"Seeing life and poverty through the eyes of a 16 year old is different . . ." Reflections on 30 Years of DRMT Trips

by Sandra Moya, Wallingford, CT, Week 2

Words will never do justice to explain what an amazing trip this was. Hopefully these words and pictures tell the story of how hearts were forever changed . . . American, Haitian and Dominican alike.

This year was a special milestone year, as it was the 30th year anniversary of our first trip. I did a lot of reflecting in how my perspective has changed since first serving at 16. Seeing life and poverty through the eyes of a 16 year old is different. Now I put myself in the place of mothers who have to watch their children go hungry to bed. I have a different understanding of how the sugarcane industry keeps the Haitian sugarcane cutters oppressed and how disgustingly unjust this is.

I look at the aged faces of the people from the mission that have been working tirelessly since that first trip in 1996. They are not working hard for a week or two and then going back to their comfortable lives. They are there every day, living the mission and serving. It’s a privilege to serve with them. I thank God that my mom sent off her two 16 year old daughters back in 1996 because life hasn’t been the same since, but in such a good way.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can be involved and serve, even from here in the US, please reach out to me! Many hands and hearts are always needed!