The Dominican Republic: The place that stole my heart
I had the privilege of participating in two separate mission trips to the Dominican Republic over the last year. In November of 2023, I joined both Builders for Change and Live Different in a build project in Puerto Plata. Within a week, we were able to complete three separate house projects for families deserving and celebrated with a Community Day in their homes. We were included in the first time they experienced their space, the safety it brings, and someone bringing them in from the rain. I was reminded how powerful a group of people with the same vision can be. We were a group of leaders who set aside our management titles that define us back home and worked together, no matter the tasks, to accomplish our goal with success.
Returning in January 2024, with the Hispaniola Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team (HHART), led by Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach, Rotary District 7010 Central Canada, our mission was to improve the lives of poor and disadvantaged people primarily of Haitian background, living near Puerto Plata and Dominican Republic by providing humanitarian assistance. My role alongside our team was to convert a dilapidated building into a safe environment for young children to come after school and continue learning – which we accomplished. More importantly, my role was to engage in the community and not only get to know, but get to understand its people, to make lasting friendships that will never be broken. As they say, “Relationships before tasks.”
I’m always asked, “What did you do for the people of the Dominican Republic?” My answer is always the same, “…not nearly as much as they did for me.” These experiences changed me; they made me value my skill set and reminded me to slow down. They made me open up and see the world differently – to see all the opportunities there are and how many different people matter to me.
I met people that have changed my life, people who showed me that things don’t matter, that having faith in something- a purpose matters more. I met people who, in our culture, would be considered to have nothing, yet willing to give their last cup of coffee to make you feel wanted. I met children who are welcoming and just wanting to be shown love and compassion. I met friends who I cannot imagine not having – hardworking individuals who are amazing people and currently shaping me into a better person. I’m forever grateful for them, and I will continue these missions not for me, but for them. And I encourage anyone who can to do the same.
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Jocelyn will be returning for her third mission with HHART in November 2024 and is looking forward to visiting on vacation this August to research and plan her next projects.
To learn more about how you can get involved or join Jocelyn on their next trip, contact her here. She would love to connect with you! You can also follow her on Instagram to capture the build action in real time, as well as check out her beautiful projects around Orillia.
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Written by: Jocelyn Kent, Project Manager, Alair Orillia