Trip Reflections | Vicky

International Block 2013 has been a wild ride. The transition from Canada to Dominican culture has been an exciting but difficult experience. Every IBlock group sees things differently and every student interprets it differently too. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Dominican and I have learned things about God, my peers, and myself.
 I think back to the weeks and days before the trip and it feels like ages ago. Before the trip even began everyone was emotionally in a different place. Some were so pumped and excited about traveling to a different country yet others didn't know what to expect so were a little hesitant. Personally, I was not excited the weeks before the trip; but when it came to the day before the trip I was ready and so excited to see what was in store for all of us. Many of my peers were the opposite. They were excited the weeks before but nervous the day of. This roller coaster of emotion has continued throughout the trip. Everyone reacts differently and we all really needed to be there for everyone at different times.
        Day 1 in the Dominican everyone was excited but unsure what to expect. We had to get in the mindset that things change in the Dominican and that's one of the reasons why Rachael doesn't tell us what's happening until the day of the event. You never know what’s going to happen. The weeks to follow were filled with busy days teaching English, visiting with kids involved in the compassion program, and working at the shop fixing and assembling desks. This sounds like fun right and it was. I think I speak for the whole group when I say that everyday was an incredible adventure. However, by the end of the day, we were all pretty exhausted. There were more than a few times when I wanted to hang up my hat and just take a break. But nope, that wasn't an option. We were expected to be up at 7:00 the next morning for breakfast.
        Looking back at those weeks of rotation I'm so glad that Rachael pushed us to keep on going but knew when a break was needed. Aside from our regular rotations Monday through Thursday, we did tons of group activities on the weekends. Friday's were different every week, Saturdays were dedicated to Ina's Village, and on Sunday’s we went to church and communicated with family and friends. These last 8 weeks have been busy!
        The Dominican Republic has taught me so much, more than I ever would have thought. It has taught me to trust in God like never before and to be flexible. When Max had his accident the trip was turned upside down. We never really realized how much this trip relies on Max and Kina. We needed them but plans changed! Max needed to return to Canada and we wanted him to go, his injury was serious. In the end, everything worked out. Kina ended up coming back a week later and the next thing we knew, we were on the bus going to Sabona Grande (Sabona Grande was possibly going to be cancelled because we didn’t have Max). God was with us. Another difficult thing that was inevitable was saying goodbye. We were forced to say alot of these throughout the trip. Goodbyes are tough. We had our last Saturday at Ina’s and we had to load the bus and wave goodbye, possibly never to see them again. God has a plan for those kids. As much as I want to take all these kids home and out of their poverty, I can’t; but God has them in his hands just like he has me. He is always with us. He’s not going anywhere. It’s really hard to trust God like this especially when we see so much poverty and wonder why. How can God be with them? They don’t even know if they have dinner, or breakfast for the next day. Everything will be just fine.
        Now here we are at day 56, the final day of our Dominican adventure. We made it! It’s been an amazing opportunity and we are so blessed. I came into this trip thinking that we were going to do so much for these people. But really, they have done so much for us. The Dominican people have impacted us so much more that we could have ever impacted them. The joy flowing out of these people that have so little is incredible. Seeing churches praise God like I have never seen before even in their situations when they wonder if they will be able to afford dinner. Hearing the kids at compassion praying for those who are less fortunate is unreal. I look at our group now and I see very different people than when we started. What we have seen has greatly affected our attitudes, hearts, minds, and really, our whole lives. We have experienced things and met people that we will never forget and will cherish forever. The crazy God stories that we have heard and been apart of will never be forgotten.
        Group dynamics have immensely changed since day 1. I have learned so much about people and relationships between people. It is so important to give everyone space to be who they are. Everyone is different.
        During our trip we have been watching a James McDonald Bible study series called “Lord, Change my attitude.” One of the lines that he continues to say over and over again is “Attitude is everything!” It is so true. Your not always going to be put in the easiest situations here but put a smile on and get to work. You can do anything you set your mind to. Your cup is either half empty, or half full, it’s your choice.
        This trip has been stretching in so many different ways. It’s had it’s ups and downs, roses and thorns, and it has not been easy; but it’s been worth every second.
        I am comforted by the words of David, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28:20.
        God has blessed us with this amazing experience. We have been a blessing and we have been blessed. It will be a difficult transition going back to Canada but I’m excited. God will do amazing things through every single one of us. God is so good.