tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14594139925777961082024-03-05T02:03:02.197-04:00Marcie's Messages......about kids, cultures, and missionsMarcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-86663383218081106472016-10-26T23:51:00.000-04:002016-10-26T23:51:48.731-04:00Where Have We Been?Dear friends,<br />
<br />
You may be wondering where we have been and what we have been up to. It's been a long time since I've written on here. And for those of you on our mailing list, a prayer letter will be coming soon. The Spring was busy and emotional as we prepared to move out of our apartment in the Dominican Republic and return to Canada for a extended furlough. We flew back to Ontario at the end of June and spent a couple weeks with family before driving out to British Columbia for Paul to begin his Master's in Educational Leadership. After spending six weeks of the summer in BC, we gradually camped our way across the States back to Ontario. September was full with getting moved into our current house, attending missions events, and starting online classes for Paul and homeschooling for the rest of us. Now, in October, we are finally settling into more of a routine. We're missing our friends and life in the Dominican Republic but are enjoying fall and the changing colours that we are seeing for the first time since 2008.<br />
<br />
Please continue to pray for our family as we go through a very different year from what we're used to and also for ANIJA as they carry on without Paul's leadership. Thank you!<br />
<br />
Marcie<br />
<br />
P.S. Here are a few pictures. More will come...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good-bye D.R.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin's farm in Manitoba</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Calgary Stampede</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big trees in BC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Baker</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanley Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved catching up with family!</td></tr>
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<br />Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-66808664851097424192016-02-14T14:16:00.002-04:002016-02-14T14:16:27.118-04:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Every time our kids request pizza with corn I think, "I have to write a blog post about that!" They were really surprised when we told them that no one we know of in Canada eats corn on their pizza. It's so common here. Paul and I still don't like it but here it is: Valentine's Day pizza with corn--for the kids!<br />
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<span id="goog_60724803"></span><span id="goog_60724804"></span><br />
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Marcie Cooper</div>
Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-39770856180513825872015-11-17T22:46:00.000-04:002016-02-03T22:59:36.228-04:00In this world, you will have troubleDear friends,<br />
<br />
John 16:33 says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!<br />
I have overcome the world."<br />
<br />
We don't have to look far to see trouble in our world. It is all around us whether in our personal experiences or seen on Facebook or the evening news. Here, tonight, there is an eight-year-old boy from ANIJA being cared for by nuns and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed while his mom is in jail for child abuse. He has a splint on his finger and x-rays on his arm revealed a history of broken bones caused by physical abuse. He told Paul that he would rather go to a Kids Alive children's home than go back to live with his mom because she hurt him too many times. No wonder he had trouble behaving in my library class. Would you pray for this little boy tonight? Pray that he will sleep well and that the government would allow him to be placed in a Kids Alive home in the near future. And pray that his life and his mom's would be changed by the Lord who has overcome the world. Our hope is in Him.<br />
<br />
Thank you!<br />
<br />
Marcie Cooper<br />
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Update (February 3, 2016):<br />
Prayers answered! We arrived back from Christmas holidays to find that this little boy had been placed in the care of our school's Social Services director. On Friday, he was moved to one of our Kids Alive children's homes--just in time to experience a Quinceañera, a huge birthday party for three girls turning fifteen. He will likely need some extra sponsors to help cover his 24-7 care. Please let us know if you're interested!<br />
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<br />Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-10002691608065821572015-09-21T23:35:00.000-04:002015-09-21T23:35:09.111-04:00Meet Our Newest StudentsHello from the Dominican Republic!<br />
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School has been in session for over a month now and we have the cutest new pre-school students. I probably think that every year. I love the little ones! <span style="text-align: center;">Will you pray for them, their classmates, and their teachers as they get used to being at ANIJA? Thank you! Here is a sneak peek at some of their school photos:</span><br />
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Over the next several months they should be entered into the system for sponsorship. Stay tuned!</div>
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Marcie CooperMarcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-16500202618427632972015-08-10T15:47:00.000-04:002015-08-10T15:47:48.910-04:00Life and DeathDear Friends,<br />
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Paul is at the funeral of a fourteen year old boy today. A student who was about to enter Grade 8 next week at ANIJA. The son of Ark house parents. A friend of many. We received a distraught call from his dad as we were getting ready to head to church last night. We couldn't believe it.<br />
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Last week-end I followed on Facebook as fellow missionaries posted pictures of a close family friend, a twenty-year-old college student who had drowned in Lake Michigan. They attended her funeral on the week-end.<br />
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A couple of days ago I heard about a missionary in Santo Domingo who drowned trying to save some teenagers. I didn't know him but can't imagine being in the place of his wife or children.<br />
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Three people in a week. Young. Healthy. Full of life. One of our own students. It has been a long time since I have written a blog post. I certainly didn't plan on writing about death. But death is a reality that each of us must face. We hope it will come later rather than sooner but we just never know. We have to be ready for it at any moment. Are we?<br />
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So many children in our school tell us that they can get to heaven if they are good enough. But God's standard is perfect and we all fall short. We all need to rely on Jesus Christ who lived a perfect life and died in our place to forgive our sins. Through Him, and Him alone, we can have eternal life. He gives hope. He brings assurance that we will see loved ones again. He helps us through tragedies and difficulties in this life even when we don't understand them. He is faithful. And He is good. Through Him I can say with the apostle Paul, "for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). I hope you can too.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Marcie Cooper<br />
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<br />Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-69805678363827675892015-03-14T20:24:00.000-04:002015-03-14T20:24:11.561-04:00Happy Pi Day!I just had to make pie!<br />
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Maybe I'm just procrastinating instead of working on my paper for <a href="http://www.ccef.org/courses/dynamics-biblical-change" target="_blank">Dynamics of Biblical Change</a>, a course I'm taking through CCEF. It's an amazing course, by the way. I'll get back to work after sharing a pi story with you…<br />
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When I was a teacher in Toronto, there was a little boy in my Junior Kindergarten class who had recently arrived from China and spoke hardly any English. It was his first time at the painting easel and he didn't seem to know what to paint. I tried to explain to him that he could paint whatever he wanted and left to work with other students. When I looked back he had painted huge colourful numbers: 3.141592653...I can't remember exactly where he stopped but he filled the page. He knew pi to more digits than I did! I wish I would have taken a picture. Apparently his grandfather worked with him for long hours in the public library. If he knew pi at four, I wonder what he is up to now that he is eleven.<br />
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Whether you are celebrating pi day or not, I hope you have a great week-end!<br />
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Marcie Cooper<br />
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<br />Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-31544241142591187002015-03-02T09:00:00.000-04:002015-03-02T09:00:03.167-04:00Dominican Independence and Culture: Part 3Hello again!<br />
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Here are a few final pictures from the preschool/kindergarten fair last week. They're a bit random but show some popular aspects of the current culture.<br />
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The staple food--rice and beans:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz83QtAnHg_uEf0EybTk4BnKwn1sEstduHyoRRZKod-FYcBXopP230X5t-vL33kpnH9w7PUhjOcpAcqbe9rKwTV1yFyQVJHHYb5KEUpUl8ucrhcyev7ay3pq-0aCNeMzOvNGBD9TvD5rg/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz83QtAnHg_uEf0EybTk4BnKwn1sEstduHyoRRZKod-FYcBXopP230X5t-vL33kpnH9w7PUhjOcpAcqbe9rKwTV1yFyQVJHHYb5KEUpUl8ucrhcyev7ay3pq-0aCNeMzOvNGBD9TvD5rg/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's tempting to put little hands in those dishes!</td></tr>
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The Tourist Zone (a couple of hours away from us):<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hRxRQs9wbrtkn5xw2cCoZ-1qLRrnxoAPeFNlg8jsB_Y3GnIbS2h9NSlNl5SnF3ISLPxi6sw5UpBpHjhM5gn-0K0p7qyvuWyXCvQI-1ONINZuTxBt9lk6sdEfb5diXCrk7h5U2EQTqnU/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hRxRQs9wbrtkn5xw2cCoZ-1qLRrnxoAPeFNlg8jsB_Y3GnIbS2h9NSlNl5SnF3ISLPxi6sw5UpBpHjhM5gn-0K0p7qyvuWyXCvQI-1ONINZuTxBt9lk6sdEfb5diXCrk7h5U2EQTqnU/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the beach <br />(They probably have never been there in real life)</td></tr>
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The Botanical Zone:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb7detSU_T_wg42E2ZhXcD-zCjcD_QGViRpvnKwwRQQcbKZaNDmHNetV6_Dsgy6SbBtUDqPpcVi_heRvfbHkl3AuGt1hEaxcV6crTlzSc-6BDI8Xxhk7uxSbkw5m-r2opiJeBZBneE0g/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb7detSU_T_wg42E2ZhXcD-zCjcD_QGViRpvnKwwRQQcbKZaNDmHNetV6_Dsgy6SbBtUDqPpcVi_heRvfbHkl3AuGt1hEaxcV6crTlzSc-6BDI8Xxhk7uxSbkw5m-r2opiJeBZBneE0g/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National bird: Cigua Paloma<br />National Flower: Mahogany</td></tr>
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We can't forget the national sport, baseball!<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01s1RTZc4fpCDJShQ0-satF7frGNRivNovGM-BWsrGmAuK4ZpLmJTlR6bKhL0el_qcMiGIyC49ZlcL8REpVvLH6-93OfnQz_P_0k8ioY5HYCRVHMChjS4U68E8YxOQ0nxow2NseMbebo/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01s1RTZc4fpCDJShQ0-satF7frGNRivNovGM-BWsrGmAuK4ZpLmJTlR6bKhL0el_qcMiGIyC49ZlcL8REpVvLH6-93OfnQz_P_0k8ioY5HYCRVHMChjS4U68E8YxOQ0nxow2NseMbebo/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to play</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavk2u4eRz8Xrw7D1pYtiyUUZwQs0CbhCznxFKita9F5m2U08OLCpC-4BzxiDxiTieeWNyEhylnYyjvFF_g1xN6J-FGw_aXBh2dZE-K-NcbNBo2icJti5G0yD0BSKNMbWTRHQ7DR9sH70/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavk2u4eRz8Xrw7D1pYtiyUUZwQs0CbhCznxFKita9F5m2U08OLCpC-4BzxiDxiTieeWNyEhylnYyjvFF_g1xN6J-FGw_aXBh2dZE-K-NcbNBo2icJti5G0yD0BSKNMbWTRHQ7DR9sH70/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cheese!"</td></tr>
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Paul actually spent part of Independence Day playing baseball in an Ark vs. ANIJA staff game. He also went to watch the ANIJA boys team play in the Copa Coca Cola soccer tournament. Our guys love soccer even more than baseball here!<div>
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I hope you have enjoyed getting a glimpse into the Dominican culture over the past few days. Here are links to the first two parts in case you missed them.</div>
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<a href="http://marciesmessages.blogspot.com/2015/02/dominican-independence-and-culture-part.html" target="_blank">Dominican Independence and Culture: Part 1</a><br />Dominican Independence and Culture: Part 2</div>
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Marcie<br />
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-53232576749357032782015-02-28T09:00:00.000-04:002015-02-28T09:00:05.936-04:00Dominican Independence and Culture: Part 2Hello!<br />
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Here are some more pictures from the fair that our preschool and kindergarten students put on for Independence Day. These once take us back to the time of the Taínos, the indigenous people who were here long before the Spanish arrived on the island in 1492.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihDAzJJs_LO9XzLHgdY5hDKYfkxZ4NIIAvvNWuz1CZnyv9o4IX4y52XlZ3SOI75jpgIERXvmemoOKudXEMGZrxSZCfrC99NOOyz8diPfMHrJUP8-zx_XgqhWKgVK4pR8uP7kV9D2VRRU/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihDAzJJs_LO9XzLHgdY5hDKYfkxZ4NIIAvvNWuz1CZnyv9o4IX4y52XlZ3SOI75jpgIERXvmemoOKudXEMGZrxSZCfrC99NOOyz8diPfMHrJUP8-zx_XgqhWKgVK4pR8uP7kV9D2VRRU/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"First Inhabitants"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljfeLQ0TFJleFguL4A2LCoyhFLNRf25djFK8jyCTaF3tRu9L5LcsWJCQo-pjU7rslBMy_fmHC_VZTosdoQHyjSbfoevceMFH-e1hHu1LftCSaqA0ezVz2pdQisJ3Q5GfG5Gfpiec-re8/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljfeLQ0TFJleFguL4A2LCoyhFLNRf25djFK8jyCTaF3tRu9L5LcsWJCQo-pjU7rslBMy_fmHC_VZTosdoQHyjSbfoevceMFH-e1hHu1LftCSaqA0ezVz2pdQisJ3Q5GfG5Gfpiec-re8/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casabe bread made from yuca (cassava)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-7yGMpfrlPrGa6xRxrpsHoUuM6ezDsum6V76p8RjwnQCrGd4KJTXnIru659HRh8TGtn-xUHepJPQSryieiQoN3CuuWQUg22qt4btMFKu-hMdX6u8c0wKYrrzlrKTgFEG5eJfbOk6Sr4/s1600/IMG_0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-7yGMpfrlPrGa6xRxrpsHoUuM6ezDsum6V76p8RjwnQCrGd4KJTXnIru659HRh8TGtn-xUHepJPQSryieiQoN3CuuWQUg22qt4btMFKu-hMdX6u8c0wKYrrzlrKTgFEG5eJfbOk6Sr4/s1600/IMG_0255.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey and root vegetables still popular today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbNLuN5-pGiuALMbGJZWidbD1BgbBMN76-p1SBrDQQ4vpFlG-1YuqHM5vwrEhJ6gKt4sLZidYxZqY-9icvsvQWQBjzmHcj_dDQpEZAPL3icHyifZ9PIOzxbnJhzBX0ZLZbF9l0tcKXBU/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbNLuN5-pGiuALMbGJZWidbD1BgbBMN76-p1SBrDQQ4vpFlG-1YuqHM5vwrEhJ6gKt4sLZidYxZqY-9icvsvQWQBjzmHcj_dDQpEZAPL3icHyifZ9PIOzxbnJhzBX0ZLZbF9l0tcKXBU/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commonly used mortar and pestle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taíno costumes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting third graders</td></tr>
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The Taínos eventually died out but remnants of their art and culture remain. Tourist areas are filled with paintings like these that copy their drawings.<div>
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<br />Part 3 of the Independence Day fair will be coming on Monday. </div>
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Have a great week-end!</div>
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-42153718897036750542015-02-27T18:00:00.001-04:002015-02-27T18:00:50.232-04:00Dominican Independence and Culture: Part 1Hello and Happy Dominican Independence Day!<br />
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Today is the 27th of February and the day that Dominicans celebrate their independence from Haitian rule. Our preschool and kindergarten classes put on a fair this week in celebration of the holiday. Check out the Founding Fathers:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Duarte, Sánchez and Mella</td></tr>
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Do they look like the originals?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juan Pablo Duarte (top)<br />Francisco del Rosario Sánchez (bottom left)<br />and Matías Ramón Mella (bottom Right)</td></tr>
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Some little girls dressed up in traditional costumes and other kids played popular instruments.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gr. 6 student playing the drum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gr. 3 student helping on the güira</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiVMJlFbWhLDSOPbCSonkokcWt-9jr92E4ueksN1PcNPa8tOcxW3A2TkoZNkddZF9Xp0nB18LJOQ1mTkz5VUcFLUjQqNIMnw9JAOAimP-xo8Ar274sP7QW4MAqK0jxOcDnmveO6kuBhE/s1600/IMG_0296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiVMJlFbWhLDSOPbCSonkokcWt-9jr92E4ueksN1PcNPa8tOcxW3A2TkoZNkddZF9Xp0nB18LJOQ1mTkz5VUcFLUjQqNIMnw9JAOAimP-xo8Ar274sP7QW4MAqK0jxOcDnmveO6kuBhE/s1600/IMG_0296.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drums are fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can play a maraca!</td></tr>
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Other classes came to tour the displays, hear the music, and watch a short video. My little JK said it was the best day of school ever!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching a cultural video</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOI9hPyTVupEluKICEskAxiXZmbFih6U6y6n2l-PJUHaX7bPwLPbNGeXi_tBkP-aqcbsod34_mcFKH5sLSPSCJ4WOKpn-uiibVMqH8VzwBWXc8b7lMNrqBLS47dHGNvVk1gDkxqLlojYk/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOI9hPyTVupEluKICEskAxiXZmbFih6U6y6n2l-PJUHaX7bPwLPbNGeXi_tBkP-aqcbsod34_mcFKH5sLSPSCJ4WOKpn-uiibVMqH8VzwBWXc8b7lMNrqBLS47dHGNvVk1gDkxqLlojYk/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with Dominican Pesos</td></tr>
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There was much more to see but I'll save it for next time. Stop by later or sign up on the right to receive future posts by e-mail.</div>
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Enjoy your day!</div>
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Marcie</div>
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-61334381156106469612015-01-09T23:59:00.001-04:002015-01-09T23:59:35.797-04:00Green Turtle Cay, BahamasHappy New Year!<br />
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We are thankful that we could spend the holidays with my family in the Bahamas on a little island called Green Turtle Cay. It's only accessible by boat and most people get around on golf carts.<br />
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We live on an island here in the Dominican Republic but it's nothing like this island. In Green Turtle Cay there are only about five hundred people and no natural fresh water. There are only a few shops and groceries are very expensive. It was relaxing though! We enjoyed boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and more!<br />
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Turtle watching was my favourite. I stayed away from the sharks.</div>
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We also enjoyed lots of time playing and snuggling with cousins.</div>
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and a New Year's Parade called Junkanoo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvFFqeu0QMyRIaQK3TRdcYu2JBdb4HM6Jodt60zAK2jfF76KFVxHSFGW5SdTUVfkg_zhSjnMZoz-02EWF3zEI8EyWpfmwykwA2x-brlH0MauzTA-pfL2EEnkY7eqrXJRSqFvKvHC1I-M/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvFFqeu0QMyRIaQK3TRdcYu2JBdb4HM6Jodt60zAK2jfF76KFVxHSFGW5SdTUVfkg_zhSjnMZoz-02EWF3zEI8EyWpfmwykwA2x-brlH0MauzTA-pfL2EEnkY7eqrXJRSqFvKvHC1I-M/s1600/Image.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kids especially loved Sunday School and couldn't wait to go back.</div>
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Thank you, Mom and Dad! It was a great trip!</div>
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Marcie</div>
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<br />Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-26760013244681316702014-12-25T23:00:00.000-04:002014-12-26T00:07:04.935-04:00Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas from my family to yours!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just missing one brother and sister-in-law</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAp9VY0unB-yTQbX6ExTboPs7KcJzejbcahYRTF7bKmkmKl0OMInUtc-Q3QPx-NmhMeAyYgCNmUT-jM35nu0PsZYM8tqAgHwBU4iaSvz2YlzOTBDKsoykosO_CBISZTYIluWNY9NJrfA8/s1600/DSC_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAp9VY0unB-yTQbX6ExTboPs7KcJzejbcahYRTF7bKmkmKl0OMInUtc-Q3QPx-NmhMeAyYgCNmUT-jM35nu0PsZYM8tqAgHwBU4iaSvz2YlzOTBDKsoykosO_CBISZTYIluWNY9NJrfA8/s1600/DSC_0571.JPG" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love our little actors!</td></tr>
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For unto you is born this day in the city of David </div>
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a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.</div>
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Luke 2:11</div>
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Marcie and family</div>
<br />Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-82348208500021920022014-11-23T22:02:00.001-04:002014-11-23T22:02:47.255-04:00Working in the LibraryHello again!<br />
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This fall has brought a lot of changes for me since I've gone back to school with the kids to teach in the library. It's been fun but busy and challenging!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHD-0r8yLurm_LuQBmthtRjOT9juNMtk8lbk4ByjKOEGeJURX6lv1KK4Pc7OnPtuUPMkaX6pJrSNbR-dlEQ-OMvnTj1GD5ppUEKy0uXlsHR3Jthqrba1hXfDLw6CknfxrMaTOYJRf-Hk/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHD-0r8yLurm_LuQBmthtRjOT9juNMtk8lbk4ByjKOEGeJURX6lv1KK4Pc7OnPtuUPMkaX6pJrSNbR-dlEQ-OMvnTj1GD5ppUEKy0uXlsHR3Jthqrba1hXfDLw6CknfxrMaTOYJRf-Hk/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flag lowering at the end of the day</td></tr>
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We've been having a contest in the library to see which class can read silently for the longest amount of time. It is not an easy task since they are very loud by nature and love to talk to each other. Here are the winners! They were the first class to make it to the goal of reading silently for twenty minutes. Now they're listening to books on tape, reading with buddies, and improving their writing. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei9fXE_58KreXNi0u5avSEt_9kUZgcAN4aVy1wbPCDzszGP8XNk7dSJjeqxX8rACwEGRRjou8w8v0_6szVE4RyWGj-WRtDIrDq49SnXJOw8eb0ErZRehANKq5VSkVVxabdk6k_gsZmbc/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei9fXE_58KreXNi0u5avSEt_9kUZgcAN4aVy1wbPCDzszGP8XNk7dSJjeqxX8rACwEGRRjou8w8v0_6szVE4RyWGj-WRtDIrDq49SnXJOw8eb0ErZRehANKq5VSkVVxabdk6k_gsZmbc/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third grade students with new book donations </td></tr>
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It's been encouraging to see kids having fun reading especially since many of them come from homes where parents are illiterate or have very low levels of education. Even ones who told me that reading was boring are finding books that they can enjoy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9jttfRe1chdRkfSY27Kv7RxAnNNJWFOFWbAQ_885KfSbkG_ujRfuzcdufj0Bs9TZ-FYbl6VeIXqm6QLg3ZLn0hsao4i_v-ghkcnyeJ49xGyumHVLhsTexNvo_wd3CSrF4Quoqbrm6Ec/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9jttfRe1chdRkfSY27Kv7RxAnNNJWFOFWbAQ_885KfSbkG_ujRfuzcdufj0Bs9TZ-FYbl6VeIXqm6QLg3ZLn0hsao4i_v-ghkcnyeJ49xGyumHVLhsTexNvo_wd3CSrF4Quoqbrm6Ec/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They love reading!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnFD-W5c76lBi4pdVzwPFTGfX2bSCBBQNgJ_JdbWb-WDd525DM31BIIb5xRWcoBZFBsyeERZzSI8vIVm-QRU77QCqqDwxSZ7XbbK902SkUqwT4MX0FguJ_ETMSwF5V8PIHZ0Fkieeqm0/s1600/IMG_1454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnFD-W5c76lBi4pdVzwPFTGfX2bSCBBQNgJ_JdbWb-WDd525DM31BIIb5xRWcoBZFBsyeERZzSI8vIVm-QRU77QCqqDwxSZ7XbbK902SkUqwT4MX0FguJ_ETMSwF5V8PIHZ0Fkieeqm0/s1600/IMG_1454.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This group is actually reading!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3DAfLvPWxI-QY8QMmDgMqh5N88AwMFDi1mBeQSZXTVCrk7mYu2cR_PwItFfMnKI1Qq47j33aVA8A6h7K-Y-COzJxXA-FlTGJ2k9-kBK3meo7SrnShqpqLo_lE7yNQvh7X0-jr3fUeuI/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3DAfLvPWxI-QY8QMmDgMqh5N88AwMFDi1mBeQSZXTVCrk7mYu2cR_PwItFfMnKI1Qq47j33aVA8A6h7K-Y-COzJxXA-FlTGJ2k9-kBK3meo7SrnShqpqLo_lE7yNQvh7X0-jr3fUeuI/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loud fourth Graders caught reading quietly</td></tr>
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<br />In a few weeks, a teacher will return from maternity leave and I'll have less responsibilities in the library. I still plan to help out though. I just love seeing kids learning to love to read!</div>
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Happy reading and Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who are celebrating it this week!</div>
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Marcie Cooper</div>
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-52814837796463666532014-11-23T21:09:00.002-04:002014-11-23T21:09:33.934-04:00ABBA Canada: We're so thankful for their grant!Hello!<br />
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I have more to write about what we've been up to lately but here's a link to our first blog post for ABBA Canada. We are so thankful that they granted us $3000 toward our adoption expenses!<br />
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<a href="http://www.abbacanada.com/posts/post.aspx?post=757" target="_blank">ABBA Canada Blog</a><br />
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Picture to come!<br />
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MarcieMarcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-4069926920173059282014-09-10T22:33:00.000-04:002014-09-10T22:52:12.295-04:00Photo Day: A Sneak Peak at Cute KidsHello!<br />
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When picture day comes around every year at ANIJA, students are given a "día de colores"or "colour day" where they can leave their uniforms behind and wear whatever they like. They come dressed in their best. In many cases, the pictures we take are the only ones they have to hang in their humble homes. Here is a sneak peak at some of our cuties. Can't you see glints of mischief some of those eyes?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BwLB_sltovn_ZnjcpPR8euTwIHY3CViKG5Q-3xFlEp9nvjFRBSpuxqMv7BPJ7yOzuURdY8lnzZgea-StTeWHUdO-DlaZ_X0-5G1kKMqIdkGP704GaU2BoA9gsZ7i7pTyfuk01ZJXjwE/s1600/IMGP5057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BwLB_sltovn_ZnjcpPR8euTwIHY3CViKG5Q-3xFlEp9nvjFRBSpuxqMv7BPJ7yOzuURdY8lnzZgea-StTeWHUdO-DlaZ_X0-5G1kKMqIdkGP704GaU2BoA9gsZ7i7pTyfuk01ZJXjwE/s1600/IMGP5057.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXyejMG-vPqnWfIg6K7fGPOBz2isrCUU7xh6s4nLVYmbi1e9CHBPkbdZ_0PzNogMG3vouhXBuS4YRxsNaHSpxTfud1B1VI8-joz-cS9R8X_aGGKIDZT___bTZMSXPvDFMKFIFOS0AvTM/s1600/IMGP6007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXyejMG-vPqnWfIg6K7fGPOBz2isrCUU7xh6s4nLVYmbi1e9CHBPkbdZ_0PzNogMG3vouhXBuS4YRxsNaHSpxTfud1B1VI8-joz-cS9R8X_aGGKIDZT___bTZMSXPvDFMKFIFOS0AvTM/s1600/IMGP6007.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0ywpkqygiRUImLs3vWpLLKfOJDfFtAC0BrSGcAoiUurFE0gDcizGIpM997vVwz1zDnU8-Ix45bl-9fFR4lBuYwj9E-Ck4i9SMs-fOBiGub5eWaBROVfbmzEz173NO8gkvz-OzYsSsJQ/s1600/IMGP6349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0ywpkqygiRUImLs3vWpLLKfOJDfFtAC0BrSGcAoiUurFE0gDcizGIpM997vVwz1zDnU8-Ix45bl-9fFR4lBuYwj9E-Ck4i9SMs-fOBiGub5eWaBROVfbmzEz173NO8gkvz-OzYsSsJQ/s1600/IMGP6349.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcURqr4EAnAppmHgax-4oXoxAiRWeyZSVN0_ynL_65XqIsCqacwXRnrZRcnO3C-8Q5hJzIc74OfioCUUy4ILnlxbLQuGfhdfoU2Ovr-AuhsE-GDzE-cRM3KjjY0SAV_pE1orYuHkqS2I/s1600/IMGP5737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcURqr4EAnAppmHgax-4oXoxAiRWeyZSVN0_ynL_65XqIsCqacwXRnrZRcnO3C-8Q5hJzIc74OfioCUUy4ILnlxbLQuGfhdfoU2Ovr-AuhsE-GDzE-cRM3KjjY0SAV_pE1orYuHkqS2I/s1600/IMGP5737.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><br />
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I'm sure that I've mentioned it before, but we always have children that need sponsors. Please contact the Kids Alive <a href="http://www.kidsalive.ca/sponsor-a-child.php" target="_blank">Canadian office</a> or <a href="https://secure.kidsalive.org/sponsor.aspx" target="_blank">US office</a> if you're interested.<br />
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Thanks for praying for us as we work with kids like these!<br />
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Marcie CooperMarcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-83370161950810630592014-09-04T14:38:00.000-04:002014-09-11T14:49:29.168-04:00Adoption: How long will the wait be?<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It seems like every time I see someone that I haven't seen for a while they ask, "How are things going with the adoption?" The short answer is, "Still slow." We updated our police clearances while we were in Canada this summer (since our province now requires them yearly) but that doesn't really have any impact on our wait time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The longer and more complicated answer is that we're 48 "days" out. Our file was logged into the system in China on January 29, 2007. They (people in China)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> have currently processed files up to December 12, 2006. Forty-eight days' difference. That doesn't sound too far off but, considering that they processed less than 35 days' worth of files in all of 2013, it will still take a while. That's an average of almost three days per month. This year started off at a faster pace but seems to have slowed down again. So my</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> best guess right now is to expect a referral sometime next fall. But you never know what might happen. I'm praying that we can travel to China before all of our paperwork expires again (the beginning of 2016.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for asking and for praying for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Marcie Cooper</span></div>
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-29799332360693553312014-08-23T17:37:00.001-04:002014-08-23T17:37:45.488-04:00Back to SchoolHello!<br />
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It's hard to believe that we're back to school already. Even this little guy is going!<br />
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He didn't like the snack the first day (rice pudding) and the second day said, "I never want to go to school ever again!" On Friday he was thrilled with the crackers and juice. Hopefully he won't complain about going back on Monday. He's been really stubborn about learning Spanish so doesn't understand or speak very much. Hopefully four hours a day will change that quickly.<br />
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The report from the first day of grade 1 was, "Only one boy hit" and on the second day, "No kids hit." Yes, we work with at-risk kids. Please pray for their discipline and self-control.</div>
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Grade 5 with a male teacher seems to be a success. We get glowing reports daily. Thanks for your prayers as we've been starting another school year with Kids Alive here in the Dominican Republic!</div>
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-16780095306932267392014-08-04T23:29:00.000-04:002014-08-04T23:29:20.582-04:00MK Hugs<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTntECo0zn896mN9gqZnWA82V7heYt1CUnUclOcWhAKhyphenhyphenXHxH9ZTXLevtV20g8MaE5XABZ3tDPQfpvZtX3hFeBMt5GzWwOPeH49ECStE1bmDaj2NVrioQxWhSkC7t2ctINOsd59klULUI/s1600/DSC_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTntECo0zn896mN9gqZnWA82V7heYt1CUnUclOcWhAKhyphenhyphenXHxH9ZTXLevtV20g8MaE5XABZ3tDPQfpvZtX3hFeBMt5GzWwOPeH49ECStE1bmDaj2NVrioQxWhSkC7t2ctINOsd59klULUI/s1600/DSC_0470.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Mary Milec</span></td></tr>
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<br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A quick hug and I’m off on a new adventure. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can’t wait to get on the plane.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wave good-bye, follow Daddy’s lead, </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then walk through a funny machine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The plane ride is long and new people await </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To greet with a hug or a kiss.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t know who they are so I’ll hide if I can </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And hope and pray I’ll get missed.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two years have gone by and I’m going to visit </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A place that I sometimes remember.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hug my friends but promise that I </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will be back soon enough next September.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s Grandma and Grandpa! I’m happy to see them </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And run to them fast as I can.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I see them on Skype but it’s just not the same </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To put arms all around a computer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who’s this strange person who wants a hug </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And remembers me from being little?</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not quite sure but maybe can manage </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To hug them just a little.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time to go again and I’m happy and sad </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For soon I’ll give hugs to my friends;</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But aunts and uncles must stay behind </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And cousins just don’t understand.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m back for a while and settling in </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When another MK has to leave. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m holding her tight while her mom says, “Time’s up.” </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t know if I’ll see her again.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The cycle continues. I go back and forth </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Between hugs of hellos and good-byes.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m hugging much longer though Mom says, “Let go.” </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I now know much more about time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have friends in two places and relatives scattered </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To love, and to hug when I can.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reunions are joyous so travel I must </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Though it’s hard to leave loved ones again.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So if you’re hugged tighter and longer than normal, </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just squeeze me a little bit more.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Parting is hard but more hugs will be given </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the other side of the shore.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marcie Cooper</span></span><br />
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-69127147323858452282014-06-23T18:05:00.002-04:002014-06-23T18:05:26.476-04:00MangoesHello!<br />
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It's mango season in the Dominican Republic. Mangoes come in all different colours and sizes and our family (except for one picky eater) loves them! Our boys also love to play under the mango tree in front of our building. Here are some pictures:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzgfyePmSyCDvtfIWJri7nmK0lsX_IghISeAlODB5kML7ExiGiBrdHxh9-hgagL2UFUTPAwLoq0dZl7qY8kpfZmBemPJuADQERdvDZ96HpjPxKf44DKuKWCklpMow2focP43jp_KgB1k/s1600/IMGP4128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzgfyePmSyCDvtfIWJri7nmK0lsX_IghISeAlODB5kML7ExiGiBrdHxh9-hgagL2UFUTPAwLoq0dZl7qY8kpfZmBemPJuADQERdvDZ96HpjPxKf44DKuKWCklpMow2focP43jp_KgB1k/s1600/IMGP4128.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of mangoes <br />(the bottom one is from the tree by our house)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuxxAe_zasp0UK_m9zWWerjfOgEPk1CxAs-8jCRETLOTLrTmfhP4i17FoPyMsql1ZLcpUMqPCwu6n1hyphenhyphen99x1kH11SnhisnDjtrvZHh64la1h22ub0Fd_glzM9TFvp9NsZUiUAzBtTYxw/s1600/DSCN4695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuxxAe_zasp0UK_m9zWWerjfOgEPk1CxAs-8jCRETLOTLrTmfhP4i17FoPyMsql1ZLcpUMqPCwu6n1hyphenhyphen99x1kH11SnhisnDjtrvZHh64la1h22ub0Fd_glzM9TFvp9NsZUiUAzBtTYxw/s1600/DSCN4695.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little mango tree we saw on our vacation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcu5bbZ7Pxmc4wkDiqw4YBuEc1kjvlqrj9JIwnXtErYD6aOFSdAyybjRx4eIVXOde9ABRLOmNkDJKNlarmkdo2WYICqM76V94RSRqZP5HFxpdNXmyYuhyphenhyphen0Baa8F57nCTGPa1Aoykcb7s/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcu5bbZ7Pxmc4wkDiqw4YBuEc1kjvlqrj9JIwnXtErYD6aOFSdAyybjRx4eIVXOde9ABRLOmNkDJKNlarmkdo2WYICqM76V94RSRqZP5HFxpdNXmyYuhyphenhyphen0Baa8F57nCTGPa1Aoykcb7s/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mango the size of a pineapple</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiAObEdwvOFe56pUEawB3Xmv0mS1SLPNzWUuidtvqpOOrsEQC24UqOJOe6L79Y0eViOEKUltQ0lnQtPm7z9XITsEPqFqC3EqRNxBhHzO6OBCIZVqzmK6aOLq6wLBR-zY5V8aUl_LEpWA/s1600/DSCN4651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiAObEdwvOFe56pUEawB3Xmv0mS1SLPNzWUuidtvqpOOrsEQC24UqOJOe6L79Y0eViOEKUltQ0lnQtPm7z9XITsEPqFqC3EqRNxBhHzO6OBCIZVqzmK6aOLq6wLBR-zY5V8aUl_LEpWA/s1600/DSCN4651.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I can get it!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwz7vRu-BDuyqhIF8SV5V_R-8SDEtAc4ACErOPY1nNNCJaQX_oodwhlhBuWM_kBMuBn9P8NTyxbSRo6OcDOVWWGqdCh3n053yvebGUeqZPpORBCtNoyBhPaExuYYrF6hrzLv_O1wA7s0/s1600/DSCN4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwz7vRu-BDuyqhIF8SV5V_R-8SDEtAc4ACErOPY1nNNCJaQX_oodwhlhBuWM_kBMuBn9P8NTyxbSRo6OcDOVWWGqdCh3n053yvebGUeqZPpORBCtNoyBhPaExuYYrF6hrzLv_O1wA7s0/s1600/DSCN4659.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I want to fill my truck up with mangoes."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEHBP3wPB2bwHosKlNn-klKYan0iNsn3LgvM7Wa7sOcOEX_q-uyZoarss7nHkzH6wqwC0f2yq7JqdcdvrLY7Ii5oQRts-MitSsWPtj6V4rM1d_bmQQ2ILDhT84w1fsfYb0HHJaPs9ygE/s1600/IMGP4110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEHBP3wPB2bwHosKlNn-klKYan0iNsn3LgvM7Wa7sOcOEX_q-uyZoarss7nHkzH6wqwC0f2yq7JqdcdvrLY7Ii5oQRts-MitSsWPtj6V4rM1d_bmQQ2ILDhT84w1fsfYb0HHJaPs9ygE/s1600/IMGP4110.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys and trucks under the mango tree</td></tr>
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Do you like mangoes? What's your favourite way to eat them? Fresh? Frozen? In fruit salad or a smoothie? Mango crisp, anyone? I like them all!<br />
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Marcie Cooper<br />
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<br />Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-70799509445208423162014-06-13T23:55:00.002-04:002014-06-13T23:57:50.069-04:00Waiting<div>
Waiting.</div>
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Sometimes it's hard to wait. It's hard for my kids to wait for birthdays, vacations and visits from grandparents. They can't wait for a trip to Canada. We wait for mail to come every two weeks and for missionaries to come back from being away. And we've been waiting to adopt a baby from China for a very long time. I first wrote about it on here <a href="http://marciesmessages.blogspot.com/2012/03/adoption.html" target="_blank">in 2012</a>. <a href="http://marciesmessages.blogspot.com/2013/03/eternal-god.html" target="_blank">In 2013</a>, I thought it would still be over a year of waiting but now, in 2014, it might still be another year. We wait for news from China that comes every few weeks or couple of months. It seems like forever in between. I check an adoption forum and Facebook group more often than I'd like to admit. I calculate the days in between referrals and average the amount of files processed to guess when we might get a call. Then I start to question if we're really supposed to be in this process after over seven YEARS of waiting and more to go. But every time I question it, something significant happens. Take this week, for example. I felt like I was waiting for a lot of things. I was waiting for replies to several e-mails and to hear about an appointment I was trying to book for our time in Canada. I was waiting for news from other missionaries and waiting to find out if we were approved for an adoption grant we had applied for. I was distracted and kept checking the computer every time I walked past it. I started to wonder if we were really supposed to keep going with our adoption. Then, last night, I went to prayer meeting at church. I debated whether or not to put our adoption on the list of prayer requests. I heard another lady share about her daughter getting into a private bilingual high school that cost way more than her family could afford. She was praying for scholarships. A humble mom was trusting that if God wanted her daughter to go there, He would provide the finances to make it possible. I added our adoption to the list and prayed that God would, once again, provide for our needs and make it clear that we were to continue. </div>
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Today, I got a lot of e-mails. I got my appointment booked and heard from our missionary friends. But the most exciting e-mail was from <a href="http://www.abbacanada.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">ABBA Canada</a> telling us that we're receiving a grant to help with our adoption agency expenses. It was an answer to prayer for us and for family and friends praying with us. Our wait for a baby (or toddler?) from China will continue but we trust that it is God's plan for our family and that His timing is perfect. Thanks so much for praying for us. </div>
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Marcie Cooper<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">But those who</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">wait</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">on the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Shall renew</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">their</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">strength; </span></div>
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-4150829272770087992014-05-13T00:11:00.003-04:002014-05-13T00:11:54.725-04:00Director's RetreatHello!<div>
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When Paul took on the role of Director of ANIJA, he wondered how hard it could be. He would oversee directors of academics, administration, sponsorship and spiritual life. People were already in place running the bakery, AWANA, a homework program, and a youth club. No problem, right?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ANIJA student at work</td></tr>
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In reality, Paul is a school principal and more. Most of our three hundred plus students come from difficult backgrounds and living situations. Some of them really know how to cause trouble! The school is still growing and, the year after next, we'll have two classes per grade up to Grade 8. Paul has put a whole manual of policies and procedures into place and is still working on improving practices. With the help of the other directors, he manages over fifty staff. He also has to prepare for teams that come to help with construction and other projects. There's always something going on! It's a great ministry to be part of but it's also nice to take a break.</div>
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Last week-end, we went on a retreat for Kids Alive directors of schools, care centres, and children's homes here in the Dominican Republic. A few of them were missionaries like us but most were Dominicans. It was a great group of people! </div>
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I was having camera trouble but managed to get a few pictures during free time. The slackline was my boys' favourite!</div>
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Now we're wrapping up the school year with just two more weeks of classes and then exams. Even Grade 1 students write exams! New sponsor students have been chosen for the fall and teachers will soon need to be placed. There are always challenges for directors! Please pray for Paul as he leads ANIJA and for our other site directors around the island. They have big jobs but also big rewards as we see children's lives changed.</div>
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Thank you!</div>
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-17930859152677674832014-05-10T21:24:00.000-04:002014-05-10T21:25:21.899-04:00A ColumnHello from the Dominican Republic!<br />
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Yes, we are still alive and well! I know that I need to give a few more updates on here but, in the meantime, here's a <a href="http://twualumni.org/the-column/trustingdominicanrepublic/" target="_blank">link to a column</a> I was recently asked to write for the Trinity Western University Alumni Association. And a cute face of one of our students just for fun. Enjoy!<br />
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Marcie CooperMarcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-71887790282537640072014-03-02T23:39:00.000-04:002014-03-02T23:39:02.156-04:00The Missing BlanketHello!<br />
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You will be happy to know that we found the missing blanket!<br />
Let me give you a little bit of history.<br />
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When we had our little girl, she was given more blankets than I can remember but didn't really get attached to any of them. She often liked to have something soft with her but it was usually whichever stuffed animal was newest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNOgU89HdiU6Yh3vesxxH0DEbK3Se5MWKl2wi7vQhSfh1XgLa9-In0R6UtgPPidANLU2S4akgFZFd3Mi7TDl9c2_yjEdhQKghwJNGy6SxrAaUSjBieiENl2-mXLJvAv-1q5xE-p64E3k/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNOgU89HdiU6Yh3vesxxH0DEbK3Se5MWKl2wi7vQhSfh1XgLa9-In0R6UtgPPidANLU2S4akgFZFd3Mi7TDl9c2_yjEdhQKghwJNGy6SxrAaUSjBieiENl2-mXLJvAv-1q5xE-p64E3k/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I thought that our second born was really attached to his blanket. From the time he was very tiny, he loved knitted or crocheted blankets with holes to put his fingers through. I packed a couple of different ones when we moved to the Dominican Republic when he was a year old and he quickly decided which one he wanted. He went everywhere with that blanket but, after a while, could sleep without it if we couldn't find it.<br />
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Then came this boy.<br />
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He goes EVERYWHERE with his blanket. It's a hand-me-down from friends and we have no idea who made it or how we could ever get another one. He cries if we don't bring it to church and asks for it if we leave it behind when we run errands. One time it got left in a store and he had to go without it for a night. It took him FOREVER to get to sleep. He was not ready to give it up and neither was I.<br />
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So you can imagine my worry when we couldn't find blankie right before our first evening session on a missionary retreat this week-end. I thought he would stay awake and we could go home and get it after our session. (We only live about ten minutes from the camp.) But the session went late and somehow, with the help of his big brother and a wonderful babysitter, he fell asleep. We decided not to drive out late at night and hoped that he wouldn't wake up. It was all fine until five o'clock in the morning when he caused such a commotion that none of the rest of us could get any more sleep. We were sure that blankie was left at home and made an early run to get it (and sneak in a shower because the camp's water wasn't working.) We searched the house from top to bottom but it wasn't there. Had he dropped it when he played with the neighbours while waiting for us to pack up the car? We didn't see it anywhere. Had he left it somewhere outside when we first got to the camp? We returned but no one remembered seeing him with it there. Could it be on the top bunk where we forgot to check when we were home? We somehow got him to take a nap and then wore him out and prayed that he would make it through the night. He slept until 8:30 and we were much more awake for that morning's session!<br />
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When we drove home I noticed our overflowing garbage cans and complained, "Oh, they didn't pick up our garbage!" They often come on Fridays (occasionally Thursdays which I think is the actual assigned day) but there was a holiday this week so I was hoping they would come on the week-end. You never really know here. Then I noticed a small section of a tattered green blanket sticking out from under the lid. Blankie was in the garbage can! Good thing the garbage truck didn't come! We had one VERY happy little boy who could not stop checking the washing machine to see if it was done yet.<br />
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And our Linus is back!</div>
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Goodnight! I hope we will all have a great sleep tonight!</div>
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Marcie Cooper</div>
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P.S. Our sessions were part of a Peacemaker Seminar based on the book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801064856/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0801064856&linkCode=as2&tag=marcsmess-20">The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=marcsmess-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0801064856" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</i>by Ken Sande. I highly recommend it especially for missionaries. Did you know that the number one reason for leaving the field is conflict with other missionaries? Please pray for us and for good relationships with our fellow workers!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801064856/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0801064856&linkCode=as2&tag=marcsmess-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0801064856&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=marcsmess-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=marcsmess-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0801064856" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-14948556074332391222014-02-07T22:18:00.000-04:002014-02-07T22:27:07.592-04:00MotorcyclesHello!<br />
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I am always amazed at the things that we see on motorcycles here in the Dominican Republic. I'm too scared to drive one, let alone carry the things they do. Take a look!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIGAAg80bgcmwCXtDfUO_wXW7m3rkE85PPQqOJiRlME47w8uNVN6tG3DllQc5WqBf9L1SLYLJKeCduLlGt2YEpoX-knFb_nsOLOaqhNK_5Sma5BZo9MeuO-K0ce2vpQ5UrY9h_qT_clk/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIGAAg80bgcmwCXtDfUO_wXW7m3rkE85PPQqOJiRlME47w8uNVN6tG3DllQc5WqBf9L1SLYLJKeCduLlGt2YEpoX-knFb_nsOLOaqhNK_5Sma5BZo9MeuO-K0ce2vpQ5UrY9h_qT_clk/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawn mower</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6cy6SRwwmXnraPzS-HapUoFgsMG1WkRSd_CINJv2UfCuVNrI1pcMZbxK0G4MVrJUSl67_2QDy0Utjs7Z7elkH_X2W57oJ8cSPOKmMgm91GajATK8DH4R5tfS0W_KkdAfzTQSlbxCGsY/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6cy6SRwwmXnraPzS-HapUoFgsMG1WkRSd_CINJv2UfCuVNrI1pcMZbxK0G4MVrJUSl67_2QDy0Utjs7Z7elkH_X2W57oJ8cSPOKmMgm91GajATK8DH4R5tfS0W_KkdAfzTQSlbxCGsY/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread box</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi1SVtaA2P-mjn6K8dSvg9BXCWLxL7SF4kOhtuL-yeVbEGhG7pBlexNeY2-6b_NBy89MqyqHqlgtomomDSilk5mv1CzK_aaZBGPCrPz6STI2S5vKnd2rny4pyFY5nXIb-9xUPEqWSCF4/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi1SVtaA2P-mjn6K8dSvg9BXCWLxL7SF4kOhtuL-yeVbEGhG7pBlexNeY2-6b_NBy89MqyqHqlgtomomDSilk5mv1CzK_aaZBGPCrPz6STI2S5vKnd2rny4pyFY5nXIb-9xUPEqWSCF4/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread box with bread</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzq_Jre7CsRULLxGVaXwgNgre5WuAqJoIfwLaGPGUelGfICfqmPIZFliq1HFHOsYHTMH9rorx9PM4XXN4R7T0caFqTkr1DswQVEN2Al8TenN3QotRzT4xYSCmZq_C-K19VdVysXmHJyRQ/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzq_Jre7CsRULLxGVaXwgNgre5WuAqJoIfwLaGPGUelGfICfqmPIZFliq1HFHOsYHTMH9rorx9PM4XXN4R7T0caFqTkr1DswQVEN2Al8TenN3QotRzT4xYSCmZq_C-K19VdVysXmHJyRQ/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ends for brooms???</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__x5pneRVes2JiYB5UEbxh_pgDL1TTDhhnIXv6NpiD8cg-JdEpx6uUMb_LVInkvFHTAApCkdwsbVEwDSxBezQtsQCjWQqsyWJWTV_JlZti5tzgCvP1zNy_PzTv4LyVupZj1nyXUQ7AGs/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__x5pneRVes2JiYB5UEbxh_pgDL1TTDhhnIXv6NpiD8cg-JdEpx6uUMb_LVInkvFHTAApCkdwsbVEwDSxBezQtsQCjWQqsyWJWTV_JlZti5tzgCvP1zNy_PzTv4LyVupZj1nyXUQ7AGs/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grocery delivery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHS2_DNXDNKxW-z0vllw0DyHT2UlC1dAN2NZChSHKzmyKDE4jNlpacLd3erwMGc7kiiLDj-BlrLXSniSrwlllF_cndw7r69N8zmxs75_WY-287i7JqKv0BibyPSiEdL3HwFhZQTthebI/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHS2_DNXDNKxW-z0vllw0DyHT2UlC1dAN2NZChSHKzmyKDE4jNlpacLd3erwMGc7kiiLDj-BlrLXSniSrwlllF_cndw7r69N8zmxs75_WY-287i7JqKv0BibyPSiEdL3HwFhZQTthebI/s1600/photo.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza Delivery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasCVMgVNit1J8dJ2pClwkjqglkbfo54mrv9CSqUesaQfBzNDs2LqUzsB7M-QGdcgqaG2QZ68OddLeWr-LGUjrpS96LOvc9px9VG6dwp6QYLWAreCEQ5C0F_A0UNZhAna_NCvHsV95WEQ/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasCVMgVNit1J8dJ2pClwkjqglkbfo54mrv9CSqUesaQfBzNDs2LqUzsB7M-QGdcgqaG2QZ68OddLeWr-LGUjrpS96LOvc9px9VG6dwp6QYLWAreCEQ5C0F_A0UNZhAna_NCvHsV95WEQ/s1600/photo.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small stove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDna3d_FRCrsx8-ghn-tV8P6sSg0SfYQefpWvKRSi8xTCJHeD9MsPD6q8PvxWexILNiJZYjuTsb7Zo7hwp4nu2QUHZx_dGPbdb1cIg_7q2XtJzFLUeDlau89PhI-OfQUtpw_it0hALbqY/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDna3d_FRCrsx8-ghn-tV8P6sSg0SfYQefpWvKRSi8xTCJHeD9MsPD6q8PvxWexILNiJZYjuTsb7Zo7hwp4nu2QUHZx_dGPbdb1cIg_7q2XtJzFLUeDlau89PhI-OfQUtpw_it0hALbqY/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dominican washing machine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And we have seen so many other things that we haven't been able to catch with a camera. I've started a new tab with an <a href="http://marciesmessages.blogspot.com/p/motorcycles.html" target="_blank">A-Z list</a>. Have fun checking it out!</div>
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Marcie Cooper</div>
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<br />Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-39040428789648254172014-01-27T16:41:00.002-04:002014-01-27T16:44:39.699-04:00SpoiledHello!<br />
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There are some days when it's difficult to live in another country. It can be tough to work in a different language and culture, not to find what we're looking for at the grocery store, and to answer questions like "Why can't we see snow?" and "When can we go to Grandma and Grandpa's house?"<br />
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But there are lots of times when we feel spoiled. We live in a beautiful place and get to work with wonderful people. And, within a few hours, we can drive to a beautiful beach like this one where we went over the holidays. Its name, <i>Playa Bonita, </i>actually<i> </i>means "beautiful beach."<br />
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It was gorgeous!</div>
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And fun for the kids. I'm not sure what they enjoyed more--swimming in the ocean…</div>
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…or digging in the sand.<br />
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This little guy was amazed at a tree growing out of the rocks.</div>
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And this one's highlight was standing up on the surfboard!</div>
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Although we were eaten alive by mosquitoes, it was a trip that we won't soon forget!</div>
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We are blessed!</div>
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Marcie Cooper</div>
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Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459413992577796108.post-65883953550544138882014-01-13T13:44:00.001-04:002014-01-13T13:44:54.545-04:00RiceHappy New Year!<br />
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How many times do you think you will eat rice this year? A few? A lot? Three hundred and sixty-five? I think that people around here will eat rice almost every day--if not twice a day! I have been on school field trips where almost every kid had a container of cold rice packed for lunch. They offered to share but I was happy with my sandwich!<br />
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Over New Year's we had a chance to travel to the east part of the island where we had never been before. On our way, we drove through field after field of rice. I had always wondered where it was grown! In many places, men were hunched over planting it by hand. What a lot of work!<br />
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People all around the country live off of this staple food, including the staff and students at our school. Our cooks prepare so much rice that they have to stir it with a giant paddle. We appreciate their hard work!<br />
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When they occasionally make pasta or hot dogs, the kids wonder where the rice is. They just don't seem to get tired of it! Our kids don't either. Our little one doesn't even really like potatoes. It must be because he was born here!<br />
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Whether you're eating rice or potatoes or whatever your staple food might be, I hope that you have a wonderful year!<br />
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Marcie Cooper<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://marciesmessages.blogspot.com/2012/10/concon.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read more about how Dominicans cook their rice.</span>Marcie Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18065699365771004735noreply@blogger.com0