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Our group from Centenary United Methodist Church was struck by a stomach bug during our mission trip to Barahona, Dominican Republic, which posed an obstacle midweek, but spirits never dropped. Everyone worked as hard as they could when they could.

For the majority of the week, our task was to scrape and paint the inside and outside of a school. We went as a United Methodist Volunteers In Mission team working with an evangelical church in Barahona.

The last day of our trip, we headed outside Barahona to the Bateyes, which are small settlements of displaced Haitians who had been brought over to work in the sugar cane fields three generations ago. We stopped in one of the poorest areas to build two latrines.

We were surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of true poverty. The children and adults were scantily clad, and the goats, donkeys and chickens wandered loose around the small, makeshift homes.

Yet there was a peace. The smiles of the children were infectious. The gratitude of the people was overwhelming. We wanted to give so much more.

Our hearts were breaking and yet they were so full: 

“One of the first things I noticed was the happiness on the people’s faces. They wouldn’t stop smiling, and if I hadn’t known better, I would say they had everything they ever needed. But the thing is, they didn’t. There wasn’t constant electricity, hot showers or even sanitized running water, yet they were so glad with what they had. Until I went to their church service, I was convinced they were crazy. Who could ever be so happy about so little? I saw them worshipping God and realized they already had everything they needed.”

— Eric Lucas, senior, Grimsley High 

“This trip was an eye-opener for all of the youth as well as adults that ventured to the Dominican Republic. The most significant experience was that it is not what you have in life, but how happy you choose to be with the things you have. Though the people may have fewer material possessions, their sense of community and love for one another outweighs any amount of money. They are content with what they have and overall seem to be much happier than us due to their relationships with one another and their loving nature.”

— Aaron Snider, senior, Western Guilford High  

“Our mission was not to change the world; our mission was simply to paint a school and build latrines. Having little expectations coming to the Dominican Republic, we emerged stronger — spiritually, mentally and physically. Our mission became more than painting a school, it became a beacon of hope and joy for a young child. It became more than hearing a man of God’s vision for an orphanage but acting upon it. And it became more than a once in a lifetime opportunity but a source for continued service.”

— Lauren Temoche, sophomore, UNC-Chapel Hill 

“My favorite part of the trip was seeing the children’s faces light up from just seeing a soccer ball or even seeing new people come visit them. It was like the reason we were there was to realize how many blessings God has provided us with, and it’s our turn to appreciate everything we have even if it may not seem like much. The people in the Dominican Republic knew how to live happily through their faith when many Americans would look at their lifestyles and wonder how they make it through the day.”

— Mindy Scott, freshman,Appalachian State University 

“Many of us in the group headed out on this trip ready to help change people’s lives. We had no idea how much our own lives would be changed. I found a new appreciation for all that I have.

“We have been back now for about four weeks, and I just e-mailed one of the people I met down there. Sixteen minutes later, I received an e-mail back saying how much we are missed and remembered by everyone down there. The country is beautiful, and the people truly show the love of Christ to everyone. Having this opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic strengthened my calling to help others whether local or far away because God truly blesses those who help others.”

— Diane Creamer, senior, Weaver Academy