My New Home

I can't believe I've been here for a week! I love it! The Dominicans are great people, ultra friendly, even through my limited Spanish. Speaking of that elusive language...:) my Spanish is improving, or at least I'm using it more. I've actually had some real conversation volleys with people which is SO encouraging! I'm still limited in understanding it, though, and I didn't understand a word of the sermon last Sunday....:)
We've made a few visits to the Bateyes (the outlying villages where I will be teaching) and these have been incredible. As soon as we drive up hoards of filthy, ragged, adorable children come running, shouting "Americana! Americana!" They all want to touch you at once, and jabber things I just smile at, because I have no idea what they're saying. I really enjoy these kids, though. They're great Spanish teachers.
Speaking of teachers....things are getting lined up for me to begin sewing classes. And boy is it ever different than trying to do things in the States! Everything moves slower here, which is something I'm having to get used to. And it's not like my typical homeschool class, in which all the students recieved a cute little sewing kit and tomato pin cushion for Christmas last year and lug their mom's old machine into my well-stocked, organized (don't laugh, Mom!) sewing room in the basement of my house. These people have nothing. This next week we will be looking for some treadle machines to buy, as the electricity is so unpredictable, and is usually off. Today we just found a fabric store, and it was a welcome "homey" feeling to walk into a room and see familiar shelves stacked with bolts of fabric. With the help of one of the school directors I have come up with some basic projects for the women and girls to learn. None of these use patterns, as my objective is to teach them to understand the different shapes that are used to create the desired garment, etc... This really goes against my grain! Who would have thought, Miss Sewing Perfectionist who alway serges her seams and presses her hems would be teaching others to sew without patterns, no cutting notches, no pinning the pattern on just so, and the other things I have always held so dear? The Lord is really challenging me to align myself to this very differnt culture. Perhaps later I will teach some ambitious girls to read patterns, etc... but really, going about it this way is an advantage to them. It's more challenging for me, but I'm excited for the challenge.
It wasn't until I visited the Bateyes and met the people that I really felt how important this can be to them! It's a huge responsibility that requires a lot of prayer. Please continue to pray for wisdom for me to think of everything, be creative, and be flexible.