From what Gordon is believing it's heaven...
we have officially made it to Santiago, which is a 46 mile drive inland from Puerto Plata. We spent 4 nights at a Hotel that was old spanish colonial, columns, huge stairways outside and all solid concrete. The hurricanes have not left much of a mark, which was reassuring. The kids have been thoroughly soaked in salt water and perhaps have drank a fair bit too. The hotel was $33/night! Complete with two double beds, one child slept on the couch and had mini kitchen area and and a large bathroom, a balcony completed the room. The kids really liked the pool as it was calm and salt-free! Good coffee at the little coffee bar (thatched roof) next to the pool.
On Wed. we went to Sosua and hung out a beach section that is run by William Gomez's friend, and no cost for us to use his bathroom and hang out at the beach he rents out. It was full of tourists from around the world. Jesse was swimming with a boy from Sweden who speaks 4 languages. Unfortunately at beaches like this you are bombarded with hawkers who are wanting to sell you overpriced shrimp, dulce (sugar and coconut mix) and women who will corn braid your hair. 
At the Long Beach the locals totally accepted us and Juan and I made a pact that he would learn some English that day and he would teach me some Spanish, we both made some inroads. Gordon's Spanish is coming along well too. Glen is perhaps the one making the most effort to speak, Rachel uses some sign language and counts in Spanish and Jesse just plays.
The house here is just a couple of blocks from the main monument, (in Santiago)for those with Google Earth, we are east of the monument. The house is incredible. There are 7 bathrooms (we think), 7 sleeping areas. The top section is like a penthouse, but all open. Glen thinks its the best spot in the house . So here we are. Our adventure has really begun and we are more than excited about it. God has led the way and we have not faltered. The people are warm, the climate just hot enough, and we are open to what God would have us to do. The first agenda may be for Gordon and Glen to help William put the roof on the Mercy League Church kitchen area. This is an incredible work in the village as they put on a meal several times a month to help feed the malnutritioned children. A normal meal would be rice, beans and some form of meat. A church in Kimball, Minnesota supplies the funds for this and it has been probably a very fulfilling ministry for the group up north. So yes, there is a certain amount of culture shock, but nothing time won't cure.
The prayer request may be for driving protection. Tomorrow we will follow William in the ministry van that David has loaned us, to the church where William will preach at tomorrow. He promises to go slow. Dominican style driving is "loco" crazy. I suspect several people would have refused to drive if they had to learn here. The motorcycle taxi's go several abreast in lanes, the cars are sometimes three abreast depending on their size. The van taxi's travel mostly with the side door either open or off completely. There seems to be no emissions control so you breathe in lots of fumes. The side roads are like deactivated logging roads with spring runoff playing havoc with potholes and large rocks.
We love everyone and if you have Skype let me know and I'll give you our address. We talked to Sharon (sister) tonight and it was very good, our video didn't want to work, but audio is great. Just remember we are 4 hours ahead, so don't call too late in your evening!
Buenos Noches,
Melissa, Gordon, Glen, Rachel and Jesse
