My Dominican Republic Family

While here in Hato Mayor I had the incredible opportunity to live with one of the families here in town.  Mama Maria is a wonderful woman who is a devout follower of Christ, mother to 3 children (2 boys and a girl) and an all around loving and beautiful person.  Married to Maria is Victor, but people call him  “Tico”.  Tico has a GREAT sense of humor and I love the beaming smile I receive from him whenever I see him.  He somewhat reminds me of my Grandfather (Papa).    Of there three children that Tico and Maria have Yaska is the only child left in the house.  Yaska is 22 years old and such a joy to be around.  She also has her father’s sense of humor.  She is high energy and bubbles over with joy for life.  Yaska gave up her room while I was there so I could sleep in her room.    I am posting pictures here of the house and my DR family.  They live on the bottom floor of the house.  There is a small kitchen and eating area with a small sitting area on the side.  There is one bathroom, and 3 bedrooms.  Tico and Maria’s room is about 8X8, Yaska’s room (where I stayed) about 7x7, and the third room had single bunk beds in it and was about 6X4.  Every morning Maria would make me a cup of coffee (lots of sugar) and we would talk.  This was no small thing because Maria, or her family, do not speak English, and as most of you know I do not speak Spanish well AT ALL (working on that… definitely not born with a gift for languages).    We were not only able to communicate, but we connected in a special way.  My heart and love go out to Maria, Tico, and Yaska.  Thank you for taking good care of me and for all your love!