Waiting for the rain to stop

Jan.4,2008

Toronto Airport Departure Lounge, 5 pm... waiting... to depart.
we were supposed to leave 1 hour ago, It has been announced we will leave at 8:00 pm but I am doubtful. There is trouble with the planes engine, Sandy says she is happy to wait while they fix it, (it beats the alternative) They have given us a voucher for dinner ( Sandy is going for Swiss Chalet while I wait with the luggage) Who knows when we will have chicken again? (probably tomorrow) People around us are agitated but generally in a good mood talking and joking.

As a start to our year in the D. R. perhaps it's a reminder to keep our sense of humor, practice patience and slow down and look to God to move first.

This morning I went into the office for the last time. I picked up my last cheque and said goodbye. I was reminded that one of the founding members of Storycity, Mary Dorich lost her husband Steven to liver cancer over Christmas. He left behind two young boys (1 and a half and 4) he was only 34.
This is the kind of thing that leaves me completely confused and unable to comprehend the why behind. I can accept it and I don't blame God or stand accusing him but still my heart breaks for them and I can't offer any comfort or encouragement, What would I say that would be any help? All I can do is say I'm sorry and pray. Sometimes I guess all you can do is give it to God.

Well it's nine thirty and I think we are leaving now. See you in the D.R.

Jan. 5, 2008
6:09 pm.
Writing from room 1427 of the Puerto Plata Village Hotel.

Arrived at 3 am. this morning and collapsed into our room. But only after dragging what remained of our luggage behind a tall thin man carrying the bulk of it on his head and in his hands two blocks in pouring rain to our room in a building somewhere on the hotel complex grounds. (this place is vast).

This morning we got up at 9:30 and went to check out the grounds, meet the tour representative and attempt to arrange a change of our return dates, (they would not offer a refund of any part). However, they where helpful and do offer great rates on one way flights so perhaps we will book our return through them despite our previous delayed flight.
Phoned Elio Madonia and he has arranged for us to meet with a couple John and Lillian, who are here for 8 months on sabbatical and speak fluent Spanish. He has arranged for them to show us around and help us shop to furnish our apartment. He (and we) also hope they will be able to teach us some Spanish.

Evening- Went to the Italian restaurant in the Hotel complex for dinner, (we are so spoiled in Canada that it was hard to adjust our pallets to Dominican flavored Italian cooking). We have decided to eat our dinners at the hotel buffet, again, we are so spoiled. I thank God for blessing us with the opportunity to relax a little before we begin to assimilate into D.R. culture. Spent some time at the hotel's internet lounge and sent out some e-mails (we have a half hour free internet with our package) but the time goes awfully fast when you are using an unfamiliar Spanish keyboard and slow connection speed (did I mention how spoiled we are?). Went and to see a show put on by the staff of the hotel, they are all very talented dancers. Sandy remarked that the waiter who served our dinner had been practicing his dance moves while carrying the trays. We retired to bed around 11 pm.

Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008
Epiphany (Three Kings Day in the Dominican Republic)
Like our Christmas, They give gifts and have a holiday.

This morning we attended a very relaxed Catholic service held here at the hotel. The young Spanish Priest was welcoming and open to all who came. He gave a wonderful reading from one of the Catholic Prayer books about the three wise men who came to find a King and followed a star until it led them to a very humble place where they found Jesus, far from being discouraged by His surroundings they worshipped him and offered their gifts. I was reminded that we also have been called to go to a very humble place and offer our gifts and that we should not be dismayed or discouraged by appearances.