Day 12

This morning I woke up. I went to the ocean's bottom. We went to a little island off of the coast of Las Croabas. After an afternoon of great snorkeling, it was great because I saw and followed a sting ray, I accepted my own challenge. Last time I was on this little island I vowed to swim 40 feet to the bottom of the ocean. Unfortunately my mother got sick in the tossing ocean so I didn't want her to be on a boat any longer than she had to. So today was the day to step up to the challenge I placed in front of myself not 8 months ago. So Mingo drove the boat out to what seemed like the middle of the ocean and stopped. I can't tell you how nervous I was. With all eyes watching and expectations high I exited the small boat into the open ocean. One quick glance down only helped to encourage my fear. The ocean seemed to have no end. I felt like I could swim forever and get nowhere. 40 feet is the average height of a four story building. Long story short, I did it. It seemed like an eternity to the surface. Mingo was very impressed and said that it was definitely deeper than 40 feet. Anyway I had a good day full of distractions. "We had mighty fine weather as a general thing, and nothing ever happened to us at all." -Mark Twain

Day 11

Last day of VBS. I had to say goodbye to everyone again.

Day 10

First of all Juan is asleep and he didn't cry when I put him to bed! I'm very excited. Today was so much fun. I worked with Carlos in the morning collecting parts for the lawn mowers and when we returned all the kids outside were playing in the hose on a fire truck. They came to do a demonstration for the school and everyone loved it. At the end they started spraying everyone with water. Which is where Carlos and I entered. I was drenched about the second I stepped out of the car. Even more exciting than that the whole group went to the beach after lunch time! It took us 5 cars to get everyone there in one trip. We had so much fun. We found at least 3 starfish an we had a few people see squids. The most I saw was a cloud of ink. Right now the 14 and a few of the dorm kids are finishing a movie before bed time. I love it here.

Day 9

I'm getting the hang of this dorm thing. Today went a little smoother. Juan still cried when he had to go to sleep but maybe that's his thing. I'll work on it. Today an entirely new group of people showed up after lunch. I don't know if any of our people expected them. I guess the fantastic 14 made it happen. They were all from Florida and had a whole skit planned out. It was good. Then, after that, there were games, with prizes! all the kids had a great time. They were a good group. It was too bad they had to leave after only a few hours. They're kind of a traveling show. Saúl got his face painted like spider man! It was really cool. He loves getting his face painted! He ran around shooting imaginary webs from his wrists and swinging from a rope that was tied to the top of a palm tree; very fun. Then tonight Dave, the leader of the 14, and I led a giant group of people to the beach! Dave was not too hot on beaching in the dark so when the sun was gone so was he. My car hung around a little longer. The best way to end your day is with a warm beach then a nice cold shower. Then hours of trying to get someone else's child ready for bed and off to sleep. I'm learning so many things!

Day 8

I fell asleep last night with plans to wake up at 4:30am today. That doesn't happen when you set your alarm for 4:30PM. So that happened. Great way to start my super early day. Betsy and I drove out to Orocovis to pick up the family we know there. All went well and according to plan. When we got back to the school VBS was well in progress and I got to see all the kids again. Well Mizael wasn't there but he is coming tomorrow. As you might have heard we are a dorm for the week. I am in charge of Juan Jose! He is the happiest little kid but let me tell you he is quite a challenge. I just got him to sleep after a half hour struggle and I feel like I've just climbed a mountain. It's only day one.

Day 7 Dia de los Padres

1/2 way)-: That might be the first and last emoticon you see me use in a blog. Enough said. Today is father's day so before I start; This. Dad, in this country there are a million and one inadequate fathers. I sat in church today as the pastor gave a disclaimer in the name of all fathers and how there's no way any of them could be perfect, well mine is. I'm so thankful that I had the start in life that I did. I like to take credit but I don't know where I would be if you didn't read all those 'how to be a good father books' that are all over the house and love us so much. Thanks Dad. I hope you know that you did good and we love you.
So, my day. I woke to the sound of thunder, at 3am. Then at 4, then 5, and then, well you get the idea. The last time I woke up(maybe ever, the way I live) there wasn't lightning. I just laid there, waiting. If you ignore it long enough it goes away. I'll let that be a lesson to me. Tomorrow we are off to Orocovis, I'm pretty excited. I haven't been very many times and it was fun the times that I did go. After the thunder this morning I put on jeans; worst thing that happened to me all week. It's too hot for long pants. I went to church and received a very warm welcome. Kevin came also and I got to interpret some for him while Betsy was at the piano. After church we of course went to the beach where of course I hurt Kevin. He started it but I'm an adult so I shouldn't have sat on his head. Either way he's living in the dorm for the next week so his revenge is close at hand I'm sure. You all(all 5 of you) should know I sit in front of this screen for 15min just trying to remember what I did today. I'm pretty sure I'm getting Alzheimer's so if I forget your name. Anyway good night, the 26th letter calls.