hello everyone! i am finally here in Consuelo and let me tell you...it is HOT! fortunately, the heat does not bother me as much as the cold does. so i'm doing pretty well. i am living here with the Pastor and his family--he has two children: a girl of 12 and a boy of 10. they are both really sweet and really shy. A huge blessing that God has given me is the fact that two of the Pastor's nieces are living here with them--and they are my age! i had been really concerned about making friends (three months is a long time to have no friends!!) and here is a perfect opportunity. they are both christians and are very active in the church.
the house here is awesome--they are a poor family but have no problem opening their doors to me and any other members of the community. right now we have no running water and that has been fun! the pastor's wife said that it has been three weeks since the water has worked--please be praying for this situation! for me, it is not too bad yet, but i know that it has made life a little more difficult for this family.
I am learning alot already--my spanish is better than i thought--as long as person speaks slowly and clearly i can understand them. unfortunately, in real life Dominicans mumble and speed talk (if that's a word!!) haha. but they are usually really good about slowing down for me.
i haven't really started on my research yet, but i think tomorrow the Pastor and I will sit down and talk seriously about how to go about doing this.

Praises: for the two nieces of the Pastor, for the kindness and helpfulness of my host family (they are really great!!), and for the Lord in His provision for me in this time of struggle
Requests: speaking of struggle--homesickness has set in pretty hard. i knew i would miss home and my family alot, but whenever i stop working i get really overwhelmed. please pray that i will really learn to depend on the Lord and that He will keep me busy!

love to everyone at home and i hope to hear from you soon!