Things are definately different here...

Well I'm at the house of Pedro and Nicole right now, we just got back from town. We eat these things called chimmies, they are really good. They're like hamburgers, kind of, but way better. We didn't really do much today. We drove around town for a while because Pedro had some business with some friends. We did get a rock thrown at our van. ummm...I also met one of Pedro's friends that is also a rapper and we heard some of his music. Oh, we also visited Pedro's aunt's house and stayed there for a while. I love the dominican culture, they are so hospitable. I recomend reading the book "Foreign to Familiar" it's really good and short but it explains a lot about Latino culture. It was also funny. something very interesting happened to be today. Pedro's aunt was visiting and I had met her before (the first time I came) and she knows some english and we were talking a little. Then she started talking to Pedro's mom and the she turned to me and asked if I knew what she said. And I kind of did, she said "oh, you look so much better, you are more-how do you say...fatter?" To be honest I didn't really know how to talk that. I think it was suppost to be a complement. I couldn't help but laugh a little. Things are so different here. The other day I was talking with Diego (a Dominican) and Mike (an American) and Diego was saying "...yeah I am more skinny and he is more-what's the word? Gordo?" And I was think "Oh my gosh, you can't say that." Then I asked Diego later if it was a insult to call someone fat and he said "oh no, of course not" and then he called over another Dominican girl and said "how would you feel if I called you fat? You're fat." And she said "Sorry I just like the foods" and they laught. And I was telling them how in American it is a big insult to call someone, especially a girl, fat. And the were amazing. A Dominica girl was telling me the other day "yeah, I like my body now, I used to be very skinny" and I was like "wow, that is so different from the US. I though all that was interesting. But yes, in case all of you are wondering I have put on some weight (as you can probably tell from the pictures) but you try living here, the food is SO GOOD.
While I was here we also went a saw this big, beautiful catholic church. They were having a service when I was there and it was kinda creepy. Also we went a saw some beautiful homes. There was this one that was like a castle and guards (statues) and everything. It also had the weird stone, creepy face looking thing. But it was really pretty. Well anyhow, I think that's about all I have to say for now. I might try to make another entry tomorrow, but I'm not sure. This is the last we of classes, after that we start are national outreach. The first week of it, we (the Haiti team) will be working at a Dominican Bible camp called SUYO (translates to "His")then I'm not really sure where we will be after that. I don't think they have internet there some it will probably be at least two weeks before I write again, but who knows. Keep the Africa team in yours prayers because they still have A LOT of money to raise and a short amount of time to do it in. Also, my spanish is getting better, but still please keep that in mind too.
Also, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT. My address here has change (sigh) yet once again. here it is:

Lauren McConkey
Unit 3027-YWAM/DR/DTS
3170 Airmans Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34946

P.S. CONGRATULATIONS QUEEN KATIE!!! And someone please tell Jess that she looked so beautiful at Snow week!