June Trip Update 4

“What’s it like to be back?” I have heard that question a lot this week. I’ve been able to reunite with many familiar and loved faces that I knew so well during my time here. Camille, Jennie & Miguel and the new baby Diego, as well as those in Chichigua and Pancho Mateo – Evelyn, Kiko, Roslan, Gerda, Cristina, Katy & Fredy, Judy, and many others. My friends. Mi familia.

It is, of course, not my permanent home, nor are they my blood family. But there is something that binds us together. Something greater than geography and blood. Something that allows us to sit and talk and hug and laugh as if not a day has passed.
It is the spirit of community that I love about this place. And there are two communities that I love.

The first is the national community, whether that be Haitian or Dominican. It is the community that makes me a part of their family despite the color of my skin, despite my national origin, despite my native tongue, despite the months for which I have been “lost,” as Evelyn says. It is the community that, while they do have the same human struggles of us all, does not look at me in terms of status, does not value me for what I can do for them, but allows me into their homes and into their lives. It is the community that invites me to sit on their porch, to enter into their homes (along with 12 of my new friends), to drink their juice, and ask me to come back soon – and it’s not just a nice thing to say, but they mean it. It is the community that is community held together by one simple bond – humanity.
And then there is the Body of Christ with whom I share this experience. People I have known for several years, others just a few months, and others for just a few days. And though this community is much more homogenous than the first, we are still held together by one thing, one much stronger – no, the strongest bond – of our Lord Jesus Christ – and added to that is our love for this beautiful country and its beautiful people. It is a community in which we learn to live life – together. We eat together. We serve together. We rest together. We support and encourage each other and carry each others burdens when it becomes too heavy for them.
It is this practice of community that I hope we can all take back to Austin. To eat together. To serve together. To bear each others burdens. The independent American way has left so many of us lonely and weak. The community for which Jesus prayed will refresh and strengthen.

Alexia Shoemate



I am lost for words. It is amazing here. My first couple of days I felt nervous and out of place, I have never been in this type of environment before. However, going into day 4 now, I feel at home. The native people and missionaries are so kind, generous and warm that you have no other choice but to feel welcomed.

Today we visited the Makarios School. I was flabbergasted! The school consists of two rooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, medical room, garden and a ranchito (a place to keep cool in the shade). The school has made so many improvements all by the grace of God. The original school consisted of a small room in unpleasant conditions.

We visited the Pancho Mateo Village today (original location of the Makarios School). The kids were all so adorable. They will hold your hand and spend time with you as if they have known you for years. You can tell how much appreciation they have for our visit by just looking into their eyes. It’s amazing how much love these kids have to give.

Ryan, our team leader bought us drinks from the village. I had a Fanta type flavor and could not finish it (the bottles are HUGE), so I decided to share some with the children. While holding the bottle, it was precious to see them all sharing and taking small sips from this huge container that was almost as big as their heads.

Before dinner, fellow group members and I went on a short run. We were in desperate search of some ice cream or paletas (frozen fruit bars that are super yummy!). We went all the way to the beach and did not find any. What we did find was an amazing ocean. It was so calm and peaceful, the water looked amazing. I was hot and sweaty and jumping in looked like a good idea, I quickly changed my mind when I thought about running home with sand between my toes and in wet shoes….YUK!

Tomorrow will be our first day working with the kids at the school. I can hardly wait! So many wonderful experiences to come…

Jen Garcia