The first few days!

So,  I've been in the DR for a little under a week. I've gone snorkeling (saw some fish that God had to have fun designing!) and sea kayaking. I've reunited with some friends and met LOTS of new ones (I've already forgotten some of their names!) I've had my sunglasses "stolen" by a 6-year-old cutie and I've had tickle wars to get them back. I've sweated more than I thought possible and also have woken up chilly (Hurricane Bertha provided a cool breeze this morning!) I've prayed for my friends back home and I've shared the Lord's supper with some pretty neat Dominicans.
 I've done some cool things, but tomorrow the adventure continues! Tomorrow, I get to see MY classroom that I'll get to decorate and prepare for my new class of 4th graders. I know this year will have challenges, but it will also have JOY.  It will have joy because God is in control and He's never once been surprised at how something has turned out, had to ask me for help (good thing!) or failed me! He is God and I can't wait to share that with those kiddos!
So many of you have been praying for me, hashtagging me (helps me know you are praying!), texting me and FaceTiming me. I can't say thank you enough! God has used those very little things to remind me that I'm part of a larger picture, that He's big enough to care for me and man! does He ever love me! What a wonderful God He is!
I had a slight moment of panic the other night, thinking I wasn't up for this, but through my friend, God reminded me that He has me here for a reason and being right where He wants you is the best and safest place to be. My heart became settled once again and even excited at what God is going to do! And as He shows me more and more of His work in the DR, I'll share it with you all so that you can see, in one tiny place in the Caribbean, God is changing lives. May you all remember how great and kind our God is!