Adjusting in the Dominican Republic

I can't believe we have now been living in the Dominican Republic for a month! We are currently learning all about our Island, "Hispanola" and still trying to understand the language here.
We have had some amazing opportunities to visit a few churches here. At one of the services they asked Anthony to give the message (with no warning!) and then they called me (DeNiel) up front to say something and to sing a song-in Spanish! It was difficult, of course, but it was such a rich experience for all of us. The kids aren't sure what to think about a church service being outside and in the dark, or in someone's garage. It is good to know that God can make His church wherever He pleases!
We have visited a museum (picture up top), where the girls had to choose 5 pieces to write about. It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. We have also been to a beautiful beach just 45 minutes from our house. Jacob's favorite thing to do is swim, swim, swim.
Brooklin turned 8 on September 7th and we are having a party for her. Kylie has been reading like crazy. The kids are adjusting well and even the heat does not keep them from having fun and enjoying life here in Santo Domingo.
I couldn't help but add this picture of a typical "trafficy" day here. These rows of traffic actually look straight, but don't be deceived! Please pray for the following as you think of it:

• Safe travel in the car.
• That Anthony & DeNiel will find language partners here.
• Our family will be active wherever God is at work.
• Understanding of the Dominican language.

One last picture of the girl's new beds! They are watching a movie here. They all say hello and we thank you SO much for your thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.

Our House

We are in week 3 of living in the Dominican Republic. Yes, it is hot here, but our fans make it very manageable. The picture to the right is Kylie, Brooklin and Jacob standing on our little front porch. We all really like it here. Some of you have been waiting for our mailing address, but we must tell you, we have to pay $1.50 per pound once the package arrives here from our Florida address! Please remember this when sending things. If you know what the weight is, it is safe to put the money inside of the package and we can pay IMT (the service) with that money. Our address:
Anthony and DeNiel Gillen
Unit 3048-IMBDR
3170 Airmans Dr.
Ft. Pierce, FL 34946
This must be copied EXACTLY as above.
More than anything, we need prayer for a few things. Please pray:

• for language acquisition.
  
• for a productive home schooling year.
  
• safety and good health.
  
• that we would get plugged-in to the work here soon.
  

Thank you for your prayers and keeping up with us!

We're in the Dominican Republic!

Well, here we are in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic at last! We have been settling in for almost 2 weeks now. We still have no Internet, but we're borrowing from a friend for now. We absolutely LOVE it here! The traffic is certainly different & the language is it's own, but it feels like home. We are where God has called us!
We plan to post some pictures when we finally get Internet. But for now here is a small update and a few prayer requests. Please pray that:
*DeNiel will find courage to drive in the crazy traffic!
*We will not be so fatigued from the heat.
*God will use us mightily here for His glory & the furthering of His Kingdom.
The kids really like our new home. Kylie & Brooklin will be home schooled this year (& Jacob too, of course!). During this next year Anthony & I will be training for his new position & learning more language (Dominican!) & culture. The IMB is a wonderful agency to be with. Thank the Lord that He really is taking care of His missionaries through the churches giving to the IMB.
Thank you for keeping-up with our blog and for your prayers. We hope to post again soon with some pictures of our new country.