My trip to the Dominican Republic was amazing in so many ways. I met some wonderful people who truly blessed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined going in. While we were in the Dominican Republic we did 2 days of medical clinic out in different communities, we taught CPR to coaches and sports players, we painted a house and did some community work, and severed lunch and played with the children one day.
The medical clinics were a nice reset from what I am used to doing in America. Every patient I saw was grateful and thankful for the teaching and the medication we were providing. It was so much different from what I do at home. I got to spend time with the patients I saw, I got to pray with them, and I felt like I was doing what I was called to do when I wanted to be a nurse. I felt helpful and appreciated. We did a few home visits for some people in the community. It was shocking to see inside their homes. They don’t have running water, or electricity, or safe drinking water. Yet they were so welcoming and they are still happy. In America I feel like we have more than we need, and kids just sit around and watch tv all day, they don’t play outside anymore. It was nice to see people hanging out outside, kids playing outside, and people talking to their neighbors.
Teaching CPR was so much fun! I have sat through numerous CPR trainings at home, it wasn’t really something I was looking forward to during our week, but it turned out to be a great experience. These player and coaches that we taught were so receptive and eager to learn. They listened, asked questions, and were excited to practice on the dummies. They don’t have to learn CPR in the Dominican Republic, it’s not a taught skill for medical and sports professions like it is here. It was nice to be able to give these people helpful information and skills that could use to help them save a life.
The people I met had a large impact on me. We didn’t even speak the same language, but it was so amazing how we could communicate through small words and gestures. They were so full of love, I felt so welcomed and loved the whole time. I went there hoping to bless and help as many people as I could, but so many people blessed me as well. It made me want to continue this in my everyday life, to spread kindness and love to everyone I encounter on a daily basis. So I have been trying to do little helpful loving things everyday. I can see that God’s love is every where!!
Thank you so much for your support and prayers while I was there!! I’m so grateful to have been given this opportunity. It was so amazing to see all of God’s work happening in that county. I would love to go back someday soon, or go to another country and offer my help.
-Amber Gahafer