*NEW* Spring Newsletter
- on 05.03.10
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Check out the new Spring Newsletter. Click here to read all about it.
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Mission Statement
With our hearts and our hands we will fill long unmet needs of children and families in the villages of the Dominican Republic while providing a life-changing experience to those who serve with us. In doing so, we look to foster a relationship between the two cultures.
Words from Wild Bill With each visit to the Dominican Republic, I try to have a better understanding of the culture. For one reason, we are guests there. But more importantly, we have so much to learn from these impoverished people. During my trip this April, I realized they never seem to complain. Very rarely do they ask for anything, and on those rare occasions, if you have to say no, their simple response is, “está bién.” They are always ready with a big smile, a warm hello and better yet, a hug. They like to laugh and tell stories; they don’t criticize; they look for ways to please you, help you, give you something even if its the only food in their house. Am I exaggerating? I don’t think so . Photo Contest!! Send us your favorite photos to see if you have what it takes to be the best. We will accept photos until June 1st at which point the winning photo will be displayed on our website with the story behind the picture. Click here to find out more about what to do and where to send your photo to… Medical Mission turns Health Field Studies Ever since “The Village” began building in Pueblo Nuevo, there has been a push to try and improve the health of the villagers. The hope was to educate and introduce a small group of local women to be “Healers” within their communities. Their role would be to be first responders and “go to people” when a villager had a question related to their health.
After many years of clinical work and education of the women, the program decided to change the focus of our Medical Missions from clinics to strict education of the Healers. Six years later, after thousands of patients, over fifty clinics, and many health professionals traveling down to work with the Healers, they are finally ready to be released into their communities to perform the task they were asked to do many years ago. Ramona, Suni, Sila, Lira, Carmen, and Morena now travel in pairs to Cambiaso, El Estrecho Abajo, and Novillero educating the members of their respective communities once a week on a theme chosen by them. Their first month included Hygiene. While a simple topic, it is ever so important and has set the stage for their future months. They have since been in and out of schools talking to students, studied and began speaking to over 50 houses in each community, and held community fairs touching on topics from Hygiene, wound care, general health concern and more. Most importantly, they have embraced their new role and have already found success in the few days they have traveled to their communities. The villagers are excited to see that other people are concerned with their health and invite the Healers into their house with open arms. A Unique Group Ports in “The Village”
The family thanks God and especially their extended family from the Harvey Gamage who helped them realize a dream they believed would never come true. “Leaving Luperon” By JB Sample Tears rolled down my face as I left one of the most memorable places of my life. Being in Luperon, Dominican Republic, in a small village for ten days was an experience I will hold forever. Building a home for someone who was in desperate need for a more hospitable place to live was worthwhile. Watching the last sheet of zinc roofing go on the house was upsetting to watch because I knew it was time to go. We had spent eight days in a slum surrounded by more joyful people then you could imagine. Everyday as we stepped off the truck we were greeted with giddy smiles, big open armed hugs and a loud chorus of “HOLA!”s. It is hard to leave a place like that, where you feel more connected to more people then ever before. All the girls played with my hair and often put it on their heads to see what they would look like. Even though our languages differed from each others, I still felt a special connection with everyone in the village. The family we built the home for was in love with all of us. Of course the son, Antonio, favored the boys and the daughter, Meirdi, loved being around the girls, but all of us had an amazing relationship with the mother of the newly born home, Seneida. When it was time for our last goodbye, Ceneida’s eyes filled with tears. Meirdi saw some of us cry and joined in. We all came to the realization that there is a slight chance we will ever see each other again. It was like leaving a best friend forever. I had made great friendships with the kids in the village, but the family connection between all of us is unimaginable. Read more stories from the students aboard the Harvey Gamage about their experiences here in Luperón.
After Washington Elementary School A sincere thank you to the Washington Elementary School from Wyckoff, NJ. The small school of merely 400 young students came together during the last Holiday Season to raise the funds needed to build the house for Ceneida and her family. After a school wide presentation about “the Village,” principal Scott Blake challenged his Student Council to stand in front of their peers and lead the race for a house. Classes quickly accepted the challenge and immediately started placing coins and dollar donations into 5 gallon water jugs. After two short months, they had put together over $1,600 as a school. With an outside donation from a member of the local community, the children found themselves cheering for the $2,500 check they were able to send to “the Village,” and keeping in their thoughts their future Dominican family. More importantly, during a special time of giving, these children had the opportunity to open their hearts and eyes to the way children their same age live in a different part of the world. Not only that, they decided to make a difference. Learn how you too can help from afar by sponsoring a roof, a floor, or even a whole house. A letter to a friend… Chris, YOU, on the other hand , are paying it forward. It’s a simple process. You give and give and give. No Bentley will ever give anyone the joy and love you receive over and over every day. Thank God you feel it, you see it, you understand it, and as I like to say…you “get it.” Thank you for continuing to show others how to fill their heart with love. Thank you for helping them pay forward. 
Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others. |
On March 14th, a group like never before pulled into Luperón. The Harvey Gamage, captained and sailed by the 
