So here is Bri in front of the Hotel we stayed at in San Juan: The Coral Sea Hotel. We missed our flight by about 2 minutes and had to reschedual for the next day. That was an ordeal at first because the ticket counter was telling us they wouldn't be able to get us to Dominica; only to Antigua. From there, who knew because the flight was full. We waited for over two hours while a lady helped us to get on a flight. We prayed and asked God to help us get there because we really didn't want to go to Antigua, spend another night and spend more money on food and lodging without knowing when we'd actually get to Dominica. Thankfully, everything came together and they got us a flight out and to Dominica! We were so relieved.
Dominica is a beautiful island. Tropical in every sense of the word. Out my balcony window I can see large palm trees and green in every direction. Out the front door there is a view of the Creole named mountains (which I don't yet know). They rise up from green forrest beards to brooding tropical rain clouds that keep the view behind shrouded in darkness.
Truthfully, it has been an exhausting process so far. I am dealing with culture shock, the "inconveniances" of not living like an American (which is actually helping me get in shape), trying to decipher the Dominican patoi, getting our apartment together, figuring out how and what to eat here, figuring out how to go about getting things together for school....the list goes on. I find myself exhausted after 3 or 4 hours of being out. I know my time in Kenya has helped me, at least in understanding that the exhaustion is normal.
I've heard a lot of talk about starting studying now. 3rd and 4th semester students have each talked about doing this. They say that between 100-150 students drop out by the end of first semester. I know that some of that is due to the work load, but I also think some of it has to do with being in a foreign country. There are actually a lot of people who have never been outside they're home state.
Anyway, I'm rambling. More to come. This week Bri and I have signed up for all the free tours and trips sponsored by the University. Thanks for your prayers.
John
4 comments:
So, trial by fire. Sounds like alot of challenges but you were so smart in leaving early and getting through this, getting settled and starting early. Will keep you in constant prayer - all in all, it sounds a bit like a great adventure! And you are both so equal to the challenge. Dad
glad to see the blog being updated regularly. sounds like you guys are off to a good start. i'm excited to keep reading how things will unfold.
God bless. tim
John, I am so proud of you both. What an amazing adventure so far. Not much probably of the way you thought it would be. I am praying for you daily and miss and love you both. Mom
Maybe if you would have followed my directions like a good employee, I would have let you make your first flight. Just kidding, I can't imagine how stressful that was. I am praying for you and your upcoming studies. However, I wish I was there to partake in the free tours. I miss you a lot - and love you."Ckare
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