A Day in Education, Los Higos

“Education Los Higos is a wonderful little school for 2, 3, and 4 year old kids. The plan is to educate them in the Bible before they graduate to a private school where the Word of God cannot be preached. 

Hector the site leader along with his wife and many of his new friends teach at this school, and they do an outstanding job. Sometimes they are just outside standing! (I’m sorry for the joke). They really pour into their students to make sure that the children come back changed. New. Closer to God. Not only do Hector and his “gang” pour into the international students lives, but also the lives of the children. They get exposed to the Gospel at such an early age that the plan is that they will keep it throughout their lives and want to grow closer to God in an environment that doesn’t approve. The work that Education Los Higos does is truly the work of God.“

-Justin Lew

A Day in Special Education, Genesis

“Every day at Genesis is exciting and new. A typical day starts off with a morning devotional. Then we split up and help in various classrooms, do office work, and assist with therapy. After working in the classrooms for a couple of hours we have lunch. After lunch, we read to the kids in Spanish and sing songs with them. Then we clean up and head back to base. Other days we have painted classrooms, visited houses in the community, and done art with the kids.

I have loved getting to know all the kids and play with them during recess. The kids vary from ages 4-19, and they have various disabilities from autism to cerebral palsy to learning disabilities. Everyone at Genesis has been a great blessing in my life from the staff to the kids. Their continuous joy in their own trials and difficulties has been a huge light in my Christian walk.”

-Grace Birgel

A Day in Community Health

“A day in the medic site is never the same but is always crazy. The students take blood pressure, pulses, blood sugar, and every other vital. We talk to the patients to understand their condition and develop relationships. My favorite patients are the kids because they are so full of life and patient with our attempts to speak Spanish. Whether we go to someone’s home to provide medical care or set up a clinic in the middle of a town, we always bond with the patients. 

Today, we saw into the life of a typical obgyn office. We felt a baby’s head and heard the heart beat. Fernando tells us the symptoms and explains what it means and how to treat it. While we’ve all learned so much about medicine, we have learned what it means to incorporate our faith into everything we do.”

- Kiley McCombs and Sam McCutcheon

Community Dinner (from last Thursday)

“We went back to the preschool and ate with some of the people from the community. After that, we played HeadsUp and attempted our best Spanish. It was the best time ever.” - Nona (Education, El Callejon)

“We ate at the house of one of the kids on the baseball team. His mom made us the traditional Hispanic rice, chicken, potato salad, and plantains. It was delicious and after, we talked outside of the house with members of the neighborhood and it was a good time with the amazing weather.” - Toby (Men’s Sports)

“Community dinner was absolutely fantastic. We met an amazing woman, and my new friend Ally left our host family a very special present.” - Kelsey (Education, Mata Gorda)

“We ate with Melvin who is on staff at Genesis. The dinner was delicious, and we enjoyed his wonderful view of the sunset over the mountains. It was an amazing time with amazing people.” - Grace (Genesis, Special Education)

“The moment we walked to meet the family, I could feel their hospitality. I’ve honestly never had a more delicious meal in my life, and I’ve never felt so pleasantly happy as I felt while I was with them. It really was an indescribably sweet moment.” - Cathy (Physical Therapy)

“The great food, welcoming people, and the unforgettable conversation were the essence of this community dinner. It was the epitome of the Dominican Hospitality.” - Justin (Education, Los Higos)

“Great family, great hospitality, great food, great dominoes!!!” - Mr. Chong (Appropriate Technology)

“Dominican food is amazing but the hospitality was life changing.” -Priscilla Kendrick (Women’s Sports)

“We have learned so much about involving culture and religion into medicine. We have overcome language barriers and have learned how to take vitals in the hopes to invest our love in the country that has been so hospitable to us.” -Kiley McCombs (Community Health)

“I ate so much food.” - Hannah (Dentistry)

A Day in Men’s Sports

“A day in the Men’s sport site is always an amazing but different experience. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we work with the 12-13 year olds and on Tuesdays and Thursdays we are with the 8-9 year olds. Also, on Tuesdays and Thursdays there is batting cages at the base in the afternoon for the advanced group. 

A typical day for our site is pretty simple. After breakfast, Dave drives us to the baseball field and on the way, we usually pick up 3-4 kids. We get to the field at around 9 where the majority of the team is waiting for us. The team then warms up and after, we do drills from 9 to 11 and then the last hour we scrimmage with the boys. After scrimmaging, one team member from our site gives their devotion for 5-10 mins. After, we go back to the base for lunch and “ciesta time” and meet back up again at around 2. Once it is 2, depending on the day, what we do varies. It could be batting cages, getting smoothies or haircuts, swimming with the boys, or just relaxing at the base. The boys and the site leaders have been amazing and changed our lives and perspectives. It has been an outstanding experience.”

- Toby Calilap and Gage Young

A Day in Women’s Sports

“A day in the Women’s Sport site is very unique in that we get to build relationships with the kids throughout our time here because we see them multiple times a week. First every morning we get to run a practice with one of our teams and play games with them. In the afternoon we spend our lunches at the children’s education site el Callejon and get to see others in our group. After lunch we practice again with the freshman, jv, and varsity teams at another site. 

One of our favorite times of the day is our siesta time at lunch because we get to take a nice nap, but the chairs and too small for us. A moment that we cherished is when our site leader Mabe took our group to a waterfall and we were able to spend some alone time with God and reflect on our trip and our purpose. Our site leader has made such a huge impact on our life and the lives of those in the community. She had 10 teams this year and pours into the kids daily with devotions and prayer. Not only is she a rock in her community but had also motivated and encouraged us. 

We are extremely sad to leave all of our new amigos behind but we can’t wait to tell you about everything !!!

-Priscilla Kendrick, Becca Neighbors, Cassidy Rosso, Natalia Hoyos

Worship Night

A Day in Physical Therapy

“A typical day at the PT site goes along these lines: we usually head over to the nursing home in the morning. The patients need to be stretched, which is usually the most difficult part, because they often resist the stretches or scream in order to get out of exercising, which can be scary! We help patients get into their homes or fetch them what they need, and finally, we have group therapy! It’s my absolute favorite because we often have dance parties or play Simon Says, and the seniors are so genuinely invested in the  activity! Sometimes the special ed school Genesis joins us and dances along, which is the most wonderful sight in the world! 

Once we return to the office, we cater to patients with more specific needs, but with the same kindness in their hearts. Each and every person I have met through this trip has changed me. My group leader, Silvio, and the rest of the group were always trusting me to do things on my own—things that I would never be allowed to even attempt without supervision in the US! I can’t help but smile when I think of patients who held my hand so comfortably and smiled and conversed with me so patiently. The people I have met on this trip have allowed me to trust in my own abilities and to have faith in a Creator who never breaks His promises, while showing me a new depth of His love.”

- Cathy Kollmorgen

A Day in Dentistry

“It’s been amazing working alongside Vanesa at the Dentistry site. The knowledge that I’ve gained working at the clinic is incredible. Dentistry was not my first choice, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.  A day at the site is pretty hectic but super fun. I start by making the trays and putting new ones next to the chairs. Vanesa is usually there a little later than I am so Mariela, Vanesa’s assistant, and I wait to get patients ready. Once Vanesa gets there we start bringing the patients in, and we work on their teeth. I usually man the suction tubes, but I sometimes end up with a bit more responsibility. This repeats until the truck comes to pick me up. It’s cool to see how Vanesa works and the dynamic of the whole clinic is incredible to watch. It’s also a huge blessing when Vanesa takes time out of her busy day to minister to me. She asks me where I am in my faith and helps me understand how to deal with fear and how to have more faith. ”   

- Hannah Thangiah

Typical Afternoon Free Time

Dominoes all day, everyday

Self defense class

Nap crew

Cass ‘n Co. hiking crew

A Day in Education, El Callejon

“This is my third time working with Joel and the amazing children at the Education, El Callejon site, and I can honestly say it keeps getting better every time I visit. From the fun songs we sing in the morning to the fantastic games we play all day long, this site has left me awestruck and more grateful. Joel is so much fun to work with and teaches me and the other team members about patience and grace. 

A day at the site consists of us being met with laughter and greetings from all the kids, welcoming us with hugs and smiles. We play on the playground for a little while, and after that, Joel sings some songs with them and reads a Bible passage. For the next half hour we read with them. Finally, we have siesta time, where the kids go home, and we get to eat lunch and nap. Later in the day, the kids either come back or we go on a fun adventure, like today where we got pineapple popsicles and spend more time laughing together or playing card games.” 

-Nona Pittman

A New Week

Here we are at the beginning of our second week, and we’re starting it off right.

Pizza Party

“Pizza was good, but the company was even better.” - Hannah

After church tonight, we all had a great time having pizza with Dan and Twyla and fam! We may have ordered a bit too much, but we’re excited for the leftovers we’ll get to work on this week. Some of the team may be regretting getting coffee from a cute cafe next door right before bed...but the frappes tasted so good!

In all seriousness though, we really are pretty tired from the day out, so time to get to bed early to be able to start off the week right! 

Goodnight, all!

Off to Church

Sunday with the Grozenski’s!

Our Sunday has had a nice, relaxing start. After breakfast, the Grozenski’s took the Shepherd group and us to a local pool where the teams were able to hang out in the pool or down by the river, play card games/dominoes/ping pong/tennis, or just sit in the shade around the pool talking.

After getting cleaned up back at the base, we’re all going to join Dan and Twyla’s church as the church celebrates their 21st anniversary this afternoon! Then, we get to have pizza in town together before going back for a movie night with all the other teams at the base.

It’s been a good weekend, which has been helpful for trying to get the kids their energy back for the week ahead. If you think of us, be praying for the kids’ strength and health as we head into this next week. They’re doing great! But, they’re going to be stretched this next week.

Off to Shopping in Town!

Excursion Day! (Updated with Quotes)

Hiking and white water rafting people are super stoked and getting ready to head out!

“Worst hike ever. But the waterfall made it worth it.” - Hannah 

“The hike was so much fun but also very tiring. I don’t think I need to do another leg day ever again” -Nona

“It was so much fun to go white water rafting. Our team got plants in our helmets, and we got first place! I can’t wait to go shopping!” -Kiley

“Our guide on the raft was hilarious and gave us some delicious wild mangos in the middle of the trip” Natalia

“Our group was the best (Me, Gage, Sam, PK, Becca) and didn’t get stuck once. We were an absolute unit.” - Toby

“If you already read Toby’s statement, although he would like to think his group was the best river rafting team, the truth was that it was actually our group (Me, Paul Chong, Kiley, Cassidy). Not only did we finish primero uno, but our guide gave us super neat helmet accessories to make us more special. It was the best!” - Cathy

A Day in the Education, Mata Gorda Site

Usually we wake up, do devos, have a great message to start our day off, and eat an amazing Dominican breakfast to energize us for the rest of the day! We have a beautiful drive on our way to the preschool filled with much laughter and fellowship. 

I have the pleasure of being with Dan’s wife Twyla and our other site leader, Joanna. Both of their kids come with us to our site. When we arrive we play with the kids and teach them some basic writing of the alphabet and their numbers and colors. Then we have recess which is basically everyone climbing on our backs screaming “cabaillto” which means horse ride which is what we call a piggyback ride! So nothing but “cabailltos” for about 15-20 mins! Then they go in for table time with fun games, and we read them a book! After that when it’s a full day we eat lunch with them, and an amazing cook makes an AMAZING Dominican lunch for us which contains rice, beans seasoned to perfection and a delicious meat. Then the sweet kids lay down for a nap time and me and my site team go hangout in the back. 

My team is Sierra Ritter, Allyson and Sarah from Shepherd which are some of the most God-fearing and God-loving women I have ever known and loved! We then crack open my guitar and take turns playing and singing worship songs in God’s BEAUTIFUL creation for an hour and a half with Twyla’s son Luke (5 yr) and Joanna’s kids Joandres (11), Andres (9) and Esther (6). Then we go back to the base and continue more fellowship, as we are immersed into the beautiful Dominican culture. I could seriously get used to the cooking here! (Sorry, Mom!) 

- Kelsey Eagen

A Day in the AT Site

Yesterday was our first full day at the Appropriate Technology Site. We started our day hanging out with a lady named Meca. She provided us chairs and coffee, and let us just sit on her porch despite having never met us. The hospitality of the Dominican culture is amazing, and their ability to sit and just spend time together is something that is both cool and challenging, especially with our American mindset of go-go-go.  Our site leader Dan has a true heart for the people, and he sees the water filters as a way to start relationships with people in the community, instead of only valuing the productivity of his site. 

Later yesterday morning, we got to clean and grease the water filter molds, and we planned to pour the concrete sometime today. We then went to talk to a woman named Isabel. She was one of the first women involved in the church which started in the very patio where we build the filters. Dan attends this church and calls her a “pillar” of the community he works in. She has lung problems, and still she so graciously hosted us and talked with us for awhile. She was such a joy to spend time with, and it was amazing to be able to spend time with such a faithful fellow believer. 

After lunch, we headed to Jarabacoa to purchase a cake for Meca, whose birthday was yesterday. We headed back to her house and got to sing to her and share some delicious cake. We spent the rest of the afternoon with Meca, enjoying her company and getting to know each other better. We are so excited to be a part of a site that meets physical needs and yet ultimately focuses on the people and their souls. We don’t have a set schedule for each day, but there is no doubt the next week and a half will be filled with welcoming hospitality, authentic conversations, and bright Dominican culture. 

- Paul Chong and Dani Reagan

And, It’s Thursday!

Starting the day off right! It’s a beautiful morning here in Jarabacoa, and the kids are getting up a little bit later than usual. But we’re just about to start our normal prayer/devotion/worship time here at the base. Most of us have gotten our coffee, a couple are chasing chickens, but all of us are ready to go!

First Team Time

The team was definitely feeling a bit more tired coming into base this afternoon after having a full day at their sites. It’s unusually warm for this time of year, so we were definitely glad to be able to take this evening pretty easy. We just finished a team time, where Heritage was able to just get together and share how it’s been going along with questions, blessings, and prayer requests.

Starting tomorrow afternoon, the blog will start featuring “A Day in ______ ,” where each site will get a chance to share what one of their days has looked like thus far in the trip along with pictures!

Off to Sites!

We’re off to the first full day at sites!! We’ll check in with you all after! Happy Wednesday!

The Games have Begun

The kids have a lot of energy after going to their sites for only half  the day! So, the games have begun- the cards, the basketball, the chaos...otherwise known as team bonding!

Orientation Day!

The kids are all awake and ready to go! This morning we’re going to go ahead and have our first devotion time, followed by breakfast and then an orientation from the SI outreach staff. Then after lunch, the kids are going to get to meet their site leaders and have some time for site orientation as well, where they’ll be able to actually spend half a day in their sites in with the groups they are going to be working in for the next two weeks.

The team is doing really well and has already had some good hangout time this morning!