Dominican Republic: Recapping and Reminscing

This semester I was blessed with the most amazing service opportunity in the Dominican Republic.  I learned so many lessons in selflessness, love, friendship, and respect.  I have strengthened existing bonds with Aquinas peers and gained bonds with Dominicans who let me in with such love and warmth.  I never thought a week without showering would leave me so rejuvenated, relaxed, and inspired.  The Dominican Republic gave me so much more than I ever feel like I could give back.  However, it is my hope, that I can continue to give my service there whenever I can, and continue to grow in the strengths I gained there.

Rereading my journal entries from my trip to the DR as I wrote my blog posts brought back so many wonderful memories and emotions.  I am so grateful to my school, to my service group, to the people to the Dominican Republic, and to everyone who helped make my experience in the DR as incredible and memorable as it was.
My graciousness and the joy I had in the Dominican Republic can be encapsulated in this journal entry:
"So grateful for this experience, this service, the growth resulting from this.
Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible for me, to not only give back to the Dominicans, but also for the Dominicans to give back to me.  The DR taught me lessons I hope to always embrace, gave me memories to always hold close to my heart, and has helped shaped me into a better person, a more grateful, compassionate, and humble friend and lover.  I hope I can continue to spread the kindness I have felt here and to spread the joe I have seen from those who have so little."

The Dominican sun is like fire, but the spirit of the people ignited my soul.
The beauty in simplicity.
Happiness expressed without words.
Joy in togetherness.
Gaining more than I could ever give.
Making memories I will never forget.