by Jade-Ashley Lindo
My recent mission trip to the Dominican Republic not only strengthened my faith but changed the way I view the world and those around me. I learned that serving others is about being present, listening, praying, and showing people that they are loved. One experience from the weeklong trip that stands out was visiting the bateyes, where people lived in poverty and faced hardships every day. It was inspiring to witness their faith. We prayed with them, and those moments will stay with me forever.
I remember praying for one man who believed that God no longer cared about him because of the sins he had committed, and as a result, he stopped going to church. It made me realize how easy it is for people to lose hope, and I prayed that he would come to understand that God’s love and mercy never leave.
We prayed for another man who wanted friends to encourage him, help him move forward in life, and bring him happiness. Those conversations reminded me that they don’t need materialistic things; they just need someone to listen and pray with them.
We also spent time digging the foundation for a future community center. It was tiring, but every shovel of dirt reminded me that we were helping build something that would serve the community for years to come, which made the hard work worth it.
Another one of my favorite parts of the trip was helping with the kids’ ministry. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we still laughed together and connected. They reminded me that love doesn’t always need words. Just showing up and giving the kids attention is all they needed to feel content.
One of the most meaningful experiences was installing water filters in families’ homes. We explained in Spanish and Creole how to use and clean them, and then we prayed over the filter, the family, and their home. It amazed me that something as simple as a water filter could have such a huge impact on someone’s daily life.
While serving others was the main purpose of the trip, some of the moments that changed me most happened within our own group. Every morning, we celebrated Mass together. Every night, we met in small “family groups” of about five people to read Scripture, reflect on our relationship with Christ, and talk honestly about our feelings.
Those conversations made me feel heard in a way I hadn’t expected. Being vulnerable wasn’t always easy, but hearing everyone else’s experiences helped me realize that we all struggle, grow, and need God’s guidance in different ways.
We also spent time together at the hotel, swimming in the pool, sharing meals, laughing, and getting to know one another. Those simple moments turned our group into a family.
This trip taught me that faith is not just something we talk about, but it is something we live. I learned to be more grateful for the blessings in my life, like clean water, a safe home, and a supportive family.
Most importantly, I learned that even when we cannot solve every problem, we can still make a difference by showing compassion, offering hope, and trusting in God.
I came home with a stronger relationship with Christ, unforgettable memories, and a heart forever changed by the people I met in the Dominican Republic.
Jade-Ashley Lindo is a member of the Youth Leadership Ambassador Program of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns.