Dominican 2018

We just got back from a family trip to the Dominican Republic with an amazing group of people. This is my 6th and Dave’s 7th trip there with Shine the Light. Our friends Brent and Wendy lead a team there three times a year. They have a big heart for the Dominican and the people there. They have built so many incredible relationships down there and have poured into many peoples lives. The whole organization is volunteer run, so all of the donations go directly to the cause.

The last few years they’ve been working in a village called El Javillar. We took our kids there 2 1/2 years ago and the first day we pulled up into the village on this trip, the people still remembered us. There was one lady who brought Nolan onto her front porch to play with her while we were building a home across the road. She literally had one toy and was so willing and excited to share it with Nolan. She remembered us all and gave us a warm greeting with big hugs!

It is truly remarkable to travel to a different country and sort of feel like you are ‘home’. Knowing and building relationships with people there has been so beautiful.

Every time we go, we truly want to help in anyway we can and teach our children about giving and serving and the importance of loving people. Truthfully though, we always leave with more then what we came down with. We go to serve and to help but we come home with fresh perspective and a greater appreciation for our life here. We also come home with many thoughts and reflections on why we do what we do. Why do we spend our time the way we do? Why do we spend our money the way we do? Why do we put such an importance on things that really don’t matter? We go to be a blessing but come home way richer then when we left.

Many people have asked what we did there and let me tell you, it was an adventure packed week! The team built a house for a family there. Their old home before would flood every time it rained. At the end of our week there they had a beautiful new home that they could enjoy with no fear of rain coming. Can you imagine? Every time it rained your house flooding? They were in tears the day we presented the keys to them. So grateful for their new home and the new life it brings with it.

My hubby worked hard helping and our little Nolan was in there like a dirty shirt helping too. I helped on the painting day but was able to do other little things around the village with the kids that was helpful in other ways.

The first day in the village, Gemma, Joelle and I did what they call a ‘kitchen encounter’ where we were invited into a local families home, we brought them groceries and then they showed us how to make a typical Dominican meal. Working along side of them in their kitchen was an extremely eye opening experience. We used a knife to open up cans, an old board for a cutting board and had about a foot of counter space to work with. Here is Gemma pounding up the garlic. (I have no idea why she is wearing a hoodie.)

Enjoying some fresh coconut juice.Every day we rode in the back of a truck to the village and that ride was definitely a hit.  The traffic there is truly insane. Horses, motorbikes, vehicles honking and people EVERYWHERE. It is truly entertaining.

There are about a bazillion dogs in the village. This little guy was the kids favourite.One day we went and visited a man named Chalo who had a shop in the village. They make beautiful leather purses, shoes, wallets and bags all by hand. I loved seeing these old sewing machines and how they make all these things. We left with a belt so Dave’s pants would stop falling down and a wallet. Our fearless leaders on the job site.On Sunday, Wendy and I and the kids led a morning program at the community center for the kids. We were told we would have around 30-40 children and we ended up having 72. Pure chaos but the kids had a blast and we all slept REALLY well that night. Our kids were in there teaching the kids what to do for the craft, helping with object lessons and singing at the top of their lungs.  Gemma loved snuggling the babies in the village.This is Wendy. Her and her hubby Brent lead these trips. She can have her work gear on, be sweating like mad and still somehow look incredible. But truly the most beautiful thing about her is her heart for Jesus and people.Don’t under estimate this tiny little lady. She was in there hauling concrete on the job site like you wouldn’t believe.
A few shots from the job site. There is always an incredible team we have the privilege to get to know. They all loved on our kids and took them under their wings. Ian became Nolan’s new best bud and Gemma had so much fun hanging with all the ladies. Thank you to the team for loving on our little family.The ladies all walk around with big massive curlers in their hair. It’s the best.

One day I got to take 5 girls from the village who had just celebrated their 15th birthday out for an afternoon of photoshoots. Their “Quinceanera” is a REALLY big deal for them. Bigger then highschool or college graduation. Wendy had gotten a bunch of dresses donated so we could bring them along and pamper the girls for an afternoon. This type of afternoon would be quite common for girls in North America, but in the Dominican, something they would only dream of being able to do. They were just giddy all afternoon. They loved every minute of it.
This was the crew leader on the job site. There is so much joy, laughter and fun that happens while the house is being built. His smile says it all. This beautiful lady broke her legs a few years ago and now just sits here on her bed. We kept our bags in this house and every time we went in we made sure to give her some love and attention. She had five children and her 3 sons have all died now. We didn’t always have a translator when we went to visit her but we did always take time to just hold her hand or sing her a little song. Painting day!Here’s my famjam. Finally got a shot of all of us together. Our amazing leaders, Brent and Wendy and their incredible boys, Jonah and Isaian. We love you guys and our kids had so much fun hanging out with you! Thank you for leading these trips and inspiring so many people to live different.Here is the family we built the house for-minus one of our team members!The famous pigeon stop. That is bird seed in their hair, not pigeon poop.Here is our whole team. I have about a bazillion more memories and photos I could share but hopefully this gives you a bit of a glimpse of our trip. I HIGHLY recommend www.shinethelight.ca if you’d like to take your family or yourself on an amazing trip. We are hooked and can’t wait for the next time we can go. Check out their website for more details!