A Home Away From Home

Here are some pictures of my first apartment in the Dominican Republic!  This is actually the first time I've ever really lived alone.  In the US, I always had at least one roommate.  So far, it's been great.  I'm loving the space, the quiet times and the freedom that comes along with having your own place.  I signed a 6 month lease. 

 

This is the entrance, the dining room and the living room.

 



Here's the kitchen.  Homes in the Dominican Republic do not come furnished,
so I bought the refrigerator, the gas table top stove and the gas tank.  I also bought some lightbulbs! 
My neighbor is graciously allowing me to borrow electricity from him for now. 
Next week, I need to go and sign a contract with the electric company, so I can get my own electricty. 



The bathroom is really nice!  Running water in the sink, shower and toilet. 
There was only one day so far when I didn't have water.  I hope that doesn't happen on a regular basis!

Here is my room.  I love the mirrors on the closet! 
I also bought a bed and La Pastora Teresa had some sheets for me to use.
I had the bookshelf made on previous trip for the library project. 
They aren't really using it now, so I brought it to my apartment.        

This is my favorite part, the terrace.  There is a great breeze back here.
 It will be a good place to do reading, studying and have meetings with our team. 
There is an avocado tree and a mango tree within reach - YUM!
 I will also do laundry here. 

Last night from the terrace, I could see a boy on the roof of a house nearby flying a kite.
 I'm on the second floor and love the view.  I can see beautiful green hills all around me. 
Everytime I look out, I'm reminded of Psalm 12:1-2,
 "I lift up my eyes to the hills—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth

Members of our team came on Monday to help clean.  They're experts at cleaning the house with water.  It really needed it, and they did a great job.  Something that would have taken me all day and would have been really frustrating, took only an afternoon!  Praise God for friends!!

The group returned again on Wednesday night to pray over the house with me before I slept there the first night.  I'm so thankful for them and for this space, and I pray that God will use it to teach us and prepare us for ministry.  I hope we can have meetings here, do Bible studies and maybe even English classes here.  That would be great! 

Right now, I'm getting by on the minimum - a couple plates, cups, one spoon and fork, a small pan, etc.  Little by little, God will provide the rest of the things I need - a couch, table, dishes, pots and pans, plastic chairs, a washing machine, etc. 

If you'd like to make a donation, please let me know!!  :)  God Bless!