This last summer I had the privilege to serve in the impoverished areas of the Dominican Republic with many of my fellow youth group members. We touched them with the material gifts and services we brought, but I’m not sure they knew just how greatly their actions touched our hearts. I was blessed to be able to speak directly to many children in Spanish and through those conversations we were able to become friends in a short amount of time. There were three girls who snuck right through any walls I had up and instantly became friends that I will never forget. They live in small shacks where they must go to a nearby project in order to receive necessities like shoes, food, and hygiene products.
SEMI FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
When I thought about their terrible living conditions I wanted to give them material commodities, but I found that the only thing that really mattered to them was to be remembered. I will always remember them and tell of our time together.
It was then that I met Alany, who is 12 years old. She loved my hair and the fact I could speak Spanish to help her complete the project. She pulled me around to things she wanted to show me and to people she wanted me to meet and was a blessing to be with throughout the day. She spoke a little English and I could speak some Spanish, so we taught each other new words in both languages. We were having fun with our speaking game, but then she had to leave with Yafreisy to go back to the project. I wasn’t sure if I would see her again.
But, the next day we were passing out shoes and I heard a girl outside the window calling to me; it was Alany. I could hear the screams of the mob outside and the adults advised me to stay away from the window, but my good judgment disappeared as I peaked through the blinds. Through all the chaos I saw Alany’s glowing face and I felt her hand come through the bars on the window. As I held her hand and told her “Te amo y yo siempre te recordare” (I love you and I will always remember you) I felt her place a small chain in the palm of my hand.
Her face disappeared and the chaos entered back into my vision until I was torn away from the window. I looked to my palm and saw the beautiful necklace that lay in my hands. I ran towards the window hoping she would still be there for me to give her something just as beautiful in return, but my Dominican friends held me back, knowing the danger I would be putting myself in. I sat in the corner with the tears streaming down my face and thought about why she would give me something so valuable. I could only answer my questions by replaying the last thing she said to me. “Te amo” (I love you).
I worry about saving money for college, new shoes, and new clothes etc., so I feel a great burden for me to just carelessly give away my things and my money because I feel like it’s valuable. These girls don’t have a lot and they need to save money for necessities, yet without even thinking they gave me expensive gifts with complete joy. I am a rich person to them and they taught me an important lesson that I have brought back to the United States with me.
Nothing monetary could ever be worth as much as a true friend.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Regalos Pequeños (Small Gifts)”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!