Faith in Motion: Serving and Learning Across the Caribbean
My global mission intern experience began in September 2025 in San José, Costa Rica, where I underwent an intensive Spanish language course with Maximo Nivel. I lived with a host family and studied Spanish for four weeks. I was taught by two wonderful professors who I would describe as my dream team: Leda and Katya. I started my days with Leda, who focused primarily on conversation and increasing my confidence with speaking and writing Spanish. Katya focused more on grammar and making sure my pronunciation was correct. Together, they adjusted their teaching styles to my way of learning. By the end of the program, I had grown close to both of them, and my Spanish skills had grown exponentially. My host family also noticed my growth and by the end of my time in Costa Rica, I was able to have conversations entirely in Spanish.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Due to some challenges with my visa process, I began my service in Puerto Rico in October 2025. There, I met Maria, who was the landlady of the home where I stayed during my six weeks there. I also attended church with her at Disciples of Christ Church in San Juan. Maria and I developed a friendship, and she offered her wisdom and delicious cooking to encourage me as I awaited visa approval. While in Puerto Rico, I also volunteered at an after-school program in Bayamón called Hogar Forjadores de Esperanza or Home of the Forgers of Hope. There, I worked with elementary-aged children to assist them with their homework. Most of the children requested my assistance with their English homework, and with my level of Spanish, I was able to communicate and learn from the children and staff who worked at this program. I was given a wonderful send-off despite my short time there – I am very grateful for that experience. After 6 weeks of working with the embassy, my visa was approved to live and work in the Dominican Republic.
Boca Chica, Dominican Republic
I arrived in Boca Chica the evening of December 1st, 2025. I was welcomed by my new coworkers, Javiela and Dayanara, with a green handwritten sign that said “Shalom Caminante te da la Bienvenida!” (Shalom, Caminante Welcomes You!) Caminante is a community outreach organization with the main objective of protecting the rights of children, providing resources and protection from all forms of harm.
My first experience meeting the children of the community was during a Saturday morning art class that Caminante and the municipal police department were hosting. A large group of children and a coworker greeted me outside my apartment building that morning, and we walked together to the art class. My coworker introduced me as an American volunteer, and the children were immediately curious, asking me questions about where I was from. I explained to them that I was still learning Spanish, so I could only answer one at a time, and sometimes I needed to be spoken to a little more slowly to understand. They nodded with understanding, but out of excitement, they continued to speak over one another, excitedly asking me questions as I attempted to understand and piece together coherent responses to their questions.
December was a month filled with preparation for Christmas and the New Year, so most of the activities Caminante facilitated were Christmas-themed and focused on the community. On my way to a meal with Haitian immigrant youth (who live in the streets or in group homes), there appeared to be an active, large-scale immigration operation occurring by the Dominican authorities all over Boca Chica. There were many trucks and officers patrolling the area. It was a juxtaposition to the fellowship we experienced during our Christmas lunch with the Haitian youth. I have a bit of a background in French and was able to speak a little with the youth I was dining with. It was enriching to experience the blend of cultures and conversations in different languages.
In three months, I have explored 3 regions with different cultures and met many wonderful people. I have made new friends and gained new perspectives on the world and my place in it. I have been a witness to the experiences of others and listened to the stories of lives that are very different from my own. I am learning a new language that influences the way I see and connect to the world around me. Even though it is just the beginning of my experience in the Dominican Republic, I know I am being transformed and am excited to see where this experience takes me.
