I didn’t grow up in church. I never learned bible songs or stories but years ago when the Lord captivated my heart, the thirst for more was born. So, I started reading more, praying, and praying for help on how to pray. Mission trips were something I always wanted to do when I started learning about discipleship. There were a lot of unknowns before the trip since I was going to a country I’d never been to, going on my very first mission trip, and I was going alone. By the grace of God, I was placed with the group from St. Joseph’s who quickly made me feel welcomed and like part of their group. I wish I could explain what the week meant to me or what I learned but these things don’t fit into a neat box. If I could wrap up the week with one word, I’d pick “wow.” If I could pick one statement to sum up the experience it would be, “God is always faithful and meets you where you are.”
I came to serve and instead I saw how God used people in the Dominican Republic to change my heart. The joy of kids as they helped us carry buckets of sand to the latrine construction or the warmth in their heart when they gave us a hug of gratitude was something I’ll never forget. I’ve been known to quickly dismiss the door-to-door salesman and wondered why people wouldn’t do the same to us here. However, the unfiltered openness and welcome we received in the homes we entered was astonishing. I must admit, it was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had. 99% of the homes we entered for Strategic Ministry Time (SMT) were Haitian homes. Entering the first home was a shock for me. How much utter joy the lady had to squeeze us into her humble abode warmed my heart. I kept thinking of what happens when I have house guests and how I need to know when someone is coming so that I can ensure the house is clean and I have drinks or snacks to offer. Yet here we are, total strangers to this lady, Maria, and she was overjoyed to welcome a group of foreigners to talk about Jesus. The best part? Every house we entered was welcoming in the same way! I greatly enjoyed returning to the community over the week as I quickly felt like we were part of them, even if just for a few days. Big smiles, waves, hellos, and hugs met us every time. Working alongside the Haitians to build their latrine was powerful. Here I was with zero carpentry experience, crossing language barriers with my own style of sign language when a translator wasn’t around. Through the project we were able to empower the Haitians with work, fellowship, and a hard structure that would replace their makeshift current latrine and showers. The locals we encountered who did have a relationship with Christ led their life with gratitude. For what little I thought they had, they were thankful to be alive and live for the Lord. Hearing their stories of courage and how God has helped them overcome obstacles opened my eyes to how God comes first, always. No situation is too difficult for the One who has already conquered all!
I’d like to thank each member of the St. Joseph’s team. I felt like a family member in their lives. This solo traveler quickly found her niche within the group. Each member has such a huge heart and a love for God. Never having experienced Mass or any Catholic customs, I joined the group for the morning rosary. The reciting of the mysteries and the Hail Marys was beautiful! I could tell from day one that the mysteries were straight from the bible. Honoring the faith in this format was something I won’t forget. I enjoyed seeing God move in each of their lives and am thankful for the work they do here year after year.
Wendy Almengor