Jesuit High School students from Portland, Oregon, are inspired by the community of Hato del Padre, Dominican Republic

After several hours of bus rides and flights, twenty-one curious Jesuit High School students and three adult chaperones arrived in the Dominican Republic. When we arrived it was pouring rain and wondered what our next nine days would look like. As we watched out the window of the filled bus, we were stunned by the beauty of our temporary home. The streets were filled with motorcycles and locals with confused faces as they saw us. However, as soon as we waved, they smiled and waved back. Soon we entered the community of Hato del Padre and saw the destination of our soon to be court. Immediately when we got out of the bus we were overwhelmed with hospitality. So many people greeted us with open arms and happy smiles. Little did we know we would soon experience the beauty of this community, through relationships and connection.

Awakened by the birds chirping, we were ready for our first day of work. We enjoyed another home cooked meal and set out for the court. As soon as we got there work began and we quickly followed the local’s directions. The scorching heat touched our skin as we shoveled sand, carried buckets, and poured cement. We quickly got into a good rhythm working in an environment most of us have not seen before. The attempts to communicate with the locals grew each hour slowly building more connections.

Our work lasted for three days, and the progress of the court reflected the progress of our relationships. During and after our work we slowly began to create close connections to the younger kids in the community. We played cards, dominoes, hacky sack, and many other games. The kids quickly caught onto our play and even exceeded our skills. It was so cool how close we got with the kids despite the large language barrier. Each game we played sparked new connections and lead to learning opportunities for everyone.

It only took one day for us to begin remembering faces and names. Greetings of ¨Hola¨ and ¨Buenos Dias¨ spread through the church area each morning. More kids arrived and to play with us each day. These connections allowed us to take our minds off what we missed about our lives back home. This trip opened up opportunities for a new perspective and served as a unique chance to set aside our ¨regular¨ lives.

There were so many different faces and names to remember, but each interaction presented challenges and joy. The constant smiles on the children’s faces inspired us to realize how much happiness life has to offer. Despite any challenges or lack of necessities, the children continued to find so many areas of joy in their lives. We quickly became attached to them, and they wanted to spend every moment with us. We all dreaded when we had to say our goodbyes each night before we went to bed. Furthermore, watching how they interact with each other was inspiring. It was like they were all one big family, and they shared so much love with each other.

Not only did the children inspire us, but the adults and older kids in the community offered so much hospitality.  Whether it was the warm home cooked meals, fixing our water supply, or just new cultural insights, the adults were always there to care for us. The air was constantly filled with the smell of fresh mangos, fresh vegetables, and meat cooked with love. They never failed to offer us anything and everything we needed.

While our group consisted of many optimistic students and chaperones from the same school, we also greatly relied on the group leaders and translators. Our group bonded each day as we spent so much time together. So many stories and adventures were shared. Our common experience was so special, and we have already begun to plan how we are going to hang out when we get back home. The special memories we made together will never be forgotten.

The exchange of culture was life changing. The locals welcomed us to embrace and learn their culture. They led us through dances, sightseeing, and they prepared traditional foods for us. We all laughed as locals taught us dances, with Dominican music playing loudly in the background. These traditions were vibrant and filled with fun and enthusiasm. Living in a place surrounded with new culture truly helped us to see a new side of the world. From the very youngest to the eldest community member, the community showed us how to celebrate and come together as one.

A huge highlight of our trip was the ceremonial inauguration of the court. Not only was this court beautiful and complete, but it was a place where we could laugh, play, and connect. Speeches were shared and the entire community all came together to celebrate. The locals worked so hard to reach this point and it was so amazing to witness this monumental moment for the community.

We will forever miss the community of Hato del Padre. Our memories are unique and special. It was so hard to say goodbye because all the new relationships we made were so strong.  We acted as one big family and spent every day together. Even just spending time with the kids without much formal communication was enough to become close friends. The numerous exchanges of ¨Gracias¨ showed the simple, yet impactful communication and connection between our community and theirs. The community of Hato del Padre will be missed, but never forgotten. Our memories will forever shape our lives outside of the court and community. Just like we always said, ¨muchas gracias¨ to the community of Hato del Padre for the experience of a lifetime.
~ Gracie Stalick and Maeve O´Scannlain, Jesuit High School Portland Student Volunteers

Volunteer Quotes:

I’ve learned that the community of Hato del Padre is extremely loving, hospitable and kind. They have shown me how to love strangers and to provide for more you don’t know. 
~ Sadie Williams

From the community I learned how to be open and welcoming, and kind to all. I feel like this trip taught me what really matters in life - seeing these kids so happy with no fancy clothes or toys.  This showed me how relationships and faith are what really matter. This trip taught me how to live in the moment and be present.
~ Vivian Vogt

I've learned that the world truly is bigger than home, not just in size, but it is huge in culture.  Big issues at home are incredibly small compared  to others in the world.
~ Molly Clancy

I have so many amazing memories from this trip, including laughing with everyone and having so much fun. I also love getting to explore Hato del Padre and more of San Juan. I think this trip has changed me in a couple different ways but the main thing is that I have realized how insignificant material things are. I have also deepened my understanding of the world outside the U.S, and how cultures can be very similar and different at the same time. 
~ Delaney Averill

I understand the importance of relationships much more clearly; family, friends and community should be put in the front of our lives. I have seen how the locals interact with everyone and I have seen how much it impacts them in a positive way.
~ ⁠Gracie Stalick

I have learned so much about the community here. I have learned the ways of love shown here, I have learned the importance of family, togetherness and support. I feel like this trip has changed me because I have realized that happiness can be found anywhere. The smiles on everyone’s faces despite all of the challenges they face have pushed me to realize the joy in life. I have realized how more grateful and aware I should be about my life. This truly has been an amazing experience. 
~ Maeve O’Scannlain 

I feel like this trip has changed me in so many different ways. I feel like I gained a new perspective on what life could look like for people and how in different places around the world value internal feelings such as unity and wholeness rather than things like materialism. 
~ Kate Gabrielson 

What I understand clearly now is how important being nice to everyone is. I will say I was hesitant on what to expect coming into the community and how we would be seen but my expectations were fairly exceeded. The kindness of the community helped me feel at home and comfortable. The importance of being kind can go so far. 
~ Sloan Hefeneider

Community Quotes:

 I want to express from the bottom of my heart my deepest gratitude for coming to our community and dedicating your time and effort to build that beautiful court. Your generosity and dedication have left a very special mark on all of us, and I am truly grateful for having shared that week with you. The joy and team spirit you brought continue to inspire us to keep dreaming of a better future. Thank you for everything you did for us! Your work and kindness mean so much to our community.
~ With much gratitude, Odalis Mesa

I feel very thankful with the volunteers for the blessing to our community of Hato del Padre. We appreciate the visits and their hard work.  This has been an unforgettable experience. From the bottom of my heart.
~ Thanks! Salvador Mateo

I thank God for allowing me to be a part of such a blessing of serving others while serving my community. The group that came here was wonderful. We made friends and I think we also made family too. Thanks for everything! Here you always have a place to come back to.
~ Lorena Medina

Through this message, I want to thank the Portland Jesuit group for being here in Hato del Padre and for helping us build a court in our community and promote sports. Today, the community is very grateful for this achievement because everywhere I go, people say to me: “Ariel, the court is full of young people playing” and “Look how beautiful it looks with the group.” I felt like the group became part of our family, and I really liked how you work as a team and the organization you have.
~ Ariel Ramón 

It was a pleasure for us to spend time with the group. We also thank you for this great achievement for our community. You know the doors of Hato del Padre are yours, so whenever you want to come back, we will welcome you with open arms.
~ Celida
I felt good about the court we built together. It taught me the value of teamwork. We truly appreciate this court, since we didn’t have a place to play sports, and thanks to your efforts in helping us build it, now we can play and have teams. I also felt good about the people I met and for sharing time with them. I feel like we had great chemistry.
~ Jesuanny

It was a beautiful experience, meeting new people, learning from them and trying to speak their language. It was unique.
~ Emely Valdez