Thrive in Joy’s 23rd Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic: A Joy-Filled Journey with Notre Dame High School
Every Thrive in Joy trip to the Dominican Republic is made possible by Casa Misionera, our wonderful Dominican partners. Under the leadership of Nelson Paulino and his incredible staff, including a talented group of college students and young professionals who participate in Casa Misionera's Future Christian Leaders program, every trip is a rewarding and life-changing experience. This June, we welcomed seven students and two inspiring chaperones, Mr. Presley and Professor Hansum, from Notre Dame High School for another memorable and impactful week. Thrive in Joy is able to make an impact in the DR thanks to the generosity of some very special donors: LB Charitable Foundation and American Endowment supported by Jennifer and Brian Jones.
Transforming the Field at Remar Orphanage
Funds designated for the DR this year, provided by those who support this aspect of Thrive in Joy's mission, went toward continuing improvements to the recreational field at Remar Orphanage. On this trip, our team helped construct a shade structure, built a sturdy table and benches, and watched the first phase of the recreation equipment go in. Playground equipment installation is next! Thanks to our special contributors, this once-abandoned field next to the orphanage residences is becoming a park-like setting, giving the youth who call Remar their "casa" a first experience of joy and safety.
Story Time and Books at Tia Tatiana School
We spent an exciting morning at Tia Tatiana School with our friends from VisionTrust Dominicana, who organized a book fair funded by Thrive in Joy thanks to support from St. Brendan School families. Nearly 400 children were treated to a story-time performance by a duo featured on a popular Dominican children's radio station, and afterward, each child picked out an age-appropriate book to take home. Books in the home are a rare commodity for Herrera families, and this special opportunity is one the children will remember every time they turn the pages of their very own book.
That same day, our team visited ten families in great need throughout the community. Student volunteers brought food provisions along with their love, taking time to sit with residents and ask what they could pray for as they support each family through their struggles.
Baseball, the Beach, and a Full Pantry
Our trip also included a visit to Elevate Sports' baseball bat factory and training facility with over 60 youth from Remar, followed by a well-earned afternoon at the beach. We shopped for and stocked the Remar pantry thanks to the generous support of Esther Cho Lee, who has joined us on multiple DR trips along with her two teenage children.
Cultural Immersion
Beyond the service projects, our group soaked in the culture of the Dominican Republic: attending a youth worship service, touring the Colonial Zone, and celebrating Mass at the first cathedral in the New World. We explored Los Tres Osos Caves and savored plenty of delicious Dominican food, including our favorite dinner at Bella Mar, affectionately known as "gas station barbecue." The Mission House provided the ideal home base, complete with a swimming pool to relax everyone at the end of each busy and fulfilling day.