I’m just a few days away from my one-month mark here, and life is moving fast. There’s so much gratitude in that—because each day brings me closer to reuniting with my loved ones—but it’s also bittersweet knowing that one day this experience will only be a cherished memory. Living in the DR has been teaching me lessons I didn’t anticipate. Working with a faith-based organization has opened my eyes to the realities of missionary life and what it looks like to intertwine faith with humanitarian work. As someone who stands firm in my faith, I know that everything I have comes from God alone. With hopes of one day becoming a diplomat, it excites me to see that my faith could also carry into that future—maybe even through missionary work.

During week 3, I attended an anti-trafficking presentation led by the Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Public Health here in San Pedro. Even though I could not understand every word in Spanish, I walked away with a deeper knowledge of the realities of trafficking. Many people think it only happens when someone is taken across borders, but it can also happen within your own country. Sometimes, tragically, it’s a family member, a husband, or someone close who sells you or forces you into the streets.

For some of the women in the room, the presentation was overwhelming, but it was so necessary. Conversations like these are the first step toward prevention, healing, and empowerment. I believe wholeheartedly that our work is not only about nurturing women back to “health” through a recovery program but also equipping them to stand strong and advocate for others who may one day be in their position. Process is never easy, but it’s incredible to see how God uses seasons of breaking and rebuilding to prepare us for something greater than we can imagine.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been conducting interviews—listening not just to survivors, but to mothers, wives, and daughters. What may have been moments of brokenness in their past have now become testimonies of resilience and strength. It’s an honor to sit in their presence. I’ll be honest—I struggled in the beginning to build connections with them, for many reasons. Even with the language barrier (and the Dominican twist on Spanish that I’m still getting used to), I’ve been learning that community is built as much on action as it is on words. So, I greet them with a smile, eat lunch with them, laugh when they laugh, hug them when needed—and in those simple things, I’ve learned that kindness never goes unnoticed.

This past weekend has been full of fun activities. Allison (my boss) and I spent a day in Santo Domingo(the capital) exploring the Colonial Zone —it was BEAUTIFUL. The Spanish influence in the buildings and environment gave me a familiar feeling of being back in Spain. We ate good food, I enjoyed a raspberry and vanilla paleta (popsicle), and we visited two different coffee shops because, well, my boss has an addiction. Haha. It’s moments like these that remind me that while parts of the DR reflect hardship, there’s richness, culture, and beauty waiting to be discovered, and it was refreshing to take it all in.

Moreover, I’ve had the opportunity not just to pour into others but to be poured into by the community here. The missionary circle has embraced me and created space for both my new experience and my heart. We had a super fun sip-and-paint night where we painted pumpkins (I like to think mine was the best one), laughed, shared stories, and ended the evening in worship. I sat there in awe of how quickly the Lord shows up when hearts are willing to invite Him in. These simple, joy-filled moments have reminded me that God is present in both the big lessons and the small gatherings. My heart is full, and I can feel that He’s only just getting started.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33

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