I’ve had… probably since college. Possibly my last. Haha.
3. Volleyball- There will be lots of
volleyball happening this Christmas break. Not sure I really need to explain this one.
4. Spending Time with Breddy’s
Family- I have been dating a great
Christian guy for the past few months.
He loves the Lord and loves sports too! So we really enjoy doing the same
activities together. Here,
Dominicans aren’t huge on gifts for Christmas. They mainly have big dinners and spend time together as a
family. Because his parents work a
lot, I haven’t had a lot of time to get to know them. Here is a picture with Breddy and two of his cousins at one of the family get-togethers.
5. Conga (basically softball without a
umpire to call balls and strikes. Pitcher keeps pitching until you hit it or
swing 3x and strike out) - This
has been a new activity that Breddy has introduced me too. We play softball basically on the side
of a gradual mountain. Not sure I
can explain it. The bases are
closer together because you have to run up-hill. Also, balls don’t go as far because, yes, you are hitting
up-hill. Super fun. Lots of kids play and even some other women! Probably one
of my favorite new Christmas activities.
6. No Planes- I really hate flying. I feel like 90% of the time I fly,
something goes wrong. Ask me
sometime, I have at least 5 horror stories. So I’m happy to just be the chofer and take people to/from
the airport.
7. Going to the Beach- Not so bad spending
Christmas break in 80 degree weather!
8. Dancing- I’m not
the greatest dancer. There is just something that doesn’t allow me to move my
hips like latinos do! I think I
have an extra bone or something that just makes it impossible for me! However, from merengue to bachata,
dancing is a big part of Dominican culture. So, we’ve been trying to work on my dancing skills. Check
out a video of Breddy dancing with his cousin. Someday…. I might dance like that!
9. Motorcycle trip to the Presa- Last Saturday, some of the varsity girls (and their drivers) and I took a motorcycle trip to the Presa. The Presa is a beautiful man-made dam that has the best fish and tostones on the island! Well, I don’t know if it’s the best, but it sure has a great view. Check out a highlight video of our trip.
*To see a video with some clips of us riding on the motorcycles*
10. Girl Time- Its just been great to get some hang-out time with my varsity girls. Whether we are playing volleyball, riding motorcycles, or making dinner together, its just nice to hang out with them and continue to build those relationships.
11. Rest- It has been a great time of just reading, relaxing and
getting lots of rest.
12. Skyping with my family on Christmas
Morning- Even though I am further away this Christmas, some traditions still
continued this year.
Christmas morning, Breddy and I skyped into Christmas at home. Breddy read a Christmas story and I translated
it for my family. Then we got to hear my dad read something. It was a special
time to all be “together”. We even
got a “Family Picture”.
Thank you to everyone
for your prayers and support in this past year. In January, we start up strong with two American teams coming
down. Also in February, another
American girl will be joining me on staff at the sports site. It will be great to have her so that we
can start more teams and be able to reach more girls! Continue to be in prayer
for the girls of the site. Many of
them are hitting that key age where they decide to follow God or choose their
own way. Thank you for your
prayers. I pray that God continues
to bless you in this new year of 2013!
