The world is a marvelous place, home to many cultures, beautiful scenery, and many undiscovered beauties. Since I was a child, I dreamt of traveling this beautiful blue marble, called Earth. I had no enthusiasm looking at brochures of people in exotic countries that were exploring the swimming pool. I knew travel could and should have meaning. Traveling is more than seeing and doing; it’s about connecting, immersing yourself in new things; sharing stories and engaging with locals and fellow travelers on a personal level that transcends culture and turns complete strangers into friends. I didn’t explore on air-conditioned tour buses either. I wanted to be brought deep into a culture to understand it. Travel is about the exploration and discovery of the world, so I sought out to find the people that weren’t in travel guides.
In my history class, I closed my eyes, spun the globe and pointed at a random place. The first few times, I landed on random spots of the ocean. (I’m not ruling the ocean out, but until I learn to breathe under water, I think I’ll place the ocean at the bottom of my bucket list. I finally landed on the tropical Dominican Republic.
Situated along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is a hidden gem in a country typically known for its glamorous resorts. However, I was not here to see the Americanized resorts. I was here to uphold the purpose of travel; to transform lives.
When I found out more than 3 million Dominicans didn’t have access to safe, clean water, I knew I had to do something. Partnering with a local Dominican agency, Entrena, I helped craft water filters that would improve the health of the families that would use them. Needless to say, I now have a greater appreciation for the water I drink knowing that some people don’t have access to any.
With improved health, people are able to go to work to support their families. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with a cacao and women’s chocolate cooperative in partnership with another Dominican agency, IDDI (Instituto Dominicano de Desarrollo Integral, Inc.). In the chocolate factory, I helped plant cacao trees, made chocolate, and packaged various chocolate products such as candy bars, wines, and cooking products. The process was messy, but I lived my best nightmare; being covered in chocolate!
In the week that I was in the Dominican Republic, I experienced so many situations that made for intriguing stories to tell. I found that stories became a large part of how we learn. They burn lessons into our memories that we remember forever. Right down to that first time fainting in the heat. When we learned that this tiny blue marble we call the world has rules, “You must drink water if you’re going to be laying concrete in the heat.” An unforgettable lesson brought to you by your memories. I will always remember the time I walked what seemed to be miles into the mountains to help lay concrete for a family that lived in a house with dirt floors. To avoid having to take bathroom breaks, I refused water… and now I have a lesson that will not need any reviewing.
Through everything, I saw the most gratitude in a culture of people who seemed to have nothing but emotions – and the strongest was love. I saw that love is a currency that functions in reverse. The only way to be wealthy of it is to give more of it away and that’s what makes a person rich.
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 “My Journey of Discovering the Meaning of “Sí Se Puede””
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!