The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean near Cuba and Puerto Rico. It shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, although the two countries have historically not gotten along well and differ in language, culture, and geography. The coastal capital of Santo Domingo was Spain’s first capital in the New World after Christopher Colombus discovered the island in 1492. The island offers tons of gorgeous beaches, many of which are located near coral reefs.
I live in Jarabacoa (pronounce the “j” like an ”h” as in jalepeño), a small mountain town in the center of the country. It is situated in the Cordillera Central mountain range, which is the home of the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte. Known as The City of Everlasting Spring, it offers year-round gorgeous weather, constantly blooming flowers, delicious tropical fruit, and locally-grown coffee. In addition to the Jimenoa and Yaque del Norte rivers that converge in Jarabacoa are several local waterfalls. (If you have not realized it yet, I am subtly giving you reasons to come visit me.) There aren’t a ton of entertainment options in J-ville, but the city of Santiago with its malls, American restaurants, and movie theaters is less than two hours away.
Where I Work
Education in the Dominican Republic is not ideal. Public schooling offers only a few hours of instruction a day and dropout rates are alarming. However, only a minority can afford private tuition. Doulos Discovery School provides half the student body with scholarships so that any child, regardless of family income, can receive an adequate education. Doulos students are engaged through active, hands-on instruction through expeditionary learning methods. Further, students are immersed in English beginning in first grade, opening the door to otherwise impossible opportunities like attending a university in the States. Focusing on Biblical teaching and unity in Christ, the school transcends denominational divisions to disciple students into servant leaders that impact their communities.
I'm a Texas transplant in the Dominican Republic. I daily attempt to 
