Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic

News/Updates:

Latest Trips:

ROW Trip to the Dominican Republic - July 2008
Hampden-Sydney College January 2008
2002 ROW Trip to the Dominican Republic Photos
ROW returns to Esperanza, Dominican Republic to build a library

Overview:

In January, 2008 Ben completed a trip to Dominican Republic and enjoyed the company of his son, Adam. He reports that serving there is easy, safe and wonderful for folks of all ages! Passports
are needed, flights are direct to Santo Domingo, and pick up is by our partner, Pastor Pedro. There is a charge for the vehicle per day which includes gas and a driver.

Our work is based in Barahona, a city of 100,000 located three hours southwest of Santo Domingo. The roads are paved and the trip is easy. A stop about two hours into the trip at Pollo Rey Chicken King is a tradition and nice rest.

Teams can stay in any number of hotels, or in the church mission house. the hotels vary in price from $25 a night per person and up. The mission house is $22.00 per day per person and includes meals! It is safe, clean with regular beds and toilets. Towels should be brought and the shower is heated only by the sun sooo...

After arrival, unpacking, and getting settled, Pastor Pedro will give an introduction to the area and work. Then its is time to get some rest.

The work is centered in the bateys, poor villages of Haitian refugees. Teams build latrines ($400) each, and put in concrete floors for families. Medical teams are welcomed. The bateys have so many children that it is hard to offer VBS. Pedro is working on crowd control. We take school supplies, health kits, and Bibles to distribute. The Bibles are in Spanish! We send construction funds in advance so supplies can be purchased and on site. You work with professionals
who help you accomplish the tasks.

A team of ten can usually build 10 latrines or more in five or six days. Concrete floors are determined by the size of the house. These projects get rid of disease and insect issues for the very poor families.

Teams are needed who will also put on revivals and crusades here. Technical schools and churches are being built and we need help constructing these.

Pedro is part of the Evangelical Church of Dominica which has its roots in the Methodist Church. His wife, Lyda, is the cook. They speak English.

At night teams are invited to local church services and to visit the town squares. Ice Cream and baseball are popular here. Since it is hot in the DR cool clothes are needed. Malaria is not an issue. The water served is bottled and pure. Food is good, especially dinner.

Teams often choose to go to the beach and or spend a night at a beach resort to end the trip. Christopher Columbus lived in Santo Domingo and his palace is still there! Shopping, sight seeing, and great dining are available.

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