This trip has been surreal for me.
This was my first mission trip ever, and I was kinda nervous about coming, but
I am so glad I did. The entire experience opened my eyes to how the rest of the
world lives. I knew I was blessed living in Findlay, but I had no idea how
sheltered I was until I came to here. The DR is such a beautiful country, even
though the people here have absolutely nothing. The kids we work with every day
are incredible, and I’ve been having so much fun using my Spanish when talking
to them. Mrs. Murray (my Spanish
teacher) would be proud. I have made so many friends here, American and
Dominican. The sports camp is an awesome way to help us relate and have fun
with the kids. So far I’ve only been a group leader, where you lead a group of
kids around to the different stations in the camp. It’s hard to keep up with all
the kid’s energy, but I can’t stop laughing when I’m with them. The girls here
have a fascination with my hair; they could probably play with it all day. At
one point I had five Dominican girls tugging my hair all over the place. Sunday
has been my favorite day so far. Watching how the people worship here is unlike
anything I’ve seen before. Literally every single person gets up and claps,
dances, and sings their hearts out. The service is so loud the entire time. I
honestly think I lost some of my hearing because it was so loud. Even so, the
joy everyone felt in the tiny church was indescribable. All in all, in some
ways I miss home, but I know I’ll be coming back here next year for sure
because this trip has been unforgettable. Our God is the same here as He is in
America, and He is so good.
~ McKenna DiRe
This trip for me has been really
eye opening in many different ways. As like many other people this was my first
mission trip ever and to be honest I never thought I would be on one. I am so
glad I am here, at this amazing place with these wonderful kids. Helping out at
camp, playing with the kids and teaching them different sports and about God has
been one of my favorite parts. They come into camp with big smiles on their
faces and leave with even bigger smiles. Seeing the people here and knowing
they have absolutely nothing but can be so happy has really been something I
will never be able to forget. My favorite day would have to be Sunday; I have
never seen anything like it before. They make church and worshiping something
you could never forget. Seeing how everyone is standing up, clapping, and
dancing brings a huge smile to your face. It really didn't matter how old they were
they would be standing up dancing along. I love how everyone here is so kind
and warm welcoming to us Americans. I have made so many little friends who I
will never forget. The little girls here are absolutely adorable! All they want
to do is play with my hair. The boys are all pretty crazy, but all very loving.
Being here in the Dominican has really shown me that being happy doesn't mean
everything has to be perfect in my life.
~Laura
