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      I have been back in the Dominican for over a week now. I have to say, it has not been hard to re-adjust after being gone for 2.5 months. I greatly appreciate the more relaxed culture and I find t much easier to relax here than Stateside. Sure, the language barrier is still difficult but I am doing much better about that than when I first arrived last year.

       Part of my medical condition was caused by extreme stress. I am under doctor's orders to do things to make me relax. For me that is things like: crocheting, writing, walking, practicing music, dance and more. I appreciate that with the exception of work, we are not held to a strict time schedule. Jonathan and I often joke when setting up a time for something, we specify "Dominican" or "American" time. This actually helps me a great deal. I get really stressed trying to do everything on American time.

     I greatly enjoy the ease of this culture. People were so glad to see Amos again and everyone is not offended or held to the same etiquette rules that we are in the States. People come by unannounced all the time, people aren't afraid to ask for help or offended or feel guilty if you say no/can't. People like to sit outside in the evenings and talk and everyone's home is minimal. Life is just simpler here and I am beginning to see the value in that. Although I will always be American and still hold most of those cultural things, I am finding it easier and easier to let some of it go.

    For instance; today it is raining, and probably will ran most of the day. I need to do laundry and we have errands to run and I could get really upset that I can't do what I need to do because of the rain. However, I find it a relief in a strange way. I am learning to not stress about it (or when the power is out) if I can't do something I don't worry about it and just be grateful for the downtime I get. Maybe I take a nap with Amos or I get extra crochet time or whatever. Then when whatever it is that is preventing me from doing my tasks goes away, I do the tasks. So we have dirty towels today. They will be just as dirty tonight. They can wait to be washed. Power is out? Okay, so no internet or laundry, extra baby time! Changing how I think has been a huge relief.

     Jonathan has been very supportive and jumps in to help when he can. He has been a huge blessing! Not to mention he is my link to extensive communication with anyone!

     So, my re-adjustment is more mental than anything else. But honestly, I love it here and I feel more relaxed and comfortable here than ever before. I am so glad to be home!

    Until next time. May Adonai bless you and your homes.