The last day in the Dominican proved to be fruitful. We ended the day at our worksight and left saddened that we had to leave the locals behind. Many were even asking us when we would return and even if they could fly home with us. Going to the United States is a dream the Haitians living in the DR can not even fathom. This put many things into perspective for me. I never realized the basic necessities I took for granted before taking this trip. The children wanted the simple toys such as a ball or coloring books. These basic toys were a novelty to them.
A couple in our mission group brought down a soccer ball for all of us to play. This is one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. This bonded our group with the locals and allowed us to laugh and play together.
The Haitians are in the DR because many years ago they harvested sugar cane. The country allowed them to stay because then the country did not have to pay Haiti each year the workers returned. When the sugarcane industry went under these Haitians were left unemployed and usually homeless. In this country there is much racial tension between the native born Dominicans and the Haitians. One of the jobs that many Haitians sought out after the sugarcane industry was spreading the word of Christ. This resulted in our mission group building a home for one of the pastors. This particular pastor walked to the church everyday and routinely got robbed when he would go home. He just recently acquired some land behind the church and allowed for us to help build there.
Here is the pastor and his family standing in the home when we left. Our group leader will return next week to help finish the roof and floor. The pastor was so grateful for the work we did. He said he had been praying to God for a change in his circumstances for years. He told us we were a reminder to him the God cares about him and his family. God is using us as his hands to shed light on this small community in Santo Domingo. The joy this brought us was overwhelming.
We left with the Haitians wanting us to return. I hope to visit them in the future and continue to spread the word of Christ to them. Throughout my time in the DR the locals and I had many conversations about being a Christian. Even amongst all their pain and the feeling of worthlessness, they know that God cares about them.
I am so thankful to have taken this trip and learned about a new culture. I am thankful to have this experience to use my Spanish all while conversing about God. Thank you God for allowing our group to spread the news of you.
Santo Domingo Mission Trip 2016
I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. -Psalm 89:1-2
The organization I traveled with is the Dispatch Project. Check it out. www.dispatchproject.com
Lots of Love,
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