We always head to Santo Domingo with excitement. Even though every visit might seem the same on the surface, each one brings something new — new experiences, new information — and it’s as if I’m bringing another piece to a big puzzle each time, slowly revealing, step by step, the story and life of this little community.
Every visit, I learn the name of another little child. This time it was Pablito’s turn: I’ll admit, I had been calling him Carlito all along, but now I’ve got it — Pablito. His little face is still right there in my mind.
I have so many questions about them, for them! But I’m not impatient — this is something that requires trust. And trust requires time. I respect that.
My husband and I love being there, we truly enjoy these little visits! So often, when we’re there waiting for every child to come out and receive their little package, I just want to hug each and every one of them!
But on this visit, something unexpected happened too. We had heard about something nearby – and when we mentioned it, they knew immediately what we meant. Three girls and a woman squeezed into the car with us, and they showed us. Nature, in all its beauty, left us in awe once again. It’s not without reason that I’m not writing about this in more detail: there are places that belong to the people who live there – and I want to respect that they stay that way. Not every place is ready to become a crowded tourist attraction, disrupting the peace, quiet, and harmony of those who call it home.
This visit, once again, gave us something new – not just another piece of the puzzle, but something else. Perhaps trust. The feeling that we are slowly, carefully, respectfully becoming a small part of this little community – one step at a time.
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.
