Back to school...school recognized.

Kings Day is over and Dominican children have received their gifts and had a few days to play with them. The long Christmas season will be winding down over the next couple of weeks. It's Dominican winter, and although the mid-day sun is still scorching most days, the evenings are very pleasant.

We had hoped to be back to school mid-January, but the construction is not going to be finished by then. It's looking more like February. We are asking the builders to finish off at least a couple of classrooms for our use by next week, but not sure if that will happen yet.

Since most schools only have classes three to four hours daily, and our class hours are extended, we can make up the time needed to satisfy the requirements of the Secretary of Education. But we would like to get going ASAP, and would appreciate your prayers for us on this point. Meanwhile, we will be concentrating on teacher training.

Most Dominican students will be returning to school this coming Monday.

The school has finally received the code that proves it is recognized by the State. It took us about four years to get through the process! Thank you to those who prayed with us for this. We know that it is truly the Lord who saves us, and despite opposition and obstacles, he is able, and got us through this.  Now we are asking the government to pay teacher salaries. This could take years, although they are able to do it any time they want. It's a very political process. Pray that the Lord will give us favor with the officials, and will remove those who are our enemies without cause, who seek to block this work at every turn.

In local news, the price of gas has gone up, and public transportation cars and buses are trying to raise their prices by 25%. This kind of situation usually means a series of transportation strikes that shut down the country, and can be violent.  A strike was called for today.

We are looking forward to what the Lord will do in 2010. Please stand with us in prayer for the deaf children, for their understanding of the gospel, their commitment to Jesus, and that they will grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord this year.