Final traveler reflection

I didn’t fully understand what “development” looked like until I found myself sitting in a small workshop in San Pedro de Macorís, surrounded by women whose lives had been shaped by circumstances I had only ever studied in theory. In that space, development was not an abstract concept—it was personal. It looked like resilience, dignity, and the quiet rebuilding of lives through opportunity and community.

Six, almost seven months ago, I stepped into the unknown. I was nervous, uncertain, and honestly questioning my decision. I remember feeling like I was choosing a path that none of my friends were taking, wondering if I was crazy for doing something so different after graduation. But looking back now, I can see that this experience was exactly where I was meant to be.

So, with that, I want to offer a reflection on my time in the Dominican Republic—what I did, what I learned, and how it changed me.

Project & Host Organization Overview

During my fellowship, I worked with Mercy Workshop in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. Mercy Workshop began as an outreach ministry to women in the sex trade in surrounding communities. Over time, it grew into a full organization after recognizing the depth of need within the community.

Mercy provides women with the opportunity to leave lives of exploitation and step into lives of dignity and restoration. Through counseling, discipleship, and job training—particularly through jewelry-making as a social enterprise—women are supported holistically as they rebuild their lives.

When I first arrived, I expected to support donor relations and fundraising efforts primarily. However, my role quickly evolved. I began observing structural gaps within the organization that were limiting its long-term sustainability and growth. Through interviews and analysis, I was able to identify and evaluate key themes, including team dynamics, mission clarity, and organizational systems. From this, I created reports and recommendations to help Mercy operate more effectively and sustainably.

Cultural & Community Insights

Living in the Dominican Republic felt both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. As someone from the Caribbean, there were aspects of the culture that felt like home—warmth, honesty, and a deep sense of community. However, I still experienced significant culture shock.

Beyond the beauty of sunny weather and beaches, I was confronted daily with the realities of poverty and inequality. Simple things I had always taken for granted—like proper sanitation—became moments of reflection and gratitude. These experiences forced me to confront how much privilege exists in the “normal” parts of my life.

Language was another major challenge. Despite studying Spanish for four years, Dominican Spanish pushed me in ways I did not expect. The speed, slang, and dialect made communication difficult, especially when working with women who had varying levels of education. I learned quickly that language is deeply nuanced—not just between countries, but within them.

Yet, even in those moments of misunderstanding, I realized something powerful: communication is not limited to words. Patience, presence, body language, and genuine care became tools of connection. Love and service can be communicated even when language falls short.

Key Experiences & Stories

Some of my most meaningful experiences came from the relationships I built with the women at Mercy.

One woman in particular, Diomaris, became like a mother figure within the group. I remember trying her salad for the first time and instantly loving it. From that moment on, she would always save me a plate. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything. It showed me that even though I came to serve, I was also being cared for.

Moreover, there were moments where the women and I would sit together, playing Uno, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s presence. Those moments felt pure and uncomplicated. They reminded me that community does not have to be complex—it can be found in shared meals, laughter, and time spent together.

At the same time, living in San Pedro was not easy. Being surrounded by poverty and struggle every day takes an emotional toll. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, especially seeing how circumstances can shape what people believe is possible for their lives.

Yet, there was also beauty in the country’s diversity. Traveling beyond the city allowed me to see different sides of the Dominican Republic—from beaches to mountains—which gave me a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of the place I was living in.

Growth & Learning

This experience stretched me in ways I could not have anticipated.

Personally, I grew in resilience and adaptability. Navigating a new country, language barriers, and unfamiliar environments pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. I learned how to sit in discomfort and still move forward.

Academically, my understanding of development shifted. What I had previously learned in the classroom became real. I began to see that sustainable development is not just about programs—it is about systems, structure, and people.

Professionally, I developed skills in observation, analysis, and communication. My work with Mercy allowed me to think critically about organizational effectiveness and long-term impact, which is something I hope to carry into my future career.

Impact & Outcomes

During my time at Mercy, I contributed by helping identify organizational gaps and creating tools to support growth and sustainability. I conducted interviews with both the women in the program and the staff, which provided insight into how the organization was functioning.

Through this process, I helped develop strategies to improve reflection practices among the women, allowing them to better track their growth over time. I also created administrative tools such as intake forms and agenda templates to improve internal operations.

While I contributed in meaningful ways, this experience also taught me humility. The impact was not one-sided—Mercy and the women I worked with impacted me just as deeply, if not more.

Recommendations for Future Travelers

If I could offer any advice to future Lumos Travelers, it would be this:

Be open-minded. Your expectations will shift constantly, and that is part of the process.

Embrace discomfort. Growth often comes from the moments that feel the hardest.

Be patient with yourself, especially when it comes to language and cultural differences.

Most importantly, build relationships. The people you meet will shape your experience far more than the work itself.

Conclusion

Looking back, I can confidently say that this experience has changed me. It has influenced how I see the world, how I understand service, and how I envision my future.

What once felt like a “crazy” decision turned out to be one of the most meaningful choices I have ever made. This journey has not only prepared me for what is next—it has redefined what I thought was possible for my life.

And for that, I will always be grateful.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11