The Week that Changed Everything

Going to a foreign country at 16 years old with people you had never met before?! Trust me, I was anxious and nervous, but I knew I really wanted to and had to go. After a lot of fundraising and convincing my mom to let me go, I was on a plane heading to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. And oh how I do not regret it. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. 

My church, New Life Midway, set up this mission trip with the AOTK organization. 

We first went to an orphanage in Santo Domingo filled with all boys. There was a lot of basketball and competitive Uno being played. Although, we were really there to redecorate and fix up their worn down office. Next, we went to the village of Bombita where poverty was extreme. My group visited these Haitian immigrants houses and prayed for each one. We put in more work by fixing up roofs and painted homes. Through out the trip at Bombita, everybody loved on the orphans and seemed to have a group of kids attached to them. We fed over 100 children at the center AOTK opened up. To end the trip, the village put together a concert where we praised and worshipped God in the rain. It was honestly amazing and one of those experiences that you want to relive. Before getting back on the bus, my group gave back to the children whether it be clothes, snacks, or shoes. My whole perspective changed, my faith changed, and I changed. I came back to the United States more grateful for everything I had and was striving to become a better person.