Everyone keeps asking if the hot/humid weather we are experiencing right now is comparable to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. My answer is always the same, "No it's much more humid there."
Although I can't comprehend it (which is impossible till you're in it), I did a search just to find out the difference in temps. The results are posted below. Notice that although the temperature for Pennsylvania and Santo Domingo are similar, the humidity is much higher for D.R. thus making you sweat your guts out. Notice also the difference in dewpoint which is what actually measures the accuracy of the humidity - at least according to my understanding.
Central Pennsylvania
Mostly Cloudy
86°F Feels Like 88°F
Updated Jun 29 02:45 p.m. ET
UV Index:4 Moderate
Wind:From NW at 7 mph
Humidity: 49%
Pressure: 29.92 in.
Dew Point:65°F
Visibility:8.0 miles
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Partly Cloudy
88°F Feels Like104°F
Updated Jun 29 03:00 p.m. Local Time
UV Index:7 High
Wind:From E at 7 mph
Humidity:79%
Pressure:29.94 in.
Dew Point:81°F
Visibility:6.2 miles
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Pictures!
Well, I figured it out and was able to post a few pictures. There will be more coming in a few days. Keep checking back.
Monday, June 20, 2005
A place worth checking out
A beautiful place to dine (by reservation only) is near Gettysburg. Hickory Bridge Farms has a rustic feel with its decor of antiques. The food is also delicious. The price is a bit high, but it does include all you can eat with drinks and dessert. If you’re ever near Gettysburg, you might want to check this place out. Some family took us there a few weeks ago and it was worth the trip. They also have a beautiful bed and breakfast.
http://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/
*I have some pictures to put on but forgot the steps to getting them on the blog. So if you'll be patient, they may be coming, if I can get it figured out again.
http://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/
*I have some pictures to put on but forgot the steps to getting them on the blog. So if you'll be patient, they may be coming, if I can get it figured out again.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Waiting
I read this in a devotional last week and it struck my heart. It portrays exactly where we are and as I read it, it was a confirmation that this is exactly where we are supposed to be.
Season of Waiting
Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: Acts 7:30-34
"And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness…an angel of the Lord...saying....now come, I will send thee into Egypt" (Acts 7:30-34).
Often the Lord calls us aside from our work for a season, and bids us be still and learn ere we go forth again to minister. There is no time lost in such waiting hours.
Fleeing from his enemies, the ancient knight found that his horse needed to be re-shod. Prudence seemed to urge him on without delay, but higher wisdom taught him to halt a few minutes at the blacksmith's forge by the way, to have the shoe replaced; and although he heard the feet of his pursuers galloping hard behind, yet he waited those minutes until his charger was refitted for his flight. And then, leaping into his saddle just as they appeared a hundred yards away, he dashed away from them with the fleetness of the wind, and knew that his halting had hastened his escape.
So often God bids us tarry ere we go, and fully recover ourselves for the next stage of the journey and work. --Days of Heaven upon Earth
Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting!
Till next steps made plain shall be;
To hear, with the inner hearing,
The Voice that will call for me.
Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting!
With hope that need not grow dim;
The Master is pledged to guide me,
And my eyes are unto Him.
Waiting! Expectantly waiting!
Perhaps it may be today
The Master will quickly open
The gate to my future way.
Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
I know, though I've waited long,
That, while He withholds His purpose,
His waiting cannot be wrong.
Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
The Master will not be late:
He knoweth that I am waiting
For Him to unlatch the gate.--J. D. Smith
Season of Waiting
Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: Acts 7:30-34
"And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness…an angel of the Lord...saying....now come, I will send thee into Egypt" (Acts 7:30-34).
Often the Lord calls us aside from our work for a season, and bids us be still and learn ere we go forth again to minister. There is no time lost in such waiting hours.
Fleeing from his enemies, the ancient knight found that his horse needed to be re-shod. Prudence seemed to urge him on without delay, but higher wisdom taught him to halt a few minutes at the blacksmith's forge by the way, to have the shoe replaced; and although he heard the feet of his pursuers galloping hard behind, yet he waited those minutes until his charger was refitted for his flight. And then, leaping into his saddle just as they appeared a hundred yards away, he dashed away from them with the fleetness of the wind, and knew that his halting had hastened his escape.
So often God bids us tarry ere we go, and fully recover ourselves for the next stage of the journey and work. --Days of Heaven upon Earth
Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting!
Till next steps made plain shall be;
To hear, with the inner hearing,
The Voice that will call for me.
Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting!
With hope that need not grow dim;
The Master is pledged to guide me,
And my eyes are unto Him.
Waiting! Expectantly waiting!
Perhaps it may be today
The Master will quickly open
The gate to my future way.
Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
I know, though I've waited long,
That, while He withholds His purpose,
His waiting cannot be wrong.
Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
The Master will not be late:
He knoweth that I am waiting
For Him to unlatch the gate.--J. D. Smith
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
April scurry
Not much blogging has taken place this month due to a heavier schedule. Brandon celebrated his birthday at the beginning of the month. We've also been participating in revivals, playing at the park, and attending IHC this past week. IHC was refreshing and uplifting. Even though the transmission went out in our van just as we were setting out for IHC, we came up with "Plan B" and all piled in a car and rode uncomfortably to the convention. Thankfully, we arrived safe and sound - just with some kinks in our backs.
Doug and I were also able to attend a "Weekend to Remember" by Family Life this weekend. It was a great break away from the kids and time to focus on each other. It also took place over Kim's 30th birthday. What a great birthday present!
As for some Dominican news, a 3-year old grandson of a lady in our church fell in a cistern and died early this week. The family is pretty shaken up. The father, Joanni, is a man we have been praying for to get saved. Maybe this will awaken him to his need.
We're still enjoying spring like weather and the birds singing. It has been a beautiful spring with the trees and their beautiful blossoms. We forgot how beautiful spring is!! There is not much change in the botanical life in the tropical climate of D.R.
Doug and I were also able to attend a "Weekend to Remember" by Family Life this weekend. It was a great break away from the kids and time to focus on each other. It also took place over Kim's 30th birthday. What a great birthday present!
As for some Dominican news, a 3-year old grandson of a lady in our church fell in a cistern and died early this week. The family is pretty shaken up. The father, Joanni, is a man we have been praying for to get saved. Maybe this will awaken him to his need.
We're still enjoying spring like weather and the birds singing. It has been a beautiful spring with the trees and their beautiful blossoms. We forgot how beautiful spring is!! There is not much change in the botanical life in the tropical climate of D.R.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Think you're paying too much for gas?
This report comes from a friend currently living in the Dominican Republic: "Children are going without milk and families without meat. Prices climb-gas is $3.78US a gallon. Electricity increases again. Food prices soar. The dollar drops. Cost of living is difficult."
Monday, March 21, 2005
Spring and silence
It has been 7 years since we have been home for spring. All of our furloughs have occurred in autumn and we missed out on springtime. I guess we've been gone so long that they changed the date of spring on us. We thought it used to be March 21 and this year it is March 20th. We really do live in changing times, I suppose. HA!
We are immensely enjoying our time of rest. One thing we are especially finding delightful is the quietness of the country. It is so refreshing to wake up and hear the birds chirping and then having enough silence throughout the day to actually meditate. Doug says you can almost record your thoughts here. It is a direct contrast to the extremely noisy life we live everyday in D.R. with the loud motorcycles, the constant hum of the traffic, loud traffic horns, people hollaring, street vendors selling their products on microphones etc. We have now realized how all of the noise has caused us to not be able to meditate like we would like to. It has been refreshing to think on the Bible throughout the day and not have our thoughts interrupted. You don't realize it, but constant noise after a period of time, apparently takes a toll on your mind.
And, we no longer have to "yell" to hear one another. You can even whisper here and still hear each other. Amazing! Thank God for a time of refreshment!
We are immensely enjoying our time of rest. One thing we are especially finding delightful is the quietness of the country. It is so refreshing to wake up and hear the birds chirping and then having enough silence throughout the day to actually meditate. Doug says you can almost record your thoughts here. It is a direct contrast to the extremely noisy life we live everyday in D.R. with the loud motorcycles, the constant hum of the traffic, loud traffic horns, people hollaring, street vendors selling their products on microphones etc. We have now realized how all of the noise has caused us to not be able to meditate like we would like to. It has been refreshing to think on the Bible throughout the day and not have our thoughts interrupted. You don't realize it, but constant noise after a period of time, apparently takes a toll on your mind.
And, we no longer have to "yell" to hear one another. You can even whisper here and still hear each other. Amazing! Thank God for a time of refreshment!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Colds, Flus, and family time
The last several weeks have been full. We enjoyed a 5 day visit from Doug's brother and wife from Tennessee. It was a joy to see our little living miracle niece, Brooke. Two years ago she was fighting for her life. Today she is running around free from oxygen, tubes and wires. Praise the Lord! She is a little sweetheart who is full of life and twinkly eyes. We enjoyed spending time with Paul's family before they head off to Texas.
The children have also had their bouts of ear infections, colds and flu. We are all fine today except Regina is complaining of her ears hurting. One week we were to the doctor's office 2 times. I hope we don't have to make another visit for her.
We have taken 6 weeks off for some needed rest. It has been nice and we are realizing how tired we really are and how the stress from D.R. has affected us. It is nice to take a breather.
Doug's Gram celebrated her 80th birthday on Saturday. A big party was thrown in her honor. We were so thrilled to be home for this special celebration.
We didn't have snow last Monday, but we did have snow last Tuesday and then some more on Friday. It keeps melting in between snows so that makes it nice. We haven't seen any yet this week, although the weather is still pretty cold for this time of year. That's okay. We're soaking it up as much as we can. It is a nice change from the severe heat that we suffer from most of the year in D.R.
Will try to post some pictures of the Hoffman family as we were all reunited last weekend - as soon as we get them downloaded onto the computer.
The children have also had their bouts of ear infections, colds and flu. We are all fine today except Regina is complaining of her ears hurting. One week we were to the doctor's office 2 times. I hope we don't have to make another visit for her.
We have taken 6 weeks off for some needed rest. It has been nice and we are realizing how tired we really are and how the stress from D.R. has affected us. It is nice to take a breather.
Doug's Gram celebrated her 80th birthday on Saturday. A big party was thrown in her honor. We were so thrilled to be home for this special celebration.
We didn't have snow last Monday, but we did have snow last Tuesday and then some more on Friday. It keeps melting in between snows so that makes it nice. We haven't seen any yet this week, although the weather is still pretty cold for this time of year. That's okay. We're soaking it up as much as we can. It is a nice change from the severe heat that we suffer from most of the year in D.R.
Will try to post some pictures of the Hoffman family as we were all reunited last weekend - as soon as we get them downloaded onto the computer.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Enjoying the winter weather
We have been home in the States 3 Mondays and each Monday it has snowed. Today snow is falling and forecasters are saying we are to get six to twelve inches. The children are excited. Everyday Brandon asks if he can go sledriding. Most people would probably be complaining about the snow, but we are enjoying it's beauty as long as we can watch it from the inside.
Kim's aunt died Saturday evening. She was 83 years old. The Helfrick siblings (Kim's aunts and uncles) have dwindled down pretty rapidly in the last few years. Out of 13 siblings, 6 are currently living.
Life is so much easier in the States. We are enjoying getting things done in half the time it takes us to do them in the D.R.
Kim's aunt died Saturday evening. She was 83 years old. The Helfrick siblings (Kim's aunts and uncles) have dwindled down pretty rapidly in the last few years. Out of 13 siblings, 6 are currently living.
Life is so much easier in the States. We are enjoying getting things done in half the time it takes us to do them in the D.R.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Back in the good ole' USA
After many hours of packing and getting ready, our feet have safely touched American turf again. We were concerned about a snowstorm that was threatening to hit New York City, where we were to land. Because of many prayers that were going up in our behalf, we got in with no problem and the storm apparently went further north than had been anticipated. When we landed, there was no precipitation falling. We only encountered a few light snow showers on the way home to Pennsylvania from JFK airport.
After enjoying a graciously offered meal from some missionary friends in New York City, we began the trip to Pennsylvania. We arrived in around 2:00 a.m. and Ryan was awake at 7:00. We are now trying to recover from jet lag and after a bit of rest, will attempt to unpack and get settled in.
We are already enjoying some luxuries such as hot showers, being out of the heat, not having to rush to get laundry and other jobs done before the electricity goes out, and the complete peace of the country setting. We are just relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet and the scenery of beautiful mountains in our area! A nice change!!
The children were excellent travelers yesterday and Ryan is adjusting well to new faces and surroundings. Perhaps this place looks familiar to him. Brandon & Regina are enjoying Grandpa and Grandma and playing with different toys.
There is still another mountain left - moving in. But at least one mountain is down and that is the stress and strain of packing, getting here etc.
After enjoying a graciously offered meal from some missionary friends in New York City, we began the trip to Pennsylvania. We arrived in around 2:00 a.m. and Ryan was awake at 7:00. We are now trying to recover from jet lag and after a bit of rest, will attempt to unpack and get settled in.
We are already enjoying some luxuries such as hot showers, being out of the heat, not having to rush to get laundry and other jobs done before the electricity goes out, and the complete peace of the country setting. We are just relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet and the scenery of beautiful mountains in our area! A nice change!!
The children were excellent travelers yesterday and Ryan is adjusting well to new faces and surroundings. Perhaps this place looks familiar to him. Brandon & Regina are enjoying Grandpa and Grandma and playing with different toys.
There is still another mountain left - moving in. But at least one mountain is down and that is the stress and strain of packing, getting here etc.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Update on Mom
Mom's heart catheterization went very well. They did not find any blockage or any problem with her heart. The symptoms she is having are caused thought to be caused by reflux or arthritis. What a relief! We are thankful that it is nothing major. We can now go about our packing with a little less stress.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Catchin' up
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve been able to update this (in case you didn’t notice). After revival services and visitors, now it’s time to seriously start packing for the States. Suitcases have been pulled out and are being filled. We also try to visit as many of the church families as we can before we leave. It’s going to be a full 2 weeks.
We were happy to have Ralph & Ann Day visit us for 8 days. Bro. Day did many miscellaneous jobs such as finish a closet in Brandon’s bedroom, put a door handle on the truck, put a new door on a room, set up an alarm system for while we are gone etc. It was so nice to have him accomplish all of that for us.
Their grandaughter came along and helped with the children. They made a new friend and I think she took part of them home in her heart.
Doug’s mom is scheduled to have a heart catheterization on Monday at 9:30 a.m. We are hoping and praying that this goes well.
I guess we better gear up for COLD weather when we get to Pennsylvania. Our cold snap here in the Dominican of mid to high 60's early in the morning has seemingly diminished. It seems like the 2 months of cooler weather doesn’t last real long. We sure enjoyed it while it was here.
We were happy to have Ralph & Ann Day visit us for 8 days. Bro. Day did many miscellaneous jobs such as finish a closet in Brandon’s bedroom, put a door handle on the truck, put a new door on a room, set up an alarm system for while we are gone etc. It was so nice to have him accomplish all of that for us.
Their grandaughter came along and helped with the children. They made a new friend and I think she took part of them home in her heart.
Doug’s mom is scheduled to have a heart catheterization on Monday at 9:30 a.m. We are hoping and praying that this goes well.
I guess we better gear up for COLD weather when we get to Pennsylvania. Our cold snap here in the Dominican of mid to high 60's early in the morning has seemingly diminished. It seems like the 2 months of cooler weather doesn’t last real long. We sure enjoyed it while it was here.
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