The Dominican Republic: Senior Missions Trip 2010

On Friday April 19^th, WCS seniors traveled to the country of Dominican Republic with the effective intention of blessing the Dominican people with the love of Jesus Christ.

Proving to be very successful this year, the trip to Dominican was an inspiring experience for all WC seniors who attended. The mission portion of the trip was the focal point majority of students and chaperones; and ample fun was included during the experience.

Our mission for the Dominican trip contained of a variety of duties. Giving food and water to the residents of poor villages was but one way of lending a helping hand. However, this particular experience of interacting with numerous Dominicans was one of the most performed of all the activities. Senior Carrie Chodzin said, “Some of the people hadn’t eaten in days. It was a good feeling to be able to be the heroes they had been believing God for; even if it was just for a few hours at a time.

The experience of feeding the villages ministered to the majority of WC attendants. Seeing people in such dire circumstances blessing God’s name changed the perspectives of the senior class.

Children as young as three years old bearing life-threatening diseases displayed that happiness is still an option. The WC medical team worked diligently to help those struggling for their lives. Dr. Douglas Katula accompanied the seniors this year, successfully leading the medical clinic portion of the mission trip.

“This young boy held up a paper to me that said he was positive for HIV,” said senior Andrew Parrish, one of the many assisting medical students. “He was the happiest kid, just smiling and running around. It just touched me.” The trip allowed many of us to understand that we take too much for granted; especially when we realized that we have so much, in comparison.

Singing and dancing with the Dominican children was one of the major highlights of the missions for a bulk of the senior class. Senior praise leader Madison Mikhail directed the song and dance program for the trip.

Alongside Madison, Michael Bush vigorously involved himself with singing and dancing as well. Together, their overflow of energy enlivened the children and made God more real to them.

“It was crazy, hot, dripping with sweat, and high energy, but it was well worth it,” said Michael Bush. Being involved in this experience requires one to be passionate—without that passion, we as seniors could not have made it through one day in the Dominican Republic.

Along with songs and medical assistance came arts and crafts. Katelyn Schultz led the face-painting department along with Cristiana Mace, Beth Julca, and myself. “I loved painting their faces!” Katelyn said. “I don’t speak a word of Spanish, but I loved it!

On Sunday, WC students attended a Dominican church, where there were children everywhere. “I loved going to the church.” Jazmine Keels said. “Observing the way other people love God is really interesting.” Though an English translator was present and the atmosphere was a culture shock, it engaged our attention fully.

Selected senior Spanish students gave personal testimonies at the villages that we visited, speaking directly to the people about what God has done in the lives of those at WC. “Even though I didn’t give a testimony, I like being able to translate and just talk to them,” said fluent Spanish speaker Beth Julca.

The testimonies were heartfelt and the Dominican village residents appreciated the students’ gesture. Kaley Heath said, “I just wanted to pour my heart out to them and let them know how much God cares.”

Returning home from such an environment of loving people and children was difficult for most students. Being in the Dominican was a new way of life; many people that we met carry God in their hearts in the way a true follower of Christ should. “I was thinking about it,” said Cristina Mace; “and I miss the kids already.”