My D.R.E.A.M.S.’ Reflection

Jessica

You’ve probably heard this time and time again, but my D.R.E.A.M.S.’ experience is indescribable. I just can’t find the perfect words to explain how amazing it really was. I found myself anxious and curious as to what to expect upon arriving in the Dominican Republic. Leaving Canada, a safe and opportune place to stay in an impoverished country lacking so much is probably very strange to some people, but take the chance to go and you’ll find out its far from strange. In fact the Dominican didn’t lack much at all, maybe material possessions and stylish living but definitely not heart, love, beauty or respect for others. During our four hour drive to the convent, all of us took in so many different sights; sights that we would probably never see back home. When we arrived in Ocoa, every person we came across treated us better then any stranger I had ever met. I noticed that Dominicans LOVE to smile, and I loved it too. We stayed there for two nights and then headed off to La Horma. It was a long and bumpy ride up the stunning mountains where at one point a woman carrying her child came up to us and said, “Dios te ama”, which means, “God loves you”, that was all she said. I couldn’t believe how someone with barely anything could still hold her faith so close. This was just the first of many signs that would change me in the long run.

We finally arrived at the school that previous St. Mary’s students had built, and it was beautiful. I just couldn’t wait to start working and leave my mark in the Dominican, and know that I may have helped, even if it was in the smallest way. Kids came running down the hills and up the mountain just to see us and to play. Here I noticed how impoverished most really were. Their homes were the size of some people’s own bedrooms, the kids wore dirty clothes with shoes that had holes in them, some with no shoes at all. But I couldn’t believe how happy they all still were. We started work soon after which was some intense labour: moving bricks, mixing cement, digging and hitting at pure rock sometimes and much more, all this in the scorching sun. I felt purpose though, that I was doing something good and that we would be giving a home to a family who really needed it.

I made some friends while there that I’ll never forget, friends who taught me so much and changed me as well. Now back at home, I find myself missing the Dominican Republic constantly. The other day as I was driving down the escarpment with trees all around me and my mom playing some of her own Dominican music that I found myself almost in tears at the realization of what I had experienced. I know I’ll never be able to forget something so amazing, nor do I ever want to.

 

Hasta Luego

  There once was a group at St. Mary’s called D.R.E.A.M.S.
Composed of twenty-four of the most amazing people you’ve ever seen. 

They travelled some distance on bus, plane and foot,
And in areas of need new houses they would put. 

They mixed some cement and hammered some nails
With help from the D.R. community there’s no way they would fail. 

By day they worked hard and at night skipped some rope,
We may have built houses but in us they built hope. 

Hope that we don’t need much to live happy,
So long as you have friends and family, you’re set, not to be sappy.

The music, the mountains and early morning rooster calls they’ll never forget,
And not to mention the food, and the amazing families they met.

By the end of the trip, not one wanted to go,
However, they learned it’s not adios, it’s hasta luego!

 

Kathleen B, March, 2006

Christ’s Love

Ian, January, 2005

The Dominican experience is one I will always remember. Alongside the laughter of the beautiful children, the devastating cry of poverty can still be heard. One thing this country has taught me is that we do not need all of ‘this’ to be happy. True happiness that God intended, comes simply from friendships, family, the magnificence of nature, and above all, from love.

The motto of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School is “live, love, and learn”, and we can do two of these at our school, living and learning. But to truly love is to go out and show Christ’s love to the world. I guess this was the perfect opportunity for us to really put our words nto action: going to these children and families in the Dominican and showing that love. Thank you D.R.E.A.M.S., for teaching me what really matters in life. I will remember.
 

The Possibilities of Impossible

Ralph, January, 2005

Webster’s dictionary defines ‘impossible’ as “incapable of being or of occurring.” I challenge the definition on the basis of the works of high school students and staff of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School. The word ‘impossible’ is for the faithless, those who do not trust in God and His will. Pessimists told students that the program would never succeed and that it was impossible to change the conditions of the helpless and poverty stricken people of the Dominican Republic.

The moment I stepped off the plane, I saw the other side of life. I saw hungry, unprivileged children who had nothing but rags on their backs walking happily to school. I saw parents spending countless hours in the fields trying to make a living to provide for their families. I saw huts made with primitive materials, which housed five to six individuals. I saw people gathered, praising God down the valleys and up the mountains. These things that I saw changed my life and the definition of impossible. After my Dominican experience, I saw that it is possible to live without brand name clothes, the latest technology and a large mansion. It is possible for families to be happy even when things look dim and hopeless. Furthermore, it is also possible for a small hut to be called a home, full of love and joy. Finally it is possible for God to be everywhere without a church. I saw it in the eyes of those who believed, those who traveled with me down to the Dominican to prove that the impossible can always be accomplished. The D.R.E.A.M.S.’ program at St. Mary’s has been a life changing experience for me and one full of faith. I returned back to Canada with a new meaning of the word ‘impossible’, and a new meaning of life.
 

 

If Not You, Then Who?

Angelica, March, 2006

My trip to the Dominican Republic has taught me so much, and changed my outlook on life. The people that I spent that one week with have refreshed my hope in society and the world. The Dominicans remind me how little is necessary for people to smile and be truly happy. Seeing them smile is so contagious because each of us who were privileged enough to witness a Dominican smile understood that their smiles were genuine – unaffected by material wealth, greed, or jealousy. The other group of people who revived my faith in society were those that traveled with me, my fellow St. Mary’s students. I was privileged enough to be able to share the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ experience with such an open, caring, and promising group of individuals who have both inspired me to be a better person, and contributed to the person that I am. It is so incredible to know that there are still so many people who are good in the world and are willing to help others.

John Labatte shared many inspiring words throughout our week in the Dominican, but one thing that he said stuck out in my mind: “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?” I believe through our D.R.E.A.M.S.’ experience we were taking this quote, and living it. I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of this fantastic program, and I sincerely hope it continues to run in the future.

 

Alison, January, 2006

1:00 A.M. on Jan 27th-- I was packed with all my stuff. I had my thirty-five pounds of medical supplies, and my personal effects. All the D.R.E.A.M.S.' participants crowded into the chapel at school, prayed and excitedly boarded the bus to Toronto. On the bus and plane, we got to know one another a little better.
After waiting at the airport in La Romana, we picked up our luggage and boarded two separate buses heading to Ocoa.

After dinner, we went to church our first night there. There was a lot of clapping and singing. At the end of Mass, the priest explained that we were there to help the poor. People clapped for us, and some people give us high-fives. It was the best Mass I have ever attended. The feeling of community and recognition was exhilarating.

While traveling up the mountain, we had a wonderful experience. We stopped to help a man who had fallen off his motorcycle. The first thing an impoverished woman with a baby on her hip said to us was: "Jesus loves you" ... they didn't know us, but were so thankful for our presence. After my mother confirmed that it was just a bad bruise, we headed all the way up. On the way to the school where we were staying, we saw all the other houses that students from St. Mary's had built. We all got settled in. We all ate dinner in a circle outside. There was large hill behind the school that we climbed to see the view. A load of Dominican kids came into the schoolyard to play.

The next morning we all had breakfast in our circle, and were ready to start working. We walked up to the site. There were two work sites. One of them was already level and the other still needed to be flattened. It took a little over a day to level it with just our picks and shovels. We got busy mixing mortar and laying cement bricks. The next couple of days went the same way.

Each day we went back to the school for lunch. Every evening, after our afternoon shift we played with all the little kids. I have a favourite little boy named Ramisito, who was nine. John Labatte, our leader gave us a different bead each representing our reflections and a thread for a bracelet. We came back and the stars were all visible. Thursday was our last working day up in the mountains. We left the school early Friday morning.

The girls were all teary eyed, and all the guys were sad too. We had given most of our extra stuff away. I left my suitcase, most of my clothes, and my running shoes; just took my carry-on with me.

We left the convent on one big bus after some hard goodbyes to three of our
chaperones, John Labatte, and Jean and Richard and we got onto one bus (we
all fit in together because there was a lot less luggage) and headed for a flea market on the way to the airport. I finally took a shower once I arrived home. I never had a proper one for seven days. It was weird being back in Canada though ... having electricity ... warm water ... a toilette! We have so many luxuries that are taken for granted. I read some of the things the people wrote in my book ... and I went to sleep.

It was refreshing to be home, but I was miserable to leave. I want things to stay the way they were on the trip. Everyone got so close to each other. I learned that letting someone know you care with your presence is so much more powerful than less involved contributions such as monetary donations. Time is the greatest gift. I also learned that music and songs are able to break down social barriers between peers. I made tons of new friends from the school and discovered that making friends with the children did not require verbal communication: tickle tag, stickers and smiles were more than enough to forge strong bonds between us. The relationship with my mother and I has also flourished since embarking on this experience together. We are looking forward to taking part in other similar
humanitarian efforts in needy countries. Unfortunately, the experience cannot be
reproduced with recollections and pictures. You have to see it for yourself.
It was amazing!

 

“Trabajo Junto”
(working together) ©

Vanessa H, March, 2006,

This reflection is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to write because there are no words in the English language to describe what was felt during our stay in the Dominican Republic. The people, the music, the memories, the love and so much more have truly changed me.

Waking up for the first time in Ocoa was amazing; it seemed like a dream. The music filled the air along with people talking and children laughing. The smell of food traveled the streets and so did the mopeds. I will never forget the hike up the mountain with Diego and the crew to view the cross at the top. Although the cross was nothing too spectacular, the view was breathtaking. The mountains traveled for miles and disappeared into the horizon. One of the best things I was a part of was the basketball game. Watching Greg and Pat play with the locals was awesome. Even though we did not know any Spanish yet, somehow we all knew what the word ‘basketball’ meant. The kids were unreal. They made our days worth getting up for. We made so many friends like George, who later showed us a local pool where we all jumped in with our clothes on. That was the best since it was over 40 degrees outside.

One of the most touching moments that I experienced on the trip happened on Saturday. It was the Mass we attended in the city before our trip up the mountain. There for the first time I cried in church. The Spanish music echoed to the ceiling and was amazing; the voices of the choir were beautiful. When we walked up to receive communion, I turned around and felt something I cannot explain. Tears filled me as I saw the people before me with God in their eyes. These people in the middle of all the poverty and corruption had a love in their eyes I have never seen before. As the tears rolled down my cheeks, it was not that I felt sorry for them; I felt sorry for myself. That is when I asked God to open my heart.

The next morning was goodbye to the city and hello to the village. I do not think I will ever have a truck ride like I did that day. Racing up the mountain on top of a mound of luggage holding on for dear life was great. Finally we all safely reached the top. All I can say is “Wow”. I have never seen anything quiet so depressing in my life. All the pictures we see in magazines and on TV about the Third World was suddenly real and right before my eyes. It was a lot to take in and something that struck me and hit me hard. The village was the best. I loved the people and never wanted to leave. They invited us in like we were family. Our cabin consisted of fifteen girls and was the best cabin ever! The food, the music, the kids, the women and men, they were all so warm and loving. Our work sites were split into two and we had the best time in the world helping the families build their homes. I said to myself: “I can’t believe I built a house. My mom will never believe me”. The things I would not miss when I left was the roosters crowing in the morning and all through night, the cockroach that decided to take a nap in my sleeping bag, and the mouse that camped out in our cabin all week. Despite this different life style, I managed quite well.

All I can say is you have to go there yourself to truly grasp the experience, and I recommend this trip to everyone who wants to make a difference. For my last refection bead, which was to represent one word that would sum everything up, I chose love. Love is what brought us together. Coming home was the hardest thing I had to do. Wherever I go, I will never forget my time in the Dominican. When we all started, we were a group of students, and when we returned we were a family.

A Reinvigoration in Catholic Faith

Andrew N.

Waking up in the morning in a comfy bed and warm sheets, the reality had not yet sunk in with all that had happened. Lying down and staring at the ceiling, all I could remember was getting off the plane in a half-dazed stupor. Yet, I felt different today than most days. Why was it that I had a sense of… fullness, and of loss as well? Why do I feel glad that I’m finally home when feel deep down it feels like, in coming to Hamilton, I had just left home? Just what did I do this past week?

As the day wore on, bits and fragments of my dreamlike experience in the Dominican Republic came back to me. Setting out with twenty-three students, we journeyed up to La Ciénaga de la Horma. For an entire week, we lived at the only school that was situated in that region. During that time, we got to know the people of the village and, living at a school, we had the chance to play with most of the children there. On our trip, not only did we deliver medical supplies, but we built houses for the people in the mountain regions. I can say we did just that and all would be well, but, words alone simply cannot describe what had transpired during that week.

Constructing the houses was probably the most worthwhile activity I’ve ever had in my entire life. For once, I felt as though I possessed a sense of purpose, and I loved every minute of it. Whether it was breaking through rock or mixing concrete, each and every one of us I’m sure felt the satisfaction knowing that they were making a difference in the lives of others. The long hours spent toiling in the hot sun was more than worth it when the families greeted us everyday at the worksite.

In retrospect, it was an entirely surreal experience. Our superficial and self-obsessed world totally contrasts the society that the residents of La Ciénaga de la Horma regularly inhabit. In the global community that we live in, it seems so incomprehensible that individuals can actually be happy when they’re so poor. However, the Dominicans were so caring and life-loving that you wonder whether they were the richer ones. For instance, in the Dominican Republic, you can give a fully-grown, thirty-year-old man a sticker and some candy and not expect him to look at you like you had an extra body part. Whereas, back in Hamilton, trying to do so would probably get you arrested – though I’m not speaking from personal experience… ahem…

Anyway, the Dominican’s attitude towards life was also quite different from what most of us are used to. While they were laid-back and carefree (they have siestas!), the society we currently inhabit is so fast-paced that it is simply unbelievable. Even after I had just returned home and was exhausted from the flight, I was actually scheduled to have an exam only two days later! Curse you academic institutions, curse you! How could I possibly go to school knowing that, for the past week, I lived in one?

The Dominican experience had brought a light to my eyes where I was once blind and ignorant to the world. How could anyone have gone through an adventure like that and remain unchanged, to emerge unscathed? It’s a whole new perspective, coming back to Canada. The world around us goes on as usual, but I feel as though I’ve been let in on a hidden and exciting secret that no one knows about. It’s impossible to look at everything from the same perspective that I had once been accustomed to. Though not the strongest of analogies, it’s like going back to eating hot dogs and pizzas, when just days before you had plantains with toast and pineapple marmalade.

Religiously I feel as though I’ve been reinvigorated in my Catholic faith. Many of us, myself included, felt like they were just Christian in name before going to the Dominican, but during that unforgettable week, I had found what many people have sought in any religion and in any area of the world: a touch of the divine. It’s a glimpse into nirvana and encompasses us our very souls. It’s a sense of peace. Just watching the sunrise alone (sorry, I meant Morning Earth Spin) felt like a whole new spiritual experience. These days, I have grown an appreciation for life, for the people around me, and for God most of all. It may seem like a cliché to say that we all got more from this experience than we set out to give – but, the thing with clichés are, they’re often true. I attained a rush, an emotion surge if you will, in delving into this newfound spirituality found within myself. And though the trip has long since been over, I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.

Being on this trip has been an eye-opener for me in so many ways. Who knew that lobbing giant lemons back and forth could prove so much more amusing then the countless hours we spend in front of our television set? I mean, honestly, who knew? Many important life lessons were also learned by yours truly during the past week:

1) When handing out goodies to the children, do not, DO NOT bring everything out at once! CAUTION: CHILDREN WILL SWARM.

2) Using sparklers to “dazzle” the bull is simply NOT A GOOD IDEA.

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY…

3) Apply sunscreen BEFORE going out, instead of waiting until you get sunburn on your eyes.

CAUTION: Putting sunscreen on your eyes AFTER you get sunburn there is not advisable, especially when the smoke from a nearby fire makes your eyes water, getting the sunscreen INTO your eyes.

CAUTION 2: Rubbing your eyes makes it worse… a lot worse.

Being in the Dominican was an incredible experience. Unconsciously or otherwise, I’m pretty sure all of us have taken home some form of the Dominican and made it part of our lives. Yes, most of us can admit to going to the grocery store just to see if there was the slightest chance they could get some Red Rock there. Myself, I could not attain this ambrosia of the Dominican, and I had to settle for Tang (another popular drink item in the Dominican) and proceeded to buy about three cases with a variety of different flavours.

One of the more notable aspects of the Dominican Republic was not only incorporated into my life alone, but I decided to share the wonders of my adventure with my family as well. It was a dark and stormy night when I introduced to my family the wonders of a certain antibacterial hand product. Yes, I got my family hooked on the Purell craze, and we now use it so much, it borders on obsessive compulsiveness.

And who can forget the good times spent playing “Dodge the Dung-Pile” while climbing the mountain? How is it that I always lose?

On our trip there were certain spontaneous moments that have simply embedded itself into my heart: symbolically, and, amazingly enough, quite literally. Who could forget that time when, late at night with only stars as our source of light, we all locked arms and formed a pseudo-circle, and just sang songs for the better part of an hour? (This functions as the symbolic moment) The literal moment was when I “fell” into a steel entanglement that is more commonly known as a barbed wire fence.

Seriously though, there were certain moments in the Dominican Republic that simply made you feel glad to be alive. Whether it be spoiling your favourite Dominican child, lying under the stars, or laughing by campfire, moments like these define the life you have led, and the future to come.

On this trip, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting new people and reacquainting myself with individuals I had hardly known before that week. But by the end of the trip, it feels as though I’d known them since grade school and I wonder to myself: How did I ever exist without these people in my life before?

No one will dispute that I’ve had the worst of luck in my entire life. On that trip alone, my glasses broke twice! So why is it then that I feel like the luckiest guy in the world?

Thank you D.R.E.A.M.S. crew, for everything.

Madeline M
March trip 2004

Three years ago I first applied to become a member of the D.R.E.A.M.S.' program, but I had no idea the impact it would leave on my life forever. I could have never imagined what my first trip to a small village in the Dominican Republic would grow to become. Now having been lucky enough to go on the trip three times, D.R.E.A.M.S. has changed from something I could have never imagined to an experience I will never forget.

D.R.E.A.M.S. is a constant reminder to be thankful for the numerous gifts we have, some so naturalized that we do not even realize how fortunate we are; things as simple as electricity and sanitary, running water that all should have access to, but that only some do. When I returned, I realized that the people that I set out to help did so much more for me. I received life lessons and personal friends. The Dominicans taught me about true work ethic and the importance of teamwork. Never before have I met people with so little, but willing to give so much away.

The chain-effect of the D.R.E.A.M.S project is incredible. Personally, as a result of my trip to the Dominican Republic, my life has changed forever. The university I have chosen, as well as the courses I have pursued are a result of my passion for the cause. Like many other students who have experienced D.R.E.A.M.S through St. Mary’s, I have pursued similar efforts at the university level. I am proud to say that I have grown to become the President of DREAM.S@MAC, an expansion of the D.R.E.A.M.S. project through McMaster University. More important than my own development, however, is the growth of this project. Every time a person hears of D.R.E.A.M.S, a pay-it-forward attitude is induced, bettering not only the lives of the people of the Dominican, but also each of us in our very own community. When our trip was over and our bags (although much lighter bags) were packed, we turned to leave a place far from our country, but so close to our hearts.

Alex

          

            As I wrote this reflection, I found that as I tried to accurately express my emotions about the project, there was no shortage of words that came to mind. It is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the scenic landscape, to be humbled by the graciousness of the people of La Horma, but most importantly, to develop character.

 Imagine

Kelly

Picture one of the most poverty-stricken places imaginable. Children running around as they play with their friends, half dressed, and some not even dressed at all. Houses made of scrap metal or any material that can be found, and used to provide shelter. Houses, that which look, and are smaller than most of our backyard sheds. People living in dirty and horrendous conditions, that many of us could not imagine setting foot in. Now, picture one of these incredibly poor people. Can you see them? Man or woman, adult or child. Look into their eyes, what do you see? Despite the awful surroundings they face day in and day out, their eyes are filled with hope. A hope for things to get better, a hope for something life-changing to take place, a hope that each and everyone one of you can provide.

Ever since I learned what the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ project was exactly, back in grade nine, I knew that I had to be a part of this wonderful cause, and I thank God every day that I was. Not only was I blessed with traveling to a part of the world, where many will never get the chance; I, along with my fellow classmates, were given the opportunity to provide hope, happiness, and laughter to a whole village of incredible people. We were able to build houses, actual homes, for people to live in with their families, and to call their own. These people are so amazing because they are truly happy and thankful to God for what He has provided them with, and consider anything more, these houses for example, a blessing. And, here we are always wanting more, when we already have so much.

I went to the Dominican Republic unaware that what the Dominicans would give back to me was a far greater gift then I could ever give to them. They gave me the gift to see and to appreciate. I now fully understand that we here in North America are incredibly blessed, and that we must use what we have to help those in need. This trip really did change me, along with each and everyone one of my classmates and teachers who had the pleasure in sharing this experience. It truly is an indescribable feeling you gain in attending this trip, and the only way you can experience it, is to stand up and take part. The memories I have from this trip will be held in my heart forever and the truth about this trip is, that it really does not feel like work when you are changing a family’s lives forever. I would recommend this amazing, life-changing experience to anyone willing to learn, to share, and to do their part in making this world we live in, a better place.

Frank, March 2006

 

The opportunity to participate in the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ project was a blessing. It completely reshaped how I value my life. I was always subjected to the quote ‘try to see thing in another’s shoes’ and this project made me realize what it really means. Never have I had to endure a fraction of the poverty and ‘shower-less’ environment that I was introduced to in Dominican. It really made me learn to appreciate the ‘little’ things in life. The things we did in Dominican cannot be simply described by words, because no words can be equivalent in values to the lesson that was learnt by each and everyone of the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ participant.

 

For example, it’s funny and bittersweet how in a place where education is a luxury, I’ve come to realize what a gift it was. Ironic because I have always hated school (well, not in general … just physicsJ) and bittersweet because I have always taken this luxury for granted. It really takes one to see in another’s perspective to really appreciate the things we have already. During my stay in Dominican, time and time again I find myself drifting off into my own world, thinking of physics equations and how I randomly applied them to what I was doing. It’s silly how I hated physics in Canada and came to embrace it in Dominican. It’s probably just the sun as it was averaging 30 – 35 C^o a day!

 

Even right now as I am finishing up my reflection, my mind is filled with memories of the smiles and tears that were shared by my D.R.E.A.M.S.’ group and the Dominicans (who only smiled, we were the ones that cried). I believe that no matter where my fellow D.R.E.A.M.S’ participants and I are in the future, the friendships that we share the Dominicans will last forever. It is not bounded by distances and cannot be weakened in time. This is because our hearts, minds and souls are connected with one another, forever present to support and encourage one another through ‘thick and thin’. I will cherish this friendship and experience for the rest of my life for it holds a dear place in my heart.

 

 

 

John, March 2006

 

The 10 ‘Amazing’s’ of the Dominican Republic

Let’s put this in perspective. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, right? Do you even WANT to guess how many pictures we took on this trip? In retrospect, even an infinite amount of words cannot fully explain how I felt in the Dominican Republic. Yet, at the same time, one word seems to sum it all up: amazing.

- On our first night there, it was amazing how, though we were speaking English and they were speaking Spanish, it felt as if we were both communicating the same language. There was no language barrier or recognizable gap in the feelings we felt for one another as we played cards all through the night.

- It was amazing how many people knew us and appreciated what we were here to do. We were not judged by our skin color or the way we dressed but by who we were as human beings and what we did.

- It was amazing how much they gave us despite how little they possessed. They took joy, not in how much they had, but in how much they had to give.

- It was amazing watching the rolling mountains and the golden sunrise. The untainted beauty of nature made us wonder why anyone would ever want to change it.

- It was amazing how everyone knew each another and greeted one other with smiles. After following Junior around for hours, we have come to the conclusion that he will become the future mayor of Ocoa.

- It was amazing watching the people of the entire mountainside coming to the work sites to help us build the houses. They were much more than neighbors … they were family.

- It was amazing how we, as a D.R.E.A.M.S.’ team, have come together. The people we did not know before this trip became close friends to us, while the people who were our friends prior to the trip have become even closer.

- It was amazing how close we have gotten to the villagers. Looking at their tear-filled eyes as we left made us feel as if we too have become their family.

- Most of all, it was amazing how, by taking our week-long March break in the Dominican, we have changed the lives of two families for the better.

- Overall, it was amazing that 26 people have come together to live the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ ideal.

 

 

 

 

Laura H., 2004

 

 

 

Erin, March 2005

 

 I can still remember a few years back when I was in grade 8, having students from St. Mary’s come to our school to enlighten us of their Dominican Republic journey. This was the presentation that really seemed to grab my attention, and since then I had my heart set on traveling to the Dominican to help out the under privileged children with others from the St. Mary’s community. It was not until my last year of high school that I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity of a lifetime. I had been selected to travel down to the Dominican Republic and provide the people of the Dominican with the shelter they so richly deserve, but what I received in return was much more than I could ever give.

 

After a year now of having returned home from the Dominican Republic I found that my outlook on life is taken from a whole new perspective. The people of Dominican have very little belongings, yet they are always happy and enjoying life; I have learned a lot from them. Although sometimes we do not realize it, we are very fortunate to be blessed with shelter, food, clothing, and good medical help. What we often take for granted is what someone may only dream about. This life altering experience was one that I will always remember. Being part of this D.R.E.A.M.S.’ team has made me a better person and has shown me that one person can truly make a difference. I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to travel down to an island paradise and experience the overwhelming generosity and friendship of the native people. My only prayer to God would be that many, many more students will also share in this incredible journey. 

 

 

 

 

The Experience of a Lifetime

 Stefan

 

 

Looking back on all of my experiences at St Mary’s there are many times that come to mind, yet one trip that I took with an incredible group of students and teachers stands out among all the rest. It was a trip that gave me an opportunity to physically help those in need and to realize that you do not need material things to be happy. That trip was the one I took to the Dominican Republic as part of the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ project.

Traveling down there and actually seeing what students had previously accomplished, and experiencing what I had only seen in videos and pictures was an amazing thing, yet it was the people that I met in the Dominican that really made the trip special and changed my way of thinking. I was able to see how happy they were with what little they had, and how grateful they were for what we had given them, although I don’t think they realized how much they gave us in return. It was through them that I learned what is really important in life and what true happiness is.

It is hard to put into words how incredible the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ experience was and how much it meant to me. I am grateful for being chosen as one of the students to take part in this unforgettable project and I will remember it forever. So to the amazing group of students and teachers I went down with, to John Labatte, to everyone who made this trip a reality and to the people of the Dominican Republic, thank you.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenica's D.R.E.A.M.S.' Reflection

 

All went wrong on the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ trip in March of 2005, but with some Dominican miracle, all went right. Our airline went bankrupt the day before our scheduled departure. As a result, our trip was delayed. We flew to a different airport, six hours away from Ocoa. We ran out of building supplies; public holidays got in the way, and we almost missed the flight home. Phew!

 

Sixteen students from St. Mary’s with diverse backgrounds joined together to meet the needs of a village in the mountains of the Dominican Republic, where many of us discovered love that we had never seen before, poverty that we had only heard about, appreciation for what we take for granted, and true faith, which is rare in our society. “Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you cannot see.” (Hebrews 1:11)

The Dominican people I met were so diligent, obedient and hardworking. They enjoy life, and the entire community is a family, whether related by blood or the color of their skin. It was beautiful. In the “North American Bubble”, there is the “Dream” of supposed success—great career, a lot of money, great physical appearance, and perfection. Our society advertises “Self Love, Self Love, Self Love”!! It’s absolutely disgusting!
I don’t think a person can experience the Dominican in its poverty and not have a soft spot for that country. I don’t know how I could put the Dominican into words, although others have.

I am so excited to see how far the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ project goes. They say a teacher’s influence cannot be measured, because it keeps going forever. The D.R.E.A.M.S.’ trip was an amazing teacher of what future humanitarians can do to help change this country and others. All because a random student in Mr. Morrison’s grade Religion 12 class spoke his mind, and we had a man who listened. This is an example of God in action. It’s amazing!

The people in that village cannot be described. Their ‘community family’ blew me away. I could go on and on praising these people because they deserve it and I really respect them.

I want this reflection to mirror the glory of God -- how holy, mighty, awesome and magnificent He is! He spoke through that 18-year-old student, and Mr. Morrison recognized that. God created this entire D.R.E.A.M.S.’ project. It would seem that God has also called on the priest in Ocoa, and on St. Mary’s and other high schools and universities, too!

How blessed we are to be able to say that God has called us by name to be a part of His work in guiding the children of that nation to Him, and blessing the Dominican with shelter, education and health. One cannot number His thoughts or His blessings!

In Ocoa, I had the honour of meeting Fr. Lou Quinn, a man of God, who started a mission for his Creator. He has definitely impacted me and changed the life of thousands, all for the Glory of God. When I met Fr. Lou, I felt so much joy and peace at the same time, and that will stay with me for the rest of my days. Since early childhood I’ve sense a call to do humanitarian mission work in Third World countries, and this experience of meeting this obedient servant of our Almighty God definitely fanned that flame. The Dominican Republic will always be a place that I love. I can’t wait to get back there and continue the work D.R.E.A.M.S. has started.

 

 

Shelagh

 

In the beginning of my 4th year at St. Mary's, my dreams finally came true,
when I was accepted to participate in the D.R.E.A.M.S.' project. After hearing so much about it from my sister when I was only in grade 8, I was just waiting for my opportunity to take part in such an amazing project. Finally, it was my turn to go to the Dominican Republic. I was really excited when I saw the list with my name on it. It was just unbelievable. I had to keep on walking by Mr. Hall's office just to make sure my name was on there, and that I wasn't just imagining it, but it was really there!

So I was very excited to be going, to help the Dominican People who were living up in the mountains. I began counting down the days until my group was to go. I was in the March group, so I had a bit of time in which to wait. The January group came back and once I heard their stories and saw their pictures, I just couldn't wait for my turn. It really impressed me when they came back. I just thought, "Wow, my friends were just there! That's going to be me!" I was so excited. Then March finally came around. We had all of our stuff in the chapel. There were many parents there to see us off. I am very glad they were with us every step of the way. I said good-bye to my friends. One of them, who had gone on the January trip, gave me a letter, telling me to open only after a few days up the mountain. I was touched and decided to do as she said.

I was sitting at the front of the bus on the way to the airport, and as I looked back, I noticed that everyone had something in common; they all had a huge smile on their face. Then I thought "This is going to be the perfect group to go with!" We boarded the plane and I was sitting beside Kathleen and Mandy. I got the window seat ... I was lucky. We arrived after a fantastic flight and began the trek to the convent in Ocoa. As we entered Ocoa, we learned that we wouldn't be staying at the convent since another school was already there. We were cool with that, and then we headed to a hotel. It was a lot of fun.

The first day in the town we decided to explore. Kathy, who was up very early that morning had already seen a bit of the town, so she wanted to go for a hike. We met two little boys who had shoe-shining kits. They were outside the hotel, and decided to come for a little hike with us. Accidentally, on the way, I fell and scraped my knee on the rocks. I started to laugh so the little boys started to laugh with me. Luckily, Frank had a band-aid, which he handed to me, but the little boy grabbed it and smiling, put it on my knee for me. I thanked him and told him that he was a good doctor. He just laughed and began to say "doctor", and pointed to himself.

After a few days in the city, we packed up the truck and headed up the mountain. We would just wave to everyone and yell "Hola!" It was great. As we were traveling, we learned that we wouldn't be housed at the school since another school was already staying up there. We were disappointed but accepted it. There were two houses in which we did stayed. One house held most of the girls with one chaperone, Nancy. The other house had the 5 boys, the rest of the girls and Mr. Hall and Ms. Corsini. I stayed in the second house. Mrs. Corsini, Kristin, Kathy and I shared a room. Our room also held the washroom, so understandably, we had many visitors.

We found out later, that the families who lived in those houses actually gave them up so that we could stay in them. I felt so honored! That night we met some kids that lived in the area. They were just so cute and when we spoke with them, they would just smile. It was great. I absolutely loved seeing them waiting outside the house for us to come out to play, and when we did, they would all say our name. Those kids were awesome!

The next day, it was time for work. I worked at the first house, which was just two seconds away from where we were staying. My prime job was the sifting sand. Kathy, Lauren, Ms. Corsini and I were the sifting team. That was what we did best. That night before going to bed, I decided to read the letter my friend had given me. It was just so nice! Not only did she give me advice for when I was up in the mountains, (for example: to try all the food, to look at the stars, and to spend all the time when I wasn't working playing with the kids); she also said many nice things about our friendship. The next day I made sure I did what she told me to do. The food was amazing! I have never had pineapple that fresh and juicy! I loved playing with the kids -- they were just amazing!

After the 5 days up in the mountains, we finished one house and even painted it. On the other house, we finished the sides and even managed to put the roof on. It was a very successful trip, our teamwork made that all happen and all those assembly lines. The last day was, of course, so sad. The kids said goodbye to us all. That day I saw so many tears from both the Dominicans and from our group. I knew that all of us would be sad to leave, but I never thought about the Dominican’s reactions. They too, would miss us, and they didn't want us to leave. When we said goodbye to the men at our site, they would all say, "No adios! Hasta Luego!" This means, "No goodbye! See you later!" Those words meant so much to me! They didn't want us to leave. They wanted us to come back! That made me so happy! I just thought, "Alright, its okay to leave ... because you're coming back!" As we were departing on the truck, I continued to think about the good times we had shared with those amazing people. They are so genuine and happy!

The D.R.E.A.M.S.' project is such a wonderful project in which to be involved. I am so glad that I had the chance to go, and meet the people in the Dominican, and to experience a totally different culture. It was astonishing, and I wouldn't change any of it. Everyone got along so well. The group with whom I traveled was the perfect group to share this experience with. The only word I can think of to sum up the trip would be, "amazing".

Thank you, John Labatte for everything! The reflection nights truly meant a lot to me and made the experience even more personal. Thank you Mr. Hall, Nancy and Ms. Corsini! You were great chaperones and I am happy that I was able to get to know all of you better. Also, a thank you goes out to the Dominican people, for their hospitality and for all the great memories. The last thank you goes to the group, itself! Seriously, you are all one of a kind. I am so glad that I was blessed to share this amazing experience with every single one of you!
Thanks, again!

Shelagh
 

 

 

 

The Impact of D.R.E.A.M.S. will Last Forever

Ever since I was in elementary school, I wanted to go on the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ project. I still remember the presentation the St. Mary’s students gave, explaining how great it was and how happy they all were that they went on the trip. I thought it sounded like a good opportunity, but at the same time I thought to myself “there is no way it’s as life-changing and spiritual as they all say”. I was completely wrong! I remember the expectations I had for the whole experience but I had completely underestimated the effect this trip was going to have on my life. When we arrived in the Dominican, I was absolutely blown away by the difference in our cultures; then we traveled to the mountains and that’s when the reality set in.

 

However, before that occurred we went to Mass in Ocoa. I have never been so thrilled to be at Mass. The entire experience from the singing and dancing, to the music, to the warm applause we got from the congregation when we priest introduced us, was all together something I will never forget. It felt so great when the people made it crystal clear that they were happy with our presence. I thought that I had experienced that same “gratitude from the people” that everyone from previous trips had raved about. I had no idea it was just a hit of what was in store for us.

 

After some major delays, and complications we finally journeyed up the mountain. The ascent was amazing; everyone was just amazed by the poverty and overall conditions that people lived in. It seemed unlivable and the landscape just unbelievable. Then, halfway up the mountain, we stopped in an area that has not been “touched” by the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ project. Still when we got off the truck for a few minutes, the praise the people gave us was nothing short of amazing. As soon as I had jumped off the truck, a lady with a baby came up to me and started to speak to me. I had no idea what she was saying so I kept saying: “No comprendo”. But still she insisted that I had to hear what she was saying. I called Jess who speaks Spanish and asked what she was saying. Jess told me the lady was telling me “Jesus loves you”. People have said to me: “God bless you” and things along those lines, but to have someone I have never met before, tell me that Jesus loves me was the most powerful thing I have ever heard. She knew nothing about me, other then the fact that we were all there to help the people and she told me “Jesus loves you.” That feeling was just amazing. Those three words meant so much to me. If there is one thing I will never forget about the trip, it’s these three words.
When we arrived at the school built by former St. Mary’s students, the welcoming we received from the people was incredible. Once again we were being praised simply for our presence. It really got everyone eager to start building the houses. When we began to dig the next day, it was awesome how dedicated and excited everyone was to be working. No one wanted to take a break from their job or give up a shovel because it was so hard to get back since everyone else wanted to do as much as possible. I felt exactly same way. I remember one day even after working all day in the hot sun, people were forced to go back to the school early because there was only so much work to be done and only a couple people were needed. I have never seen kids our age want to work longer at such a physical task for no reason other then it makes you feel good. I can honestly say the people that were on the trip are some of the greatest people I have met. It is incredible how close you can get to people in only a week, that you may have never have talked to before. We became like a family; everyone became so important to everyone else.

 

Lastly, seeing the happiness the people in the mountains have, even with so little makes you realize how unimportant possessions really are. If people can be so happy and grateful still while having the bare minimum to live, then why do we always want more at home. Everyone grew more selfless while there. I myself had a bunch of clothes I thought I would definitely be bringing home, but once I saw the need for them, there’s no way I could bring it all home. I ended up giving away almost everything. It teaches you what is important in life, and to be happy for what we have.

Those are the things from the D.R.E.A.M.S.’ trip that I think had the greatest influence on my life. Before we left, I thought I was going down there so that I could give what I have to offer. But now I know that through this trip, you gain so much more then you could ever give. The impact the people have on your life after traveling to the Dominican is something that will last forever. I know that I can never just live selfishly after going on this trip. I cannot wait to do something like this again. You can be the richest person in the world and travel the globe, but none of that will bring you the overall joy and warm feeling that this trip has brought its participants.

 

Thanks for the amazing opportunity!

Matt, January, 2006

 

 

Reflection by Katie

 

 

 

A Witness to Life Sometimes we find a story that really sets us straight and sometimes the story comes from an unlikely source. After all, how could "the wisdom of the ages" come from a teen student? But why not? D.R.E.A.M.S. sub menu
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