Easter rolls represent the "good in the world"
as we turn a gooey mess into something wonderfully satisfying and rewarding.
Likewise, we sometimes can't see the end result of what the Savior is trying to do with our lives when we are "kneaded and molded" with His hands. Let us remember His healing hands this Easter Sunday with gratitude that He has freed us from the bands of death.
We are told that this park across the street from our apartment will be green once the rains come. Right now, it doesn't look like a blade of grass could ever survive this drought! Still, people gather here to eat a picnic lunch in the shade while sitting on a cardboard-covered piece of "grass". 
Space available is the rule of the road and the parking area! Maybe this gives an idea of how "tight" things are here in Republica Dominicana. Our parking space has to be entered and excited with very careful maneuvering! We've scraped the door only once.
We met Magdala at a Villa Aura Ward "sea shell picture activity" Thousands of these art works have been decorated with shells gathered by a previous missionary couple to benefit the lives of members and their friends designed to bring the spirit of Christ's love into their homes. Without our new GPS, we could never have located Villa Aura in the outskirts of Santo Domingo! Magdala is a member preparing to serve a mission herself, but seven non members participated in this fun activity that cost them nothing but an hour or two. Hopefully they will want to know more about this spirit they feel when looking at their Gospel art picture.
OK--just had to share this amazing quilt made from missionary ties by our Malaga Spain Mission Mom, Claire Mellor! They even have their names on them. So dang cute!
The sign says it is the world's only grotto disco. What it doesn't say how remarkable this grotto is! If you can imagine a coral reef being lifted up from the ocean floor by some incredible force to then become part of--or the whole of--an island, perhaps you can imagine the coastline of the Dominican Republic. This grotto is 15 meters or 45 feet below ground level and is large enough for 2000 fun-seeking, rowdy, dancing Dominicaners. It is the largest of many caves along the southern coast and is located within Mirador Parque where you may also see the place where this land was dedicated to preaching the Gospel. (See earlier post)... Mirador Parque is this island's version of Central Park, a beautiful green retreat stretching for miles along the coral encrusted southern coast.
as we turn a gooey mess into something wonderfully satisfying and rewarding.
We are told that this park across the street from our apartment will be green once the rains come. Right now, it doesn't look like a blade of grass could ever survive this drought! Still, people gather here to eat a picnic lunch in the shade while sitting on a cardboard-covered piece of "grass". 
The sign says it is the world's only grotto disco. What it doesn't say how remarkable this grotto is! If you can imagine a coral reef being lifted up from the ocean floor by some incredible force to then become part of--or the whole of--an island, perhaps you can imagine the coastline of the Dominican Republic. This grotto is 15 meters or 45 feet below ground level and is large enough for 2000 fun-seeking, rowdy, dancing Dominicaners. It is the largest of many caves along the southern coast and is located within Mirador Parque where you may also see the place where this land was dedicated to preaching the Gospel. (See earlier post)... Mirador Parque is this island's version of Central Park, a beautiful green retreat stretching for miles along the coral encrusted southern coast.
Our Los Arroyos Branch has enjoyed baptisms every week since we arrived. Duchni is from Haiti and is so happy to be a new member of our church! Her friend in pink is MariCarmen.
When Elder Ballard dedicated this island nation to the preaching of the gospel, it marked the beginning of the end of oppression from Satan's grasp. It has been 33 years, and now this people have their own beautiful temple, several stakes in Zion, and an Area Office serving thousands of members.
Monument to fallen heroes--they had it really tough under the terrible dictator ruler Trujillo. This is actually two monuments, one in front of the other--the woman in front (not me) and the man behind being blinded by oppression.
Elder Ford calls this a "quarter of a horse". He's tethered to a rock--can only eat what he can reach. Who gives him water? This is far from anyone who cares. Did you ever see such a skinny horse? Times are really tough for many animals as well as people. There are few dogs here--and most show their ribs just like this horse!
