the time i went to... - Belmont Lumos

Hi friends, I know this post is a few days late, but I wanted to make sure I had the space to reflect on everything that filled my last full month in the DR. February was truly one for the books—and it flew by. Since my last post, I’ve had the opportunity to experience and create some incredibly special memories

Boca Chica

I celebrated my birthday in a different country for the first time, and it was more special than I could have imagined. I was honestly a little scared going into it—being around people I hadn’t known for very long, celebrating my first birthday post-grad, and not knowing what to expect. My birthday has always been a BIG deal to me, and I usually celebrate with a large group, so this felt very different. I ended up having dinner with my closest friends here at a dockside restaurant called Boca Marina, just as the sun was setting over the water—and it absolutely delivered. Having such an intimate birthday was refreshing in ways I didn’t know I needed. Sometimes doing something different is exactly what your heart needs. On top of that, the women of Mercy surprised me with a birthday celebration as well. Diomaris—the “mom” of the group—and I actually share a birthday, so we celebrated together with cake, pizza, singing, and birthday blessings. It was a truly one-of-a-kind moment that I’ll never forget.

Punta Cana

The weekend of my birthday also happened to be Valentine’s Day weekend, so my friends and my roommate planned a Galentine’s trip to Punta Cana. You can definitely tell Punta Cana is a tourist destination—the prices are much higher than in San Pedro, and everything is catered to visitors. I even learned they have some of the highest electricity bills on the island, which honestly didn’t surprise me. I was determined to see Punta Cana before leaving since it’s one of the most popular places in the country. One thing I’ve really loved about my Lumos experience is the opportunity to explore different parts of the country you choose to call home. The Dominican Republic is so versatile—you can be at the beach one day and hiking a mountain the next. That weekend was exactly what I needed: lots of beach time, way too many piña coladas, cooking Mexican food together, and watching a rom-com. Life on the island is unlike anything else—it’s slow yet fast at the same time. You’re forced to be present, even while navigating the daily inconveniences. Being here has reminded me so much of home and how comforting that familiarity can feel.

La Vega

The week after my birthday, my boss and I traveled to La Vega to visit New Hope Girls and for me to meet their CEO, Joy Reyes. Around this time last year, New Hope hosted a Lumos scholar, Lauren Campbell, for 9 months. New Hope focuses on creating a refuge where girls can find safety, healing, and the freedom to dream of a brighter future. Joy gave us a tour of the original New Hope building and shared insights that really shifted my perspective. She talked about how, when homes lack basic necessities like reliable water and electricity, priorities change. In those circumstances, families may begin to see girls as more valuable for childcare or fetching water rather than education. That perspective deeply impacted me. This experience reminded me how important it is to go see the world for yourself, to witness infrastructure, systems, and lived realities firsthand. Joy’s words challenged me and stirred a desire to learn more, see more, and do more.

Juan Dolio

I spent my final week with the women I began this journey with when I first arrived. Kacey, Jen, and Elisabeth have been like big sisters to me during my time here. We spent a night in Juan Dolio, a quiet beach town just about 10 minutes from San Pedro. Juan Dolio is peaceful and residential—the perfect lowkey staycation spot. We stayed at a place called Marbella, and it was beautiful. More than anything, having uninterrupted time to talk, ask questions, and seek wisdom from them was exactly what my heart needed. Transitioning back to the States after six months won’t be easy—especially when you’re returning changed. Having a safe space to voice my fears and have these women pray over me was such a gift. This is the kind of community I’ve prayed for, and knowing I’ll be leaving it soon is bittersweet.