If you didn’t already know, I (Katie) am home! I arrived last Monday and have been busy with a list of to-do’s as we begin our transition back into the States. Michael is still wrapping things up in Jarabacoa, and he will fly back on June 8th. That day cannot come soon enough! I apologize for the delay in blogging, so allow me to recap the last month.
Michael’s Parents Visited
Michael and I spending his birthday with his padres.
Chic-fil-a in the Dominican Republic! Thank you Kathy!
Michael’s parents came to visit, and it got off to a great start: Kathy brought us Chick-fil-a sandwiches from the Atlanta airport! Michael was ecstatic. We loved the chance to show them what our everyday life is like. They visited the Palo Blanco care center and had lunch at the Ark (children’s home). They spent a good bit of time at ANIJA (the school), watching me (Katie) teach an English class and Michael coach a soccer practice. In the evenings, as is the Anderson custom, we played lots of games (like Five Crowns, Wizard, and Bang!). We were so thankful that they could make the trip down and share firsthand in our Dominican adventure.
Suzy’s Visit
The boys loving Suzy (as always) at ANIJA.
Suzy came to visit during my last week in the D.R. It was a busy week, but I really enjoyed having her around, and of course all the kiddos did too! I gave my final English exams and had a little fiesta with each of my classes. On my last day, one class got the keys to my office, shut me out, and later surprised me with decorations, snacks, and a little presentation. At first I was stressed out about being locked out of my own office, but it was very sweet of them!
Despedida and Baby Shower with ANIJA staff.
Saying goodbye to Alma Mia with Lasagna.
I was also given a Despedida/”Bebi-chaur” (Goodbye Party/Baby Shower) with all the ANIJA teachers, and in typical Dominican fashion, we played lots of games! On Saturday, we had another baby shower and goodbye party with the Kids Alive staff and other friends we’ve made there. It was a bittersweet get-together, as we celebrated little Karis Lynn (yes, that’s her name!), but also said goodbye to people we’ve spent the last year with.
On Monday morning, Michael dropped us off at the airport, and I said goodbye to him for 18 days. It’s only been a week now, but I don’t like it! I guess now I’ll be able to understand just a little bit what it’s like to have a husband who travels or serves in the armed forces. Speaking of, Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to all those who served and sacrificed for our country (especially my beloved Papa Joe!).
Angel Luis Sponsorship
Michael and I are excited to stay connected to the students in Jarabacoa. We have decided to sponsor a young boy named Angel Luis. He is just finishing up the 4th grade, loves soccer, and tries most of the time in English class. At first Michael did not like Angel Luis, since he was bull-headed much like Michael. After spending some time extra time after practice with Angel Luis and giving him rides home from practice, he and Michael now have a mutual liking for each other. He lives with his mother and brother in a 2 room apartment that is about 15×15 sq/ft. We were able to visit with he and his mother and tell him we were sponsoring him right before I left for the states. The next Monday Angel Luis walked around ANIJA proudly holding Michael’s hand announcing that he and I were his sponsors. We are excited to see Angel Luis continue to grow and mature in school, life, and spirit. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, feel free to ask us for details or just visit www.kidsalive.org.
Shakira in her house/shipping crate. Not sure how this poor little thing will do on a 4 hour flight.
Shakira is coming to America!!!
If you didn’t know, Shakira is coming back with us to America. So she is technically our adopted Dominican daughter, according to her father. Shakira flies back on June 5th, and Michael comes on the 8th! We have a place to stay temporarily, and we are feeling so blessed by God’s provision in that arena. This will give us time to figure out Michael’s job, and we won’t have to rush into any housing decision. If you are on our support team, you can be looking out for a newsletter that will wrap up our time in the DR. Thank you to those who made this opportunity possible.
Love the Overlooked 