Today was an amazing day down here in the Dominican Republic on many levels. Although I leave tomorrow to come home, I am not returning alone. I'll be bringing memories of all the kids we had the opportunity to help and meet while we were down here home with me.
I've been feeling like I wanted to help others who were less fortunate than myself for the past six months or so. I didn't know what I wanted to do, or how I could help, and then this opportunity arose. I personally believe that everything happens for a reason and I immediately decided I wanted to go.
I purposefully decided to not draw any preconceived notions of what it was going to be like. I've seen presentations from people who have attended mission trips in the past, so I had an idea of what it MIGHT be like, but I decided to just go and let the experience happen. WOW am I glad I did. I would have never guessed in a million years how powerful it would be!
Today we visited the Sanisi House which is a home for children with AIDS. The children ranged in ages from six months to around 15 years old. There were approximately 25 children that live in the home which is a three story house with six bedrooms and lots of bunk beds.
The home is run by a married couple. Their names are Luis and Rosa. What an absolutely incredible, selfless couple. We were talking to them when we first arrived and one of the team members mentioned how much respect we have for them. Luis became overcome with emotion and left the room to regain his composure and returned a few seconds later. This couple is so passionate about those children and they treat every single one of them as if they are their own. They do it all by themselves with the assistance of the older children.
While we were there we noticed there wasn't any electricity. We found out the government doesn't turn it on for them except for random times. They don't have any idea of when and they aren't notified. It was off the entire day and all of a sudden around 3:00pm I heard the kids cheering as it came on. They could then do Karaoke on the TV and listen to CD's in their stereo. All of us here in the United States, regardless of our political affilliation should thank our lucky stars that we don't have such an insensitive government.
We spent the day building shelves in the children's bedroom closets. The walls are made of concrete and we had to rely on a generator to power the drills. While some of our team built the shelves, others played games with and did arts and crafts with the children. The kids would just walk up and give you hugs randomly and CONSTANTLY smile. Again, although there was a huge language barrier, it seemed as though we all spoke the same language.
When it was time to leave for the day my heart broke. I didn't want to say goodbye because although I am absolutely going back, I am not sure if those beautiful little children will still be with us when I do return. What a horrible reality. As we were leaving those little cuties were standing at the gate with their huge smiles waving goodbye to us. That was one of the most difficult moments of my life.
Although I came to the Dominican Republic hoping to help others who were less fortunate than myself, they ended up helping me and giving me far more than I could ever have done or could give them. If you have never been on a mission trip before, or if you find yourself at the same spot in your life that I found myself, do something about it! If you don't know who to contact you can always contact Vision Trust which is the organization that hosted us, or you can contact me and I'll put you in touch with the right people.
I know there are a million opportunities around the world to help, but I would love for you to go see the amazing children I spent the last four days of my life with. Thank you for allowing me to share this incredible journey with you, and thank you for all the very kind words. I've added some more photos from today to my Facebook page. Go check them out if you get a chance.
