The second visit left a deep mark on me – and, as it turned out, on Judy as well.
A conversation began between Santo Domingo and us, one that means a great deal to me. Not only because it reflects the growing trust of the local community, but because it helps us understand how to help – properly, thoughtfully, respectfully. Good intentions do not always meet real needs. What we imagine people might be happy to receive is not necessarily what they actually need. Giving truly works only when communication does. When listening becomes part of generosity.
Let me be clear: my husband and I are not wealthy people. We are fortunate – we do not lack – but we live an entirely average life. I would never place us among the rich. Still, when you see someone who has even less, and you realize that with very little you can make a very real difference, there is no hesitation. You act. You give. You share what you have.
Our wallet may not be large, but our hearts certainly are.
That is exactly the kind of people we discovered in Judy and her husband as well. Beautiful souls – and they absolutely deserve a post of their own, which I promise will come.
We began gathering information about what the village might appreciate next time. One thing was obvious: we would bring sweets for the children. That is where everything started, after all.
But when I asked one of the mothers whether the children would enjoy donuts, another mother called out with a smile: “We like donuts too!”
Then someone else asked, a little hesitantly, whether the mothers might also receive a gift. When I asked what she would like, she lowered her eyes slightly and answered quietly: “Anything. Really. Anything at all. It would just be so nice to receive something.”
That moment cut deeply into me. Because it wasn’t about what they would receive – it was about the gesture itself.
The attention. The kindness. Being seen.
Another idea came up: perhaps the children could receive toys as well – balls, for example. There is a basketball court in the village square. When we asked whether they play sports, the adults immediately became animated. Of course they do. The whole village does. They have a soccer field, a baseball field – or at least spaces dedicated to those games. Children and adults alike love to play ball together.
During these conversations, we also learned something else: since our last visit – which was also our very first – a new baby has been born in Santo Domingo.
Just a few weeks old. When we were last there, this little life had not yet begun. Naturally, we stored that information carefully in our hearts. We knew immediately: this baby, too, would receive something – or at least their mother would.
Whenever we begin preparing, ideas flood my mind. So many of them.
Of course, we cannot fulfill everything at once – but we are trying. Truly.
And we are deeply grateful that some of you have already joined this small movement. Because together, we are capable of so much more.
We are not a foundation.
We are not an NGO.
We are simply two people who saw poverty and felt a quiet certainty: we needed to do something — even if it was small. Even if it only brings a few smiles to a few children. Some people have already joined us, once or more than once.
And if anyone feels called to join – in any way, at any time – we would be honored.
If you’d like to support in a practical way, or simply learn more, you’ll find details on the Support page.
If you’d like to reach out personally, feel free to contact us.
Creciendo juntos, floreciendo juntos.
