In the country where I was born, there’s a saying that goes: A person who loves flowers cannot be a bad person.
Taking this into account, along with the breathtaking wonders one can find in the gardens of Santo Domingo, it’s clear that good people live here. But believe me — I can confirm that even without the flowers.
I always look forward to our visits, to seeing the children’s smiles, the kindness of the parents. I feel that we don’t only bring gifts — every time, there’s something I get to take home with me too.
For one thing, little Pablito, the two-year-old wonder, now almost regularly gives me his besito when we meet. And of course, in his own special way, he instantly melts my heart. But this time, I also collected two extra long hugs! One from my friend Diego, and one from a little girl whose name I still don’t know — and in my moved state, I forgot to ask. But I’ll make up for it next time!
Just when I thought I’d had my daily dose of kindness for the day — I was wrong. After saying goodbye to the children and their parents in the square, we always stop by the home of the youngest little boy in Santo Domingo before leaving, to bring them wet wipes too. We don’t usually stay long, so as not to disturb the family. This time they were just getting ready to eat out on the porch, and when I arrived, they invited me to join them. Moments like these always move me deeply — the kindness, the trust! I always think perhaps I’m misunderstanding, because my Spanish is still a little basic. But I think some gestures are understood even without words.
To my great regret, I couldn’t accept the kind invitation this time — we were in a hurry, and my husband was already waiting in the car. But I would have loved to stay a little longer. Not because I was hungry. It was the gesture itself — I felt honored by the offer, and I would have gladly returned it by spending a little time in their company. I hope there will be another chance. Either way, I carry this moment in my heart.
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.
