DR 18 Mission: Updates from the Island
Our annual mission trip to the Dominican Republic is underway! Parishioners from St Matthew Church, as well as from St Michael in Exeter and St Mary in Newmarket, will be offering their labor and prayers to our sisters and brothers in need there, guided by Fr Brian. They’ll be sending daily updates, so return to this space to read their words and see their photos.
2 March 2023
Our last sunrise Mass was on the beach in Paraiso. We squeezed in one last trip to the mountains to give shoe donations to the men of La Malanga, while the rest of the team went downhill to the spring box. The generator had to be carried down and up the mountain to finish welding but success at the end of the morning! The solar panels and pump were working well. The pipes, however, appear to be clogged. A lot of progress was made on this trip and more work yet to be done. We traveled to Santo Domingo and are awaiting our flight home. Our tired team is looking forward to hot showers and seeing our families! There were many blessings on this trip, and we give thanks to the Lord!
1 March 2023
Our last full day in Paraiso began with Mass on the roof of the convent. The Sisters made breakfast for us: ham and cheese sandwiches with fresh fruit. We split into two groups, with a medical clinic here in Paraiso and work to be done in the mountains. Fr. Brian led the way in carrying PVC pipes down the mountain toward the hydroelectric project. Our engineers continued to work on the solar-powered pump. The big test is tomorrow to see if it works. After a long day, we celebrated with dinner at Salin's family restaurant.
28 February 2023
Our day began with a spectacular sunrise Mass. With an early start, the medical team was able to travel far to Maniel to see 114 patients there. The mountain team installed the solar panels and made major progress. Some of the team was able to distribute shoes and toys in the community. The sneakers were a big hit! Thank you, Puma!
27 February 2023
Morning rain gave way to a beautiful sunny day, and so much work was accomplished today. All of the large, heavy solar panels and concrete were carried down: we have a strong team! We saw a record number (150) of patients in the La Vibora clinic; Dr. J is tireless. The ladies in Las Matas are loving each and every child at the Malnutrition Center. We are so grateful to be here!
26 February 2023
Another beautiful day. We began with Mass at the church here, La Virgen de la Altagracia. Fr. Willy celebrated Mass, and the community welcomed us. On the Leonardo aqueduct, heavy solar panels, angle irons, and cement(!) made it down the mountain to the spring box—it took many hands! Dr. Jimenez saw over 100 patients in El Platon, including two at-risk babies. After dinner, we had a lively game of blackjack with Skittles, then a quick dip in the water at Los Patos. Great teamwork today!
25 February 2023
A fabulous day! The medical clinic in Riocito saw 113 patients, both Dominican and Haitian. We had a translator from DR Civil Defense with us. A group built a wall at the local school, and now a few more projects are lined up there. Dhruv assembled the food dehydrator, which is his Eagle Scout project. Work continues on the complicated Leonardo aqueduct, and most of the group will be working there tomorrow. Tonight we celebrated Mass with the Riocito community and their wonderful choir. Dinner included mystery meat, which, rumor has it, was goat. A group went to Los Patos to rinse off at a small fresh water pond next to the beach. All in all, a full day!
24 February 2023
A long 24 hours from the ice and snow of Boston to the warm tropical Dominican Republic! We are safely here and managed to work today, moving tubing at Leonardo. The day was capped by a rooftop Mass, and everyone was in bed around 9p.
