rain.

It's been raining since 5 am this morning which makes today kind of like a snow day in the States. I went to school this morning and only 1 student showed up, meaning I got to come home early. When it rains a lot, it brings the same sort of feeling as when it's snowing... the town shuts down, kids don't go to school, people make soup and stay cozy in their houses, and it's one of the few times when you can wear sweatpants and a sweatshirt and not be sweating. I love it. So I'm curled up on the couch with a good cup of coffee (of course) and thought I'd post a few pictures...

This is our "teapot." Here you don't find people making tea with teabags because you can just go out in your backyard, pick some leaves off of several trees, and make some pretty amazing tea. I've been sick and this is the tea that a friend made last night for my cough.

I absolutely LOVE the ocean... so thankful to live so close.

Truth. Our chalkboard :)

Two precious little boys that I love dearly :)

happy valentine's day.

love!

blessed.

Blessed seems to be the only word I can find to express life right now. There is this indescribable knowing deep down in my soul that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. And even on the extremely hard days, I wake up each morning thankful to be able to live and love people here. There is so much joy in the little moments, the precious smiles, the heart-to-heart conversations over big cups of coffee, the hugs from my students, the crazy things that five-year-olds say, the gift of watching the twins grow up, the opportunity to live within an hour bus ride of both orphanages... the list is endless.

Last weekend, we took a trip to the opposite side of the country to see five precious souls that I love with my whole heart. Jose Luis, Indiana, Nena, Joanni, and Luz Maria used to live in Monte Cristi at the orphanage, but now live with their mom. It was incredible to be able to see them again and the weekend was full of laughing, getting our hair done, reading books, singing, coloring, hugs, and all the other fun things that we used to do when we lived together. Blessed.

These are just a few pictures from the trip...

Joanni, Nena, Luz Maria, me, and Emilee when we first got to their house.

Indiana, Luz Maria, and Nena with their mom.

Me and Indiana

Precious Luz Maria

The whole group

blessed.