Last Saturday, as promised, we returned to Santo Domingo. We had been preparing for this visit for weeks, looking forward to seeing everyone again.
One of our main goals this time was to bring balls as gifts. With the generous support of Judy and her husband, Bill, we managed to bring something for every age group – from the youngest children to the adults. We even added two badminton sets for the little ones.
Of course, we also prepared the “usual” sweet packages, and the youngest member of the community received a small baby bundle as well: mostly hygiene products and formula. Since we learned that there are actually three very young babies in the village, this is something we will pay special attention to going forward.
All in all, we were able to bring quite a lot this time: sweets, balls, and baby supplies. I could hardly wait to hand everything over to our new friends — and, of course, to see little Diego again.
The gifts brought great joy once more. And yet, we could not be carefree for long. We received difficult news.
This is, sadly, part of life — painful things happen — but knowing that does not make them any easier to bear. Two members of the community had close family members involved in a serious accident. They were hit by a vehicle while working alongside a road. A third colleague did not survive.
Hearing the story, seeing the hospital photos, was deeply unsettling. One of the injured has since been discharged from the hospital but will need further medical examinations on February 3rd, in Mérida. The other is still hospitalized in Cancún, and unfortunately, their condition is not improving as hoped. Additional specialized procedures would be necessary, but these can only be performed if the family is able to pay for them. Otherwise, a more limited surgical option would take place in Mérida.
It is heartbreaking. There is no other word for it.
I promised to share this situation as widely as possible, and to connect anyone who wishes to help directly with the family. It was in this moment that the idea of the website truly took shape in my mind. Especially in today’s world, it felt essential to create something that clearly shows who we are: real people, with real intentions, handling every external offer of support transparently and responsibly.
After the sadness, a moment of joy arrived – tiny in size, yet immense in impact.
We visited the youngest Santo Dominguan of all. We were careful not to intrude; a home with a newborn requires extra sensitivity. The mother greeted us shyly but warmly, and even offered – if I wished – that I could hold the baby. I gently kissed the baby’s soft hair. He was sleeping peacefully in my arms. I don’t believe I have the words to fully describe what I felt in that moment. Once again, I was struck by the openness and trust of these people. I was a complete stranger to this mother, and yet she placed her greatest treasure in my arms. It was profoundly moving.
As we have done before, we said goodbye with a promise: we will return again in two weeks, on Saturday.
With the “ball project” now complete, our next goal is donuts. I will try to secure professional support – perhaps with the help of a local donut company – but even if that doesn’t work out, Santo Domingo will not go without donuts.
Maybe not in exactly two weeks – but one thing is certain: Santo Domingo will eat donuts.
That, we can promise.
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.
