Arrived!!!

We have arrived!!!!! We arrived in Punta Cana Tuesday afternoon, as that was the only airport we were able to land in. From there our sweet friend Tammy (Staff Care at Doulos) picked us up with a big shuttle bus and a driver. From there we drove 6+ hours to get to Jarabacoa. The boys travelled AMAZING. They slept, ate, and played. The drive to Jarabacoa felt the longest, as we were restless to get to our new home and exhausted. 
Tuesday night we arrived at our home, and Tammy had already set up the furniture we’ve been collecting for the last 5 months. We had beds set up, a kitchen table, a couch, etc. Wednesday Tammy took us to get our new phones set up, and exchange money. Thursday we picked up our vehicle, unpacked, and got groceries. In between we have been unpacking and trying to make this house a home. It will take time to adjust and get used to it all. We have been very overwhelmed this week with all the newness, while helping the boys adjust/eat/sleep/not overheat. We have been welcomed into the homes of other Doulos staff and are so grateful for new friends who speak English and understand this process. 
The roads here are … the opposite of our sweet Winkler driving. 😛 Hundreds of motos, trucks, cars, etc., going any which way at any time. It will definitely take time before I drive here. Matt practiced yesterday and did amazing! 
The boys love our home. They have started climbing up the barred windows, play mini sticks on the front cement, and have found some favorite corneres to play toys. We have slept pretty good, despite the heat. 
We have today and the weekend left of home time, and Monday we begin new staff orientation. 
Please email with any questions or anything!! It’s hard to know what to all include, or what is important to share with you all. We love staying connected with all of you. 
This week, God has been every faithful in a thousand different ways. Here are a few of our “grateful moments” from this week: – Monday night we had a 13 hour layover in Atlanta. We arrived with our boys, 2 carryon suitcases, 1 diaper bag, 1 guitar case, 1 toddler carryon, and 2 toddler backpacks. BEcause it was 13 hours, we had to collect all 7 of our giant suitcases AND two carseats at the at the airport. We collected them, had everything in a giant pile, and physically had no idea how we would ever get them to a hotel and back the next morning. Matt talked to a lady behind a desk, who told us that if we “accidentally” left them on the belt they’d be taken off at mindnight and put in a back room with forgotten luggage, and we could just come bang on that door in the morning to retrieve them. Annnnnnnd, we looked at each other, took the risk, and went to our hotel after we put all 7 suitcases BACK on the belt. HAHAHAH. We had no idea what else to do… woke up early the next morning to get to the airport to start our hunt for our luggage, fully assuming it would take hours to track it down after the risk we took. A man greeted us at the airport doors, said, “how can I help?” We explained the situtation. He pointed across the airport, said “to the left is a grey door. Meet me there.” We made our way carrying boys, stroller, carryons, guitar, etc. to the grey door. He met us there with the biggest trolly, unlocked the door, loaded up all 7 of our suitcases, and brought us straight to check in!!!!!!!!!! -Tammy arrived at the airport to pick us up loaded with cold drinks, snacks, fresh fruit, and videos on her tablet for the boys. -She also arrived at our house every morning with hot coffee to check in on us, hug us, and take inventory of what we need emotionally and physically. xoxo. -We have received countless calls, texts, and messages with words from teh Holy Spirit to encourage our hearts. We are exhuasted. But these have lifted our spirits and reminded us of why we are here. -Tammy invited us to her house for dinner, and we were able to meet her husband josh, as well as their kiddos- junior high and highschool, who took time to take our boys swimming in their blow up pool! -We have received help with wifi, phones, food, etc., from all our new neighbors and staff. We feel safe in our neighborhood! 
I will add pictures below, but feel free to check out our blog for more! We are so grateful for your support and encouragement. Please keep praying for us as we adjust, and that we would be a light wherever we go. XOXO.LIsa.