Another week in *Paradise*

Well here it is another Monday. I met with Erica and Lucy for our prayer time this morning. Erica is another SCORE missionary serving here with her husband, Nate. They've been here about a month and are living in the house here at the ministry center. Lucy is an intern that is here until the end of July.
Last week held lots of interesting events. I drove by myself for the very first time to San Pedro to Jumbo, (which visiting Americans say is a Dominican Walmart---yeah, right!) This may not seem like much but, believe me, it is MAJOR! Esp. given the driving conditions in San Pedro. The whole trip was bathed in prayer---part of that prayer was that I wouldn't get lost! Considering that in the States I regularly drove to Lynchburg, VA, by myself (also Roanoke, Longview, TX, etc) to suddenly lose *driving rights* is hard. I won't be driving their often, but it's nice to know that I can at least do it if I want to.
The med group that was here last week did a clinic at the fire department in San Pedro for the families of the firemen. At the end of the day, they were all given certificates. Bob is now a major in the San Pedro Fire Department. His certificate has an official embossed seal. He had already been there last year, so he has a higher rank than those that were there last week. He was able to repair some of their med equipment, train them in how to use some of it and give them a blood pressure cuff. Previous to this, they had one BP cuff to use between two ambulances!
On Friday Bob and I went in to Santo Domingo. We went to a section of the city with lots of little shops that manufacture by hand a wide variety of items~~~mattresses (remakes from the hotels, etc), cabinets, metal items, iron works, etc. There are a gazillion fabric stores. Eliminate any pictures of JoAnn Fabrics from your thinking. These are just very dimly lit, some what clean, no frills tiny shops with huge bolts leaned up against walls; plastic bags full of trim from major companies (Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, etc) jars of buttons (many of them cut from old clothing), odd colored zippers in every size and style. I got dropped off at a 3 story fabric store, while Bob actually walked to some cabinet makers checking on prices and styles for the clinic. If you could even picture this area, you would understand how busy our guardian angels were! When he got back to where I was, we walked down this one street checking out little sewing shops. I have to make some divider curtains for the rooms in the clinic and I wanted some open style rivets for the curtain hooks. Found them in one shop ~~84 rivets for 49 Pesos (about $1.50) While Bob was waiting for the clerk to count them out, (they were stored in a jar) I was browsing the store. I got up near the front looking at the trims, when Bob called for me to come back. It appears the owner wanted me back where it was safer! Guess men in the past have rushed in, grabbed women's purses and made a quick get away. But the owner did give me a piece of candy. Delicous hard caramel candy!
However, when we left the store we were walking back to our vehicle and from out of nowhere a man appeared and tried to take my purse. Fortunately, I had it over my neck and across my chest. he never got hold of the strap (YEAH, for my guardian angel!) I twisted to the right, tightly grabbed my purse and loudly said, "OH NO YOU DON'T!!!" He turned and ran down a small walking alley between bldgs. Bob said he had an accomplice who opened the gate to the alley to allow him a quick escape. So, I'm fine and still have my purse, but I twisted both of my ankles in the process. My feet were 'derecho' (straight)my body twisted 'a la derecha' (to the right), and my heart was POUNDING! So, other then church yesterday morning I have once again had to stay off my feet and rest them. Back on pain meds for 3 days...yuck! But all is well and the LORD is my shield and my defender!
Needless to say, we decided not to do any more shopping that day...bummer.
This week, Bob is doing more organizing in the clinic with the help of Lucy and Wilkins. Wilkins is now on staff full-time with the medical ministry. He is a graduate of Jay's Timothy Project and has always had an interest in medical. He's 23 and a very godly young man. He has been a real blessing. Bob is teaching him about medical, replacing brakes on cars, sterile techniques, etc. Richt now, while I type he's in the hallway singing hymns in Spanish.
So, all is well. Tomorrow is mail day which means we have a trip to Santiago! YES!!! FUN!!
and hopefully, lots of mail! Saturday we fly to Montgomery, Alabama, for a missions conference at a church in Prattville. We're there until the 23rd when we fly back here. So, close to our family and yet so far!
So, did y'all get any residual fallout from the blizzard going up the East coast? How I wish I could see snow! But thanks to David and Lyndid and our InstaSno, we have periodic snowfalls in a little dish on our coffee table. Thanks guys. By the way, I really like those purple pens you sent. When we opened the box, there was no doubt that those were NOT Papa's : } Although, I did offer him one....

love you all,,,,