The Week-Long Turning Point - My Family Travels
Working in the Dominican Republic
Touring in the Dominican Republic

In every person’s life there are events that will change him forever.  I had the privilege of experiencing one of these incredible events over the summer of my junior year.  My week-long mission trip and travel experience to the Dominican Republic was an experience that changed the way I look at the aspects of my life forever.  Our mission team was part of a bigger project that had been going on for several years with the goal of building a church and school in a poor community in the town of Villa Esfuerza.

During the week that I worked, my mission team was working on the final steps of putting a fourth floor on the cement school.  We were charged with mixing the cement that would be used to lay the floor of the story, as well as sanding and painting the cement walls of the fourth floor.  This was by no means an easy task.  There was no cement mixer at hand, nor were there any power tools of any kind.  All of the cement was mixed by shovel and, in the later stages of the project, hauled up to the fourth floor using a pulley system.  All of the sanding was done with pumice blocks and hard work, all in the heat of the Dominican summer.

This trip taught me invaluable lessons that I will never forget.  On one of the days during the trip, we had the opportunity to visit some locals.  On that day I learned a lot about how to live.  The Dominicans live with much less than we do in America, but what really stood out to me was how much happier they were than most of the Americans that I know.  I also learned a lot about community while there.  The Dominican people value fellowship above all else.  This means that the Dominicans know the inhabitants of their towns so much that they trust their children to roam and play freely.  Finally, after spending so much time on the school and seeing how it touched so many people, I realized how much the gift of time could change lives.  Time is truly the greatest gift one can give; once you give it you can never get it back.

My mission trip to the Dominican Republic was something that taught me lessons and gave me experience; it gave me lasting gifts that no one will be able to take away from me.  My mission trip was a positive and constructive experience that has changed me forever.  Everyone has events that define him; I’m just lucky I experienced mine so soon.

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 “The Week-Long Turning Point”

  • Celeste Hedequist

    It sounds like a statement that emphasizes the importance of adults having access to things that are valuable. It could be interpreted as a reminder that adults should not be denied the opportunity to enjoy things that are considered precious or valuable. It’s a good reminder that everyone deserves to have access to things that bring them joy and happiness, regardless of their age.

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Summer is a great time to plan a family vacation. There are many options to choose from, such as visiting national parks, theme parks, water parks, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, group trips, or staycations. Happy travels!

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Greek island cruises are a great way to explore the most alluring Greek islands, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete and Paros. You can witness world-famous sights, charming seaside tavernas, and crystal-clear waters while island-hopping.

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Renting a houseboat on Lake Powell is a great way to enjoy scenic beauty and water adventures. You can explore the 1.25 million-acre geologic playground of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which straddles northern Arizona and southern Utah, while unwinding amid the comforts of home. Book your trip now and discover the ultimate vacation experience!

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Cruise lines are offering more immersive experiences for kids, such as go-karting, ice skating, sushi making, and wine tasting, to name a few. These experiences are designed to draw in a wider audience and create unforgettable memories for the whole family.

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Travel professionals have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to handling travel disasters. They can provide you with tips and tools to help you prepare for any kind of travel disaster, whether it’s a canceled flight, a natural disaster, or a medical emergency. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected, and travel professionals can help you do just that.

  • Celeste Hedaquist

    Family cruising experiences are a great way to bond with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories. They offer good value, variety, entertainment, and all-inclusive amenities, and appeal to all ages. So, why not gift everyone an unforgettable experience?

  • Celeste Hedequist

    This is a great travel destination ideas, although it seems outdated. Do you have a more updated travel guides, I believe some locations are not the same due to the pandemic

  • Passport

    Nice post. This wasn’t what I was searching for but I still enjoyed reading it.

  • Celeste Hedequist

    I think this content needs updating. I am interested in looking for new winter destinations after the pandemic hits.

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Planning a winter getaway is an adventure in itself. The snowy landscapes add a magical touch to the family bonding experience. You nailed it. meticulous planning is key, and being ready for unexpected twists, like a surprise blizzard, keeps the excitement alive. Any memorable winter destinations you’d recommend?

  • und

    Fantastic article post.Really thank you!

  • joker

    Thanks for finally talking about >How To Protect Your Family Against Travel Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared – My
    Family Travels <Liked it!

  • wild

    Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

  • Tiger Machan

    The Information your provides its very useful for making a trip.

  • anon

    Thanks for finally writing about >How To Protect Your Family Against Travel
    Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared – My Family Travels <Liked it!

  • temp

    I have no doubt about that.

  • connerpaul137

    Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with
    us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m
    bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Great blog and terrific style and design.

  • Telegra

    Hi there, I found ykur web site by the use of Google while searching for a similar topic, your site came up, it seems to be good. I have bookmarked it in my googpe bookmarks.
    Cheers!

  • Online

    This post is priceless. How can I find out more?

  • greenful

    Hello.Thiis post wwas extremely interesting, especially since I was looking for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.

  • shop based

    Very good post! We will be linking tto this great content on our
    site. Keep up the goood writing.

  • Margarette

    You got a very superb website, Glad I noticed it through yahoo.

  • Henrietta

    Some really fantastc content on this site, thanks for contribution.

  • Selma

    Thank you foor helping out, great information.

  • vite

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your
    next write ups thank you once again.

  • Vern Alice

    You reported that exceptionally well!

  • pizza

    Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as
    long as I provide credit and sources back to
    your website? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of
    the information you provide here. Please let me know
    if this alright with you. Appreciate it!

  • experienced

    Does your site have a contact page? I’m having
    problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
    I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

  • Cir

    I take pleasure in, cause I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  • ainda

    Good post, I certainly love this website. Keep doing good things. 224034904

  • James

    Thank you for this info

  • huaynews

    It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
    it’s time to be happy.

  • oneearthhotels

    It was a great article, thanks for sharing!

  • Cynthia Crawley

    Great place for kids. My 2 and 4 year old tried every water slide, pool, and toy. They loved the beach as well with the calm, warm waters. It was far from a relaxing trip but this one was all about the kids.

  • wu7917

    I was more than happy to find this great site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to see new things on your web site.

  • Kristi B

    I live in Jacksonville and there is no longer a ‘lively waterfront’. The shops and restaurants were demolished after a mass shooting at one of the establishments. Head to the beach not downtown!! There is a lovely historic district called Avondale/Riverside area. It is absolutely beautiful with shops and restaurants and a beautiful park with a kick a** playground! The neighborhoods sit on the St John’s River. The old homes are big and beautiful. I walk that area regularly and have lived there. Stunning!!!

  • Evden Eve

    Howdy! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have got right here on this post.
    I am returning to your site for more soon.

  • talal ahmadi

    I agree with every word in this blog, I tried to travel to Saudi Arabia with this topic in mind. I thought a lot about choosing a sustainable activity. So I texted Ootlah website to ask them about sustainable activities and they recommended enjoying the desert in Jeddah, which causes almost no harm to the environment. I booked and tried it and it was significant.

  • Mr and Mrs Chris & Sharon Peck

    Thank you. We might get there, and we might not. Hope so.

Comment on this article

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.