Friday, June 28, 2013

Summer Update

Hello!

Since it's been a while since I've written, I thought I'd give you an update on our family and ministry here in the Dominican Republic.

1) Paul has kept busy as Director of ANIJA with hiring, scheduling and planning for the fall. We've also attended a couple more graduations.

First Grade Graduation
High School Graduation
Our school only goes through Grade 8 but students can continue to be sponsored through high school if they get good grades, are part of our high school club, and continue to attend church. 

2) I am relieved to be done planning Bible curriculum and doing training sessions for our summer program. I have been on antibiotics for two weeks for a painful cyst in my nose and haven't had a lot of energy. Prayers are appreciated!

3) Our three kids have probably been watching too many movies but have also been enjoying the summer.
Our bookworm has opted to attend the summer
program every morning at ANIJA. They're studying Oceania
and learning about Daniel and Esther.
Our little climber is still at it!
We build with blocks and trains EVERY day with this boy!
4) We have been quite discouraged by the Chinese adoption process. We haven't had any news from China for a couple months since, apparently, they've had some bugs in their new computer system. Please pray for us as we update our homestudy in Ontario again this summer. We just applied for International Police checks today so our paperwork has begun once again!

THANK YOU to those of you who are praying for us and supporting us financially. We cannot adequately express how much we appreciate you!

Marcie Cooper

Saturday, June 1, 2013

University Graduation


Hi! This afternoon we had the opportunity to attend the University Graduation of a number of our teachers. We have been to First Grade Graduations, Eighth Grade Graduations, and High School Graduations, but this was our first time for a University Graduation. It was a lot like any other graduation except that it rained through the entire ceremony. The tent we were under sprung a leak and left a big wet circle on Paul's shoulder! I wasn't in a good spot to take pictures but here are a couple that turned out:

Doris was our daughter's teacher in Grade 2
Melina (left) taught her in Kindergarten
Jessica (right) taught her this year
Many of our teachers start out as assistants then move into teaching roles while still working on their degrees. The percentage of people who actually attend university here in the Dominican Republic is extremely small and most that we have known have taken classes while working. Only 10-12% graduate from high school, let alone university. We are so proud of our graduates!

Marcie Cooper