Journal of the Dominican

Sometimes we miss sojourning. Well, Jonathan misses it. One of the things I learned during our months abroad is how much I love being home (and how grumpy I can get if circumstances impede my getting home!). But Jonathan just eats it up--the airport scene, the long flights, the new places, even the crazy situations that tend to just stress me out. All that to say, while Eddie is still a lap baby, we (and by we I mean Jonathan) would like to do some international travel. Not to mention someone's *cough, cough, Jonathan, cough* goal in life is to keep our airline status--yes, we're spoiled!

So after many discussions including crazy destination ideas, we compromised on visiting friends in the Dominican Republic, chronicled here for your enjoyment!

Thursday was a flurry of errands and packing getting ready for our 9:30pm flight out of LAX. All my organization and preparation was for naught as we realized halfway to the airport, just on the other side of downtown LA's rush hour traffic, that we'd forgotten Eddie's paper ticket. It was too late to go back--we'd never make our flight if we did--so a quick call to Delta to ask if we could reprint it at the airport revealed "they should be able to print it at the counter, but they may charge of fee of $100." Seems silly considering that's more than we paid for the ticket, but we decided to deal with that at the airport and continued on. Actually that stressful moment worked in our favor! On our layover at JFK, Jonathan looked into Eddie's need for a paper ticket and was able to repurchase the ticket for much less than what we originally paid (lap children cost a percentage of the fare on international flights) and will hopefully get the other ticket refunded. Crisis averted! I will tell you, the horror of realizing we'd forgotten something so important made me want to give up traveling forever. Why do we do this to ourselves! (is what I was thinking).

But...it worked out, and we found ourselves flying across the country with a happily sleeping 9-month-old. I was not so happily sleeping.

Friday morning, after a layover in New York, we boarded the 737 to Santiago. I did manage to get some sleep on that flight, thankfully!

 We had an empty seat between us, perfect for this guy!

Customs and the airport scene went smoothly; Eddie got his first passport stamp! Our friends picked us up in the Land Cruiser, the first sign we were headed for the mountains. Santiago is in the middle of the country, and from there we drove about 45 minutes to where our missionary friends live literally on the side of a mountain.

The view from the front yard of their house,

appropriately called Buena Vista.

(By the way, you really can't tell from the picture how beautiful the view was!)

Caribbean Mountain Academy (check out our friends' blog) ministers to troubled teenagers from the United States that need a drastic change of scenery and a regimented program to turn their lives around. Well, more than that, they need Jesus for real transformation. Josh and Kaitlyn are house staff.

Impressions of the Dominican Republic:

There were a lot of motorbikes (with whole families aboard, or in one case, a guy with two tires around his waist and one on his shoulder driving down the road). The traffic was a little crazy, even more so than Mexico.

It was humid. So humid. Everything seemed damp all the time. And buggy. We went through half a bottle of bug spray (which worked, Eddie was bug bite free, I didn't come out unscathed however).

It was warm when the sun was out, but it would often rain in the afternoons and get pretty cool in the evenings.

Watching the rain come up the mountain.

Our Saturday plans to walk to the river were thwarted by the rain, but we did get to spend some time with some of the other missionary families on campus.

Eddie admiring Stella's toy.

There were quite a few kids near Eddie's age and he enjoyed interacting with them!

This is Josh and Kaits' house in the background.

Eddie loved their swing!

Sunday,

This was my view from the pew at church.

Luscious and tropical!

The church service was so neat! Because they have English services, many other missionaries also serving in the community attend. I loved the music their worship team led us in!

 Walking down to dinner at the girls' house.

Our rain jackets got good use!

Where Kaitlyn works and where the teen girls on campus live.

We did get to walk down the mountain to the river on Sunday afternoon in between the rain showers.

 The view from a concrete bridge wide enough for 2 lanes,

no side on the bridge. At all.

 Just outside the campus.

River selfie!

We were on our own Monday morning as our hosts were busy working, so we set out to explore the mountain behind CMA. Jonathan had checked it out a little previously and spotted two "roads" (using the term broadly, more like trails). He suspected one of them would lead to a ridge or view point of some kind. Unfortunately, the road we chose didn't take us to where we thought, but Jonathan set out later that afternoon to explore the other road and found his way to the ridge we admired from across the way. Maybe I can convince him to do a guest post detailing his exploration! For now,

 It only counts as adventuring if you're driven to wear hiking boots at some point!

One of the views!

We were surprised by the number of coniferous trees

compared to the island palms we were expecting.

Eddie was a fantastic sport! I think he must be a lover of the outdoors, also evidenced by his love for grass, leaves, sand, dirt, etc. Jonathan had him on his back in the carrier.

 He fell asleep.

But after his nap he was loving it!

We let him out, and he acted like he was ready to hike too!

At one point we had to cross some barbed wire.

Perfect! He loves to crawl on the ground.

He wasn't so sure.

 There are some palm trees!

Gorgeous!

It was so clear unlike the other days which were more rainy.

In the afternoon, the students on campus went into the community to do their service project. Jonathan went with the guys to the bridge they're building. Talk about a cool project!

It's a pretty remote location,

so the supplies had to be hiked in.

I went with the girls into town where they teach several elementary classes English a couple times a week. I didn't snap a picture since Eddie and I were already enough of a distraction to the kindergartners.

Since a small work team had arrived the night before, Monday evening a few of the students shared their stories. Most amazing to me were the part where they were actually sent to the Dominican to live at CMA. In both cases their parents didn't tell them where they were going before they left! And actually that's not uncommon! What a shock! Both of the students who shared are doing well in the program and making strides toward bettering their lives and relationships with their families. One of the staff members, Chichi, the only Dominican on house staff, also shared his testimony and story.

Here he is holding Eddie. They're buddies.

We decided to leave early on Tuesday to spend some time in Santiago before we flew out. Josh and Kaitlyn both had the day off, and so did Chichi, so he tagged along. We drove through the city center, along one of the main shopping thoroughfares (and that was enough, we didn't feel the need to fight for parking, get jostled along the street, etc.). We did stop and explore the main landmark:

 I'm really not sure who the statue is on top,

but they call it football Jesus, which honestly makes sense.

Overlooking the city.

After that we stopped at a supermarket for some authentic Dominican coffee to take home with us and also for lunch. Then we were off to the airport--with just enough time to get through security and customs and onto the flight!



Thanks for hosting us, Josh and Kaitlyn!

BONUS: During our short evening layover at JFK, Jesse picked us up at the airport and we got to spend a little time with him! Such a treat since we haven't seen him since March.

I had to stand on the hummer so we could all fit in the picture.

Fancy ride, good eats, and a blast catching up with you, Jesse!

And there you have it, our quick trip to the Dominican Republic! Now we're home, fully adjusted, I think, (Eddie only woke up at 4:30 am the first day, after that he was somewhat back to normal), and I'll say it again, there's no place like home!





















Zach Gets Hitched!

At the beginning of the summer, we sat down to go through our planned trips, and we included in that discussion travel back to central Illinois to visit our families. For the first time in a long time, we were headed there just to visit, no major event taking place. Well...since then, my younger brother got engaged. So, the very same weekend we'd hoped to make it to Illinois for no particular reason, this happened:

The happy couple sent off with sparklers!

Zach, married. Wow, it's hard to believe! But wonderful too! Amelia is great, and I'm excited to see what God does in them and through them over the next years of their life, now to be spent together!

What a happy reason to be back in central Illinois! Maybe next time we'll go "just to visit". Who knows?

Anyway, this trip began with a long night. A long night of flying! The red eye flight we found was the right price, not necessarily the shortest route between two points--LAX to Cincinnati, Cincinnati to Atlanta, Atlanta to Bloomington! Eddie did great, sleeping every flight, only to be woken up as we jostled him through yet another airport. It was only to be the beginning of his not-so-restful week. He hung in there though and was amazingly happy most of the time. Maybe the spoiling had to do with it?

He did manage to squeeze in a few naps between all the attention and fun.

 Snoozing with Aunt Hannah.

 Falling asleep while playing with Grammy.

 He slept on Grandma the entire wedding!

Grandma was sweeping up the lavender we tossed on the bride and groom.

Who wouldn't fall asleep to that rhythm?

We did more than sleep! Eddie was in his element: there were dogs--which he loves, Grandma's fire truck, a bike ride with Grandpa and Grandma, swimming at Gramps and Grammy's, lots of peek-a-boo with Gramps and Aunt Rachel, pianos--and plenty of audience, and grass!

 He loved sitting in the grass! 

Here he's sporting a nice face scratch from Zach and Amelia's new puppy, Elsa.

 

He'd pull himself up (yeah, he does that) on the fire truck and ring the bell.

As for the wedding itself! Well, it was a memorable one! My parents had an integral part in the set up and preparation for the wedding and reception. Many hours were spent getting ready for the outdoor reception even though the forecast kept calling for rain. But hey, we were optimistic, it's Illinois; they say, "If you don't like the weather, stick around, it'll change in five minutes." Everything looked great until an hour before when thunder clouds loomed. Amelia said the word, and they were off! A team including my parents, the pastor marrying them, his wife, my parents' potluck group, and I'm sure many more raced to the reception site got most of the decor before it started pouring and moved it to the fellowship hall where the wedding was to be. There's a great picture of my mom and the bride 15 minutes before the wedding was supposed to start; my mom is soaking wet from head to toe, thankfully not in her wedding clothes! All in all, after all that racing around, the wedding ceremony was very sweet, the makeshift reception looked every bit as charming as it would have (well...close anyway!), and people who very much love Zach and Amelia gave them a big send off into their new life together!

Liv and I in our wedding finery.

Can you tell my eyes were puffy and watery, the nose was drippy, and I could barely contain my cough? Yeah, unfortunately both me and my dad got a cold right over the height of wedding activities, and then I had to go and pass it on to Jonathan as we headed home.

 

Some of my favorite groomsmen and the groom himself.

Since being back in California, we've hit the ground running! Jonathan is trying to get caught up after missing a week of work (by the way, I thoroughly enjoyed having him around all day every day) and I've been busy with my moms-of-preschoolers group starting up soon and my weekly bible study back in session. I'm excited to be taking on some leadership roles in both of those, and meanwhile Eddie gets to be with other kiddos in nursery while I'm busy at those functions. I think he will love it. As of now, it's a little too early to tell.

And he's been busy since we've been back--stroller rides, waking up at 6 am, eating more table foods, crawling all over the house, pulling himself up on anything and everything--the coffee table, my leg, a chair, the wall, a laundry basket (yeah, that didn't end well), even the bath tub!

 

Paying close attention at story hour.

I'm supposed to eat this squishy thing?

What a monkey!

Is summer really almost over?

It seems like summer was just beginning, and now it's almost Labor Day! Next week we'll be in Illinois for my brother's wedding, and when we get back our fall activities are officially starting up again, which is hard to believe. Here's my tribute to the last few weeks of summer...

Just a week after the Sauders said good-bye and left California, we met some of them up in Portland for Jonathan's cousin's wedding. A great time was had by all!

 Eddie in his wedding garb. Seriously. He's absolutely too much!

 Time with Grammy.

Not too long after this he fell asleep in her arms. 

I'm so glad he got that little nap, it was a long afternoon for him!

 This lady holds a special place in Eddie's heart (and all of ours!)!

He does the sweetest little thing where he'll lean his forehead against hers like a little hug. He only ever does that to Aunt Sue. 

 Goofing off at the reception.

It was really laid back--just hanging out, playing games, eating good food.

 A snapshot of the two of us.

 This lil' dude, the bride's nephew, had a blast with this huge tree stump.

Jonathan couldn't resist joining him!

Rumor has it this is the stump that gives Portland the nickname "Stumptown".

(not really, I made that up)

Speaking of Stumptown, we were sure to get coffee from Portland's famous roaster while in town. Actually, Sunday we spent the afternoon and evening in downtown enjoying Voodoo doughnuts, Stumptown coffee, seeing the sights, and finally a delicious and unique dinner at a place that served Thai-style street vendor food (that was Steve-oh's idea, it was his birthday so we let him pick since we're nice like that). Oh, and, of course, Salt and Straw ice cream for dessert! 

On a side note, I thought I did so good snapping pictures of the weekend, but apparently I was so busy enjoying our delicious food I forgot to document it. And also, another side note, Salt and Straw is apparently opening a ice cream shop in LA! Woohoo!

 One pic I did happen to snap on our adventure in downtown:

Aunt Rachel and Eddie playing in the fountain.

Eddie and I flew home by ourselves as Jonathan headed out to Buffalo for a conference. The flight was smooth and I had unexpected but greatly appreciated help getting our luggage at LAX. We survived the next few days home alone. It was hilarious to see the wheels turning in Eddie's little head as we skyped Dad. I could see he was confused as to why Dad was on the screen, not at home!

Some friends helped pass the time till Jonathan got back from NY.

 Chelly came to visit! It was so good to catch up with this chica!

 We met this fellow Narnian King at the park.

Eddie actually enjoyed the hug more than he's letting on here!

 And, look out, folks!

He's on the move! This picture memorializes the first time I walked around the corner and he wasn't where I left him. Toys are suddenly not as enticing as tooling around exploring this and that.

After Jonathan got home, we did a little exploring of this great city we live in, and spent an afternoon at Long Beach Harbor touring their Tall Ships Festival.

 Photobombed by a giant rubber ducky! 

(actually that's a decently official hashtag)

 Yep, it's kind of ginormous!

 And, of course, we had to tour the battleship. Fascinating!

Other adventures at summer's end have included:

the corpse flower at the Huntington bloomed.

It only does that every few years and at random, so we rushed over to see it once it'd opened!

In this picture it's still closed. And yes, it did smell pretty potent!

and Eddie's friend's first birthday!

This little guy was born a year ago into the family I was helping out.

I was six months pregnant, knew I was having a boy, and got to spend time "practicing" with this little guy when he was really fresh! It's hard to believe how fast a year has gone! 

Hopefully, he and Eddie become great friends!

Another thing this summer has brought us was the beginning of our journey toward buying a house. It seems so huge a step, especially for the competitive and very expensive market here in the area, but we're ready to settle into a neighborhood more invested than just as renters. Sunday afternoons have found us walking through open houses, getting a taste for what's out there. We're trying hard to be surrendered and patient as we wait for God to open the doors to the right house, at the right time, in just the right place.

And that's the last little bit of our summer! Now we're looking forward to a wonderful week with family in Illinois, a memorable and sweet wedding for Zach and Amelia, and good times catching up with everyone!