Yesterday we were back in our little village, Santo Domingo. We brought sweets for the kids as we always do. But this time we didn’t go alone, Maureen joined us too. She had already sent gifts for the children before, and this time she came with a full bag of things she had brought for the locals.
As we turned off the main road and got closer to the little settlement, the excitement inside me kept growing. It’s always like this. Something so simple and yet so powerful, knowing that in just a moment, we’d see them again.
When we entered the village and drove past the first houses, they were already waving at us with smiles, those who happened to be out in their yards. We reached the main square, and as it usually goes, we soon all gathered together. There’s always this warmth that comes over you in those moments. It’s hard to put into words, but those who have felt it will know — these people’s hearts are full of love. And you can feel it.
I could watch the children for hours! The way they carefully unwrap their little packages, the way they play, run around, or kick a ball — just like they were doing yesterday! I took a few photos of them, because I simply couldn’t resist. Those sweet little faces…
Sadly, the wild temperature swings of the past few days have left many of the children with colds and coughs. It’s a small, close-knit community: when one gets sick, it tends to spread quickly. I hope everyone gets better soon.
Maureen fit right in almost instantly. She sat down among them, they talked, they laughed together. It was lovely to see.
A couple of weeks ago, we had the chance to attend a birthday celebration, and something stayed with me ever since – the homemade tostada (I hope that’s the right word for it) served alongside the pozole. My husband and I haven’t been able to get the taste out of our heads – and honestly, we don’t want to! I asked if they might teach me how to make it one day. If I understood correctly – and my limited Spanish didn’t play tricks on me – that might just happen on our next visit! I can’t wait!
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.
