Well, where to start. There are so many stories and memories that I could share with you from my International Block Trip. Stories about teaching english to the children to stories of the different construction jobs we did, to stories of playing with children in the orphanage. I could honestly share so many. But instead I am going to share with you about my overall experience. I am so thankful to have been apart of this trip. This trip has definitely changed me. Maybe not in the biggest way but I feel it has some what changed me. Before this trip one of my goals was to make a difference and show God through me to those I was privileged to serve, from the children in the schools and orphanages, to the people who's houses/schools we worked on. I was given this opportunity to bless others with the gifts that God has given me. This experience allowed me to grow as a person spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and relationally. Learning a new language and culture as well as, working closely with my group, challenged me to see areas of my life I needed to grow in, while helping me see how I can best use my gifts to bless others. This trip has brought me closer to God, and has given me a new understanding on life. This trip has helped me grow in thankfulness for what I already have and so, keep me from taking things for granted. I so easily take things for granted such as a washroom, running water, electrician, and even a roof over my head. It has taught me how to live in a different place and deal with not having things that I would easily have at home.
Another very important and probably the most important thing I learned from my trip was how happy the Dominicans are even though they have nothing. Even though these people have very little in their lives they still beam with joy. This is something that has really stood of to me here. It's a total flip from our lives in Canada. We have so much, literally, but so often we aren't happy and ungrateful wanting things we don't have. These Dominicans have basically nothing but still they are so happy and never complaining about things they don't have. I especially learned this from the family at Sabana Grande. The littlest things like flying a kite made out of a plastic bag, some sticks, and string or running around in the street rolling an old tire and a stick in your hand while having the best time of life, bring them so much joy.
A moment on the trip that really opened my eyes was when we were at the top of the mountain, Pico Duarte. The mountain was huge. As I stood at the top of the mountain looking out at the endless smaller mountains and valleys it reminded me that we are so small compared to God. This reminded me of how out of control we our of our lives. We need to trust God and know that he will take care of everything. This world that he created is so incredible. Every little thing he has made is so wonderful and has an important purpose.
Another very important and probably the most important thing I learned from my trip was how happy the Dominicans are even though they have nothing. Even though these people have very little in their lives they still beam with joy. This is something that has really stood of to me here. It's a total flip from our lives in Canada. We have so much, literally, but so often we aren't happy and ungrateful wanting things we don't have. These Dominicans have basically nothing but still they are so happy and never complaining about things they don't have. I especially learned this from the family at Sabana Grande. The littlest things like flying a kite made out of a plastic bag, some sticks, and string or running around in the street rolling an old tire and a stick in your hand while having the best time of life, bring them so much joy.
A moment on the trip that really opened my eyes was when we were at the top of the mountain, Pico Duarte. The mountain was huge. As I stood at the top of the mountain looking out at the endless smaller mountains and valleys it reminded me that we are so small compared to God. This reminded me of how out of control we our of our lives. We need to trust God and know that he will take care of everything. This world that he created is so incredible. Every little thing he has made is so wonderful and has an important purpose.
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