The End of An Era

As I sit here packing up and preparing to say goodbye to this chapter of my life...I can't help but feel nostalgic over this time here. God has perfect timing and I have grown so much and in so many ways. I just want to share some of my favorite memories of Jarabacoa and this time that God has given me.

1. JARABACOA SMALL TOWN LIFE

 have loved my time in Jarabacoa.

I love the culture, where you get your vegetables at the local market, have to stop for the crossings of donkeys, horses and bulls and people have time to stop and say hi. With its beautiful mountain views and numerous waterfalls, Jarabacoa is its own little paradise.

 2. MY STUDENTS

Though they have driven me nuts on occasion I do love the job that I got to have and teaching my fourth graders made every day exciting. Together we learned a lot and I am very grateful for each one of them and cannot wait to see where they go in life. 

3. MY RUNNING BUDDIES

One of my very favorite parts of Jarabacoa has been these beautiful strong girls. I love the accountability we have given each other to get up every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday before the sun and go explore the mountains and trails of Jarabacoa. I've loved sharing my life with these girls and also I've loved how we've pushed each other to do more than we could ever imagine. I never would have guessed I would do not one, not two, but three half marathons in my time here and I'm so grateful to each one of these girls and know I'll never find a running group half as great as them.

4. MY BIBLE STUDY

These ladies have become more like family than friends over this year.  I'm thankful for every Wednesday, we got to gather and cook for each other and share in the laughter and in the heartbreaks. May God bless each one of you who have poured into my life and as you go off and follow God wherever he leads. 

5. SCHOOL FRIENDS

I'm so thankful for the teachers I got to work with at JCS, both the Dominicans and the Americans. We were blessed with a great group of people. We've rooted for each other and laughed at the antics of our children. We've met on the weekends for dinner and even go on adventures together. I've loved finding a family away from home in my friends and I will miss each and every one of them.

6. The Boy

 I'm going to do my best to not make this sappy,so we'll see how it goes. Rovian has been the greatest blessing of my time here in Jarabacoa. God knew I needed someone super special during this time away from my family and He delivered in a big way. I'm not going to try to describe Rovian in words, because I don't know anyone who could capture his character that way. But I'm grateful that I get to hang out with someone who makes me a better person every single day.

The Beginning of the Lasts

Today was our official last day of school for the students and I felt like I finally got the closure with my students I wanted. We spent the morning playing card games, sharing our favorite parts about fourth grade and what we learned.  We ended the day with a school wide water fight and the firefighters coming and hosing down everyone and everything as the last day of school tradition. It was fun to finally shed the teacher persona per say and piggy back some of the students and run through the hoses, squealing with laughter. 

As I'm beginning my seasons of lasts, last day of school, last long run, last shower (fortunately this one is still to come)  it brings my thoughts back to the beginning of my Jarabacoa adventure and how far I've come. One of the most vivid memories for me was on my knees on the floor of my room feeling overwhelmed and homesick and I just remember crying out to God that if He had led me here, He would lead me and He would help me because I felt like I was at the end of my rope. And let me tell you,  God SHOWED UP. 

God showed up in so many incredible ways during my two years here. I am so thankful for the friends I found in my fellow teachers, my bible study and even the surrounding Americans who have made this place feel more and more like a home. I am so thankful for the students I got to be with each and every day. Though, not every day was glamorous and there were definitely days I wanted to scream, yell, cry or throw them out the window, I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of their lives. We've grown together and through the year together, we've left a part of ourselves in the other people and no matter what I truly believe a piece of each of my students has found a way into my heart.

I am apprehensive about my move to Santo Domingo. It is a much bigger city than Jarabacoa and with it comes big city life.  But after seeing what God has done here in Jarabacoa; the ways that He has answered prayers I hadn't even prayed for yet, I am confident that He will go before me and He will provide. I am so excited to see how God will show up in Santo Domingo. Happy Summer Everyone!

"The Lord himself goes before you and he will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." -Deuteronomy 31:8