May 6th - 17th we went back to visit my mission in the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo West mission). We got to stay in the patron housing, below the CCM (MTC) there, which was on the temple grounds. It was a beautiful place to stay, always offering a refreshing view after walking through the city streets all day.
Since I am no longer a missionary, I was finally able to swim in the ocean, wear shorts, and kiss a girl (Megan). We got to go to the beach a couple of different days. This is at Boca Chica beach, a pretty white-sand beach. However, very much a tourist trap and not enjoyable for just lazing by the ocean.
Palenque beach, however, was a dream. No one there was trying to sell us stuff and we had the beach all to ourselves. When we were out in the water, there was an entire school of fish swimming around us with their heads up and eyes poking out of the water. They just kept circling us, reminiscent of some scenes from Jaws. Too bad they were only 6 inch fish.
We got to visit the Frias Jimenez family, a family I got to teach and baptize. They were extremely energetic, very hospitable, and a lot of fun. All of the kids age 13 and under were consistently talking to Megan with the little English they knew, trying to teach her Spanish, showing her how to play games ....... showing off their strength....
... and teaching us their "dance moves."
We had a wonderful time and hope to plan a return trip sometime in the future!
