Making "Dulce de Mani" (Sweet Peanut Snack) Dominican Style...

First, peel the peanuts. Then in a hot pot, mix with milk and sugar. Form into chunks and let cool until ready.

Eat up :)

You know your in Banica when...

...when you witness the skinning of a goat in the middle of the road at 8p.m.

(I'll spare you the details)

The Mission Team:

Here's the mission team: China, Me, Luisa, Kenzi, Kuky, and Ory.

Pray for us!

This looked too much like a Norman Rockwell painting not to take a picture.

My Catechesis class in Banica...

Question: Are they cute, or are they cute?????

Princesas!

In our Teresita's group (girls 7-13 yrs) we have been battling the "machismo" of the culture, teaching and encouraging these young girls live with dignity and respect for themselves and others. Recently, when asked if ever in their lives they have been told that they are princesses, NOT ONE responded with a "yes."

So to their pleasant surprise (really, you should have seen the look on their faces...) China informed them of some good news: "If Christ is King, and we are His daughters, then that makes us...PRINCESSES!"

Later in the lesson China taught them to shout in chorus together - with a sassy attitude, mind you, ...shaking their fingers at those watching, wiggling their hips, and pointing to their crowns: "Never in my life will I forget, that I am a PRINCESS, because God is my father, and He is King!"

Poala (an 11 year old who somehow has the power to be both sweet and fierce at the same time) informed Father O'Hare last Sunday that she wants to be "una monja con sazon" - a nun with attitude :)

Every Sunday, we invite a guest over to dinner. Recently, Leon and Agripina joined us to celebrate their 53 year anniversary!

Leon has been working for the parish for over 20 years. He is a man who always has a smile on his face and gives you the best hugs ever. Agripina is as giggly as a little girl, but also full of wisdom and love.

Cute story:

An elderly woman in Banica recently passed away. Some say she lived to be 103 years old! When this subject came up at the dinner table with Leon and Agripina, they both nodded with due respect. But at the mention of the women's age, Agripina simply stated mid-bite: "oh yes, she ate a lot of rice."

Oops! The Missionaries have been elfed!!!

If you're having a bad day, if you're not in the Christmas spirit yet, or if you're simply intrigued as to what this video will be...click below:

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/IracdvE60iW00H0UcM2o