Bellarmine Preparatory High School students receive a very warm welcome from the small town of Ojeda, Dominican Republic

After traveling over 5,000 miles from Washington state, our little group of high school students from Bellarmine Preparatory arrived in the Dominican Republic in the small town of Ojeda. We were unsure of what to expect as we stepped off the bus but were immediately wrapped in the warm welcome of the community. There were outstretched arms of Ojeda children ready to give hugs, a banner with balloons welcoming us, and a culture dance practiced and ready to perform for us. We truly couldn't have asked for a kinder welcoming.

We made one of the schools our home for the trip but joked that it felt more like we were staying at a resort because of the views. Every morning, as we got up and to our left, was the gorgeous view of the ocean maybe 100 yards away from us. To our right was the view of one of Ojeda’s lushes green mountains. The beauty of Ojeda was something we could have never imagined but as the days passed, we found Ojeda's true beauty in its people.

Each workday was spent passing buckets of sand and gravel to a mixer where we poured and laid the concrete for a soon to be basketball court. It was hot, humid, and a lot of hard work but each moment of struggle came with about 10 smiling moments with the community. Things like the children waiting for us to take our breaks so they could play with us, to having conversations with the locals while passing buckets that normally ended in us laughing so hard our stomachs would hurt more than our arms at the end of each workday. We enjoyed yelling ARENA (sand) and GRAVA (gravel) every time the locals would call out for more materials. We especially loved when they would bring out the speakers and everyone couldn´t help but dance along as we switched back and forth from songs we knew, like Baby by Justin Bieber, to songs they knew, like Suave by Jey One.

Later in the afternoon we would spend our time with the Ojeda children. The time spent with them was truly the highlight for our group. This was clear when in our final meeting as we went around asking what the hardest part about leaving would be and most of the group said leaving the kids. They really became like little siblings to us. They would braid our hair, play card games with us, and race us again and again around the building. Our close connection with them happened so fast and yet was filled with so much love.

The more we learned about Ojeda the more we grew as a group. Each discovery brought gratitude for what we had, realization of what we needed to improve, and life lessons that as a group we now shared and took home to impact our own communities with. Experiencing and reflecting on these core memories together bonded us. We were a random group of high school kids that became like a little family.

We were complete strangers when we got to Ojeda and time and time again they surprised us with welcoming kind attitudes. They showed us so much love from home cooked meals, to helping carry heavy buckets, and even being patient with us as we practiced our Spanish. They impacted us so deeply and left us with a lasting lesson of what is important in this world, people. It´s not the things you own, the goals you accomplished, or even the work you have done. Truly at the end of the day it's the smile you put on others faces and the connections you have made that really matter. We truly can´t thank Ojeda enough for teaching us this and being our home on this unforgettable journey.
~ Hudson Hedrick, Bellarmine Prep High School Student Volunteer

Volunteer Quotes:

I have so many amazing memories from this trip. One is when we went on a hike and we got to try new fruit like cacao. I also love every single interaction I had with the locals. I've learned so much from this community. The little girls taught me to share. You never have too  little to share. I also learned so many things from the community. One is to appreciate and enjoy every single one of nature's gifts. I was reminded the importance of sharing all we can. This trip reminded me that at the end of the day, no matter what country one is from, we are all human. We just want to love and be loved. 
~ Cora Ecklund

The most memorable thing for me was seeing the connection between the Bellarmine kids and the Ojeda Youths. My high point of the trip was riding the bus pass by the court and seeing our students cheering and celebrating the court we just built.
~ Katie Dunivan, Chaperone

This trip has changed me in several ways. After the trip I feel a lot more appreciative of my life back home. Seeing how happy the locals are helped me realize that I don’t need all the material things. 
~ Landon McClurg 

My favorite memories were hanging out with the locals, seeing the court gradually come together and looking off at the river after a long day of work. I enjoyed playing with the kids and conversing with everyone. Despite the language barrier we found a way to connect. It came as a shock that most of the locals were so kind, welcoming and friendly.
~ Erin Liu 

What I learned from the community is how open and welcoming they are. They welcome you like family and I hope to bring their love home with me. I learned about myself that anything is possible and to go out of your comfort zone. To take the opportunity while you can. 
~ Madyson Bronder

What I learned from this community is an indescribable amount of things but a few important ones are these: Children are still children, no matter their location on a map. Kindness is key, in every situation. Despite how some of these things may seem like common sense it took this trip for me to notice them. I am equally surprised and grateful for how similar the kids are here to the kids back home, and even more for how friendly and welcoming the people are here. 
~ Abbie Gaffney 

I learned that no matter where you go there is beauty. This place is extremely beautiful and it doesn’t matter how much money you have there is beauty everywhere. The are so many amazing people all around the world and it’s so cool to meet them. 
~ Cain Metty

Community Quotes:

I feel very excited to have been part of that great activity, it was something very impressive and wonderful. I didn't know that building a court would be so much fun. It was a fantastic moment, we shared the culture, we met people with incredible stories, this was the best of my vacation. The first day after work my body hurt like crazy but it was so fun that I didn't even think about it. I just wanted to rest to get up the next day and continue. Now, when I pass by the court, I feel so excited to see people playing and enjoying the basketball court. What excites me the most is knowing that I was part of the construction staff. I am very happy to know that there are organizations like yours that make the dreams of young people come true. Thank you for everything.
~ Yanelis Baptiste

Working with Courts For Kids on this project for our town of Ojeda was an absolute pleasure. The organization supported our community from the very beginning stages of prep work, so by the time the U.S. volunteers arrived, we were able to hit the ground running without a hitch. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I know the way in which human connection, despite cultural barriers, can be a catalyst for real progress and real change in a community. The week the students from Bellarmine Prep spent here was a testament to that reality. Seeing the students from Bellarmine Prep interact and connect with the Dominican locals was a beautiful demonstration of intercultural exchange and teamwork. Because of the unwavering support of Courts For Kids and the dedication and determination of the students and faculty of Bellarmine, the youth of Ojeda have an accessible, safe, and sustainable place to practice sports programs for years to come. Thank you Courts For Kids and thank you Bellarmine!
~ Tess Penders, Peace Corps Volunteer, Ojeda, Dominican Republic

I truly can't describe in words how I felt seeing such a cherished dream come true. It had been in my heart for a long time until Tess Panders, along with the Peace Corps and Courts for Kids, came along and this dream I held in my heart began to come true. I truly feel so happy for this dream, which not only included the basketball court but also the volleyball court. A thousand heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this dream possible. 
~ Alex Medina

I had a great time with the visit we had in my community. I have to highlight the help we received from the Courts for Kids volunteers. It was very pleasant for us to see that they came and helped us, ensuring that in the end we have a space to enjoy and exercise; in other words, the youth of the Ojeda community have a place to relax and avoid dwelling on bad habits. Of course, the youth are very happy, both they and everyone else who can use the new court project, and that we can unite as a team again.
~ Yanelis Mercedes.

I express our sincere gratitude to the Peace Corps and Courts for Kids for their invaluable support, commitment, and dedication to our Ojeda community. Their work has left a positive mark reflected in the development, education, and strengthening of our sports disciplines in this area. Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Your presence has been an inspiration and a true example of solidarity and international cooperation. We are deeply grateful for your dedication and hope this experience has been as enriching for you as it has been for us!
~ Brayan Feliz and Juventud de Ojeda

I want to express my sincere gratitude for the beautiful project you provided us. I am so proud of both Marlennis and Tess, as well as all the other people who made this project possible for our community of Ojeda. We are immensely happy! It was a great joy to receive such invaluable help from you, who came so kindly to support us and make our dream of having our own court in Ojeda a reality. Now we have a space where we can play, share, laugh, jump, and enjoy ourselves freely. Thank you so much. We will always be grateful and proud.
~ Brendy Matos

I am very happy that Court for Kids has given us the opportunity to have a court in our community of Ojeda. We want to deeply express our gratitude for this valuable contribution, which not only beautifies our environment but also promotes sports, unity, and the healthy development of our youth and children. Thank you for believing in us and investing in the future of our community. This court will be a place of joy, learning, and growth for all. A thousand thanks from all of us who live in Ojeda!
~ Alidia