The Experience of a Lifetime.

Transformational. Inspiring. Faithful.

I first heard about the Dominican Republic Mission Team (DRMT) in the fall of 2021. I was a recent entrant into the Quinnipiac School of Communications and connected with Dr. John Powers. Throughout my first class and beyond, Dr. Powers always spoke with reverence about his involvement in the Dominican Republic (DR). While it took me almost three years to eventually accompany him on one of his mission trips, I have continued to be extremely grateful for the opportunity to impact the lives of many and help those who truly deserve it.

(Victor Bautista | Source)

I eventually ended up going to the DR in January 2024. This trip truly touched my heart and impacted who I am as a human being, all while gifting me friends that will last a lifetime. While this trip was a first for me, it was not unordinary for me to be involved in Christian-rooted projects. For years, I have been involved in youth ministry activities for my local church and have always enjoyed bringing joy to those through my faith. However, I had never been involved in an opportunity such as the DRMT, where you get to come together, embrace the faith and develop relationships that truly matter. 

From the moment I arrived, I knew this trip was different. All the other cross-country or international trips I had been on were either for leisure or connected directly to my local church. Nothing I had ever been involved with directly impacted individuals who deserve it like those we served in the DR and I witnessed this impact on the first day. When we arrived in Batey 50, a Haitian community served by the DRMT for decades, dozens of people swarmed Dr. Powers, hugged him and started talking as if they had seen each other the day before. While he hadn’t been down for months, everyone in the batey treated him like family. These interactions were inspirational and motivated me to connect with anyone I could, all while spreading the faith and working hard.

(Victor Bautista | Source)

Regardless of the hours of work we all put into staffing medical clinics, constructing support walls or praying with families, the most uplifting aspect of the trip was the relationships we developed with the Haitians, Dominicans and fellow volunteers. Although I was only there one week, I still speak to people down in the DR almost weekly. It’s hard to comprehend what spending a week surrounded by those who share the faith can do to a person but, speaking from experience, it is truly inspirational.

The DRMT is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re used to mission trips or are a newbie like I was,  I would encourage anyone who is on the fence about volunteering to jump right in. You will be transformed. You will be inspired. You will learn how to live your faith.