On your mark, get set, GOOOOO!!!!

Every once in a while, as Chris and I sat in the airport waiting to board the plane and chasing Abriel around as she crawled along the floor, we would just look at each other and smile like there was a secret we knew that no one else did. Most people boarding the airplane were just doing so for one week of relaxation in the sun and all day buffet and bar service. We were boarding for an adventure that we are hoping will change and shape our lives. It felt good to know we had made it this far. The airplane ride was good. We were in a three person row but the third person didn’t show up, so Abriel got her own seat (although you wouldn’t know it by the way she spent most of the time climbing the seats and smiling at people). The really funny part was she was completely captivated and thoroughly entertained by the pre-flight safety demonstration. Every time the stewardess brought out another prop or waived her hands in the direction of the bathrooms Abriel would erupt in laughter. It was quite funny.

As the plane was getting ready to land and we could see the ocean meet the Dominican shore a sense of excitement really hit me. In the past we’ve only come down for a week at a time and everything seems so rushed but knowing we were going to be here for longer really gave me a sense of peace. We were greeted by the Williams’ and two friends of ours, Franklin and Jessica, who work for them as we came out of baggage claim. I’m so thankful there were familiar faces to welcome us back. Off to the house where we unloaded our belongings and then we ate some delicious Dominican food from a local take out place in the area. Soooo yummy!!!

We got caught up about pretty much everything going on here, tried (unsuccessfully) to have a nap, unpacked, met the people in who’s house we will be taking care of for the next two weeks, had a late dinner and by 9pm we were done both physically and mentally. We put Abriel down and climbed into bed and although there were dogs barking on the street, a car alarm going off for over an hour and the ceiling fan chugging away we heard none of it because we fell asleep a few short minutes after our heads hit the pillows.

Chris got up around 7am and went out with Phil to Congrejo to see the finished shed and to help with getting a gate put up. Abriel and I got up about 30 mins later. We got our first Dominican daily life experience: a women coming to the house today and selling fresh avocados and bananas. We got 1 avocado and 2 bananas for 35 pesos, which is just under a dollar CAD. They were huge, fresh and yummy! Abriel enjoyed some banana for breakfast. I enjoyed Dominican coffee and a fresh cheese croissant from a nearby German bakery (Chris opted for the slightly less healthy chocolate croissant earlier on in the day). I am feeling a little spoiled right now. We also did our first grocery shopping at the bigger grocery market in town. Donna showed me what brands to buy and what to stay away from. We didn’t have to buy too much stuff because starting tonight we are house sitting for another couple for a few weeks since they have to go home for a bit. They live about 5 minutes away from the Williams in a gated in apartment on the first floor. It’s really nice and has air conditioning in the bedroom which I am enjoying as I write this. It’s so stinkin’ hot outside!!! A part of me just wants to get all settled into our new place but another part of me is enjoying some of the luxury’s we get in this home.

Abriel has been doing great here and I am thankful for Donna since she takes her when we need to get something done and she is so great with her. It’s nice to have a third grandma when the other two can’t be here. Abriel gets so much attention everywhere we go people just love her and call her a “muñecas” which means doll in Spanish.

Not too much excitement.... but that is the beginning of our adventure!!!
Stay tuned :)

ps it won't let me upload pictures.... will try again later. Sorry :(