“I find it very funny how we picture things that we have never seen before and then when we see it we find it to be very different then what we pictured. The same thing happened when I thought of the D.R. Poor, dirty, sad, crowded and different. How could I possibly judge somewhere that I had never even seen before? Well, the USA is all that I know. So any other place besides home would definitely be different and scary. Not so, however, NOT SO. The Dominican Republic is my most favorite place on earth now. After 5 days of work, play, shopping, and sleeping I finally understand the wonderful life the Dominicans really have. I have much appreciation for the people that I met during our stay. They truly know how to live on the edge, with no regrets. They taught me how to love unconditionally, even when you have never met an American before. Beautiful people, beautiful language, and a beautiful country. They should be so proud to have grown up in such a beautiful country. I wish I could have traveled there sooner.
Genesis, is a beautiful girl that I met in Cotui. She loved to take pictures with my camera, and she loved being my personal photographer. She was so fun to be with. Such a gentle spirit she had. She wasn’t afraid to love me, even though I was an Americana, and she had never seen me before. Such FAITH is needed to love someone at first sight!
I will very much miss the wonderful food, the warm weather, the lovely smiles on the faces of beautiful people, and the overall atmosphere that the culture creates for everyone who enters their country. The experience was extraordinary, and I will certainly never forget it. I hope that by reading this, you can too have a little glimpse into what I experienced. I hope that you will take a leap of faith, go out on a limb, take a deep breathe, and enjoy the wonderful world outside of your home. Such an amazing experience should be shared with all of the world, and it should be lived over and over again.”
-Kate, 15 (Minnesota) Dominican Republic Trip April 25-29, 2011