Michael Mosco
This journey was an eye opener showing me how life is in other parts of the world. It has taught me to value what I have, not just my material wealth but also my family and friends. This trip was a life-changing adventure in which I will never forget. Each day this experience brought me closer to God and I was able to see God in the eyes of the Dominican people. They are so filled with joy, pride, thankfulness, promise and hope for the future.
All of the small fundraising events that we did here in Canada saved the lives of many people in the Dominican Republic. It is truly rewarding to know that you are saving lives. Now that I am back here in Canada, my journey has not ended. Rather, it has only taken a different path.
Will Millar
This past February, I traveled to the Dominican Republic with 18 other people, and for me it was the most rewarding and memorable experience I have ever had. The people I met and the people I traveled with were amazing and will always be remembered. If there is one thing that I could take from this trip, it is that “change is possible”, everything we do makes a difference, and if we don’t, who will?
We are the “change” in this world, and if 19 of us could bring down close to $50,000 worth of support, imagine what all of us could do.
This was an amazing experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and I wish next year’s group well.
Will Millar
Caroline Pilon
The Dominican Republic Experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will treasure for the rest of my life.Leaving Canada, I had the idea that I was going down to help the people of Yamasa, but it turns out that they helped me a thousand times more. Their culture, their friendship, their generosity, their humility, and their love amazed me, and instilled in me the desire to become a better person.
I cannot put into words how much this trip helped me and inspired me. God was so present in the people of the Dominican and I am so grateful to have witnessed this. They owned so little, yet they were willing to give us everything. Our society has much to learn from them.
Thanks to everyone who helped us out and supported us in our fundraising; together we changed the lives of many! Keep on St. Joe’s!
Caroline Pilon
Nick Walters
The Dominican Republic Experience was by far the highlight of my year. After being accepted as a member of the team, we began some intensive fundraising. As a matter of fact, this year’s DR Team raised more money than any other. We are all very grateful to bring much needed food and medical supplies for the people of Yamasa, DR.
From staying with my host family through to visiting our sister school, the experience was extremely rewarding. I would encourage all SJHS students to get involved with the Dominican Republic Experience in some way.
Nick Walters
Lindsay Vaive
My journey to the Dominican Republic was truly an unforgettable experience. I don’t even know where to begin! Before I even went on the trip, I promised myself that I wouldn’t hold anything back and I was going to try everything. My promise sort of backfired when it came to the food though! I had the privilege of eating fish scales (which I didn’t know you weren’t supposed to eat) and a brown concoction that was supposed to be juice but tasted like … well, let’s just say that that one went down the sink. Other than fish scales and vile juices, everything else was great.
I envied the lives of the Dominicans. They didn’t have all the things that I had and yet they seemed so happy. When we were visiting the poorest regions of the area, there was just such an amazing peace about the people. They literally had nothing, but they also had everything. We got to deliver food to the individual families too, and it just touched me that they would welcome us into their homes and not even look at the food we brought. They would just look at us.
I think one of the most memorable moments for me was meeting a man named Henry. He was paralyzed and had been in bed for the past four years. I got to meet him face to face and if he can smile after being shot in the back and losing his ability to walk … I should be smiling all the time.
Something that I think Canadian society could learn from that of the Dominican’s, would be the kindness between the people. I could walk down the street and wave to anyone and I would always get an ¡hola! or a smile in return. That’s something I really miss.
What was difficult for me on the trip was not having this profound moment that inspired me to change my life forever. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized how much I had changed and that the change had come gradually. I miss the Dominican and the people so much, and coming home really took some adjusting but even if I never get the opportunity to go back, I’ll never forget what this experience has taught me. - Lindsay Vaive
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