Thrive in Joy’s October 2024 Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic
Thrive in Joy’s 20th trip to the Dominican Republic was a huge success thanks to an incredible team of 10 volunteers from across the US! Los Angeles team members included Thrive in Joy’s co-founders Mary and Jay Fagnano along with Jakob Riviera, George LePorte, and Lauren Wallender. Mary’s cousins, Brian and Kevin Jones, joined from the Midwest along with their wives, Jennifer and Marianne. Anne Butfilofski, who hasn’t missed a fall trip since 2014 joined the team from South Carolina.
Here’s how each day was spent:
Wednesday, Travel Day: Arriving in Santo Domingo on Wednesday night, the team enjoyed a sweet treat of Sweet Frog frozen yogurt before heading to Casa Misionera’s welcoming mission house for a restful night of sleep.
Thursday, Day 1: The day began with a delicious home-cooked Dominican breakfast prepared by our friends at Casa Misionera. We then departed to Liceo Angel Maria Hernandez Croussett High School in Nagua for a visit with Club Thrive in Joy students. Crisbel Jimenez, C11 Advisor and one of the Casa Misionera students, facilitated an engaging afternoon where students enjoyed empanadas while hearing from each trip attendee about their favorite C11 character strength. Brian Jones, one of our team members and Mary’s cousin, leveraged his connections in the running shoe industry to donate over 70 pairs of new Brooks shoes for the Casa Misionera students and their mentors.
Friday, Day 2: Our team, along with Casa Misionera volunteers, provided for the needs of families in the remote and under-served communities in the vicinity of Nagua. Thanks to the pastors of local churches who know the needs of these families well, we arrived with essential supplies, including food, roof materials, and basic home appliances.
Saturday, Day 3: This was the team’s R & R day to enjoy the laid-back beach community of Las Terrenas. We relaxed at a local beach restaurant where we were served locally-caught lobster and seafood cooked by the entertaining Felix and his crew.
Sunday, Day 4: After a breakfast overlooking the ocean at the hotel, the team departed at 9:00 am to arrive in Nagua by 10:00 a.m. for the church service. Music and dancing are all part of the Dominican worship experience at the church of Pastor Elisandro and his wife, Pastora Gricetty. This day’s service was particularly special with a wedding ceremony! Following the service, team members enjoyed a hearty Dominican lunch spread. Before departing, the team visited the site of the water purification plant funded by Thrive in Joy’s generous donor, the LB Charitable Foundation. This facility will provide thousands of families with access to clean, affordable water, while also generating jobs and revenue for the local community. We then boarded the bus for a 3-hour journey back to Santo Domingo. Along the way, we had the opportunity to walk around and explore the Colonial Zone where the first of many structures in the New World were erected including the fort, the cathedral, and the library.
Monday, Day 5: Our final day in the DR was action-packed with service in the community of Herrera and the Remar Orphanage. We visited Tia Tatiana School for their morning assembly followed by a Christmas pipe cleaners craft activity enjoyed by all 378 students from preschool to high school. In the afternoon, our team delivered rice, eggs, canned goods, and other staples to families in need in the Herrera community. The lack of resources in this community can be overwhelming, but visiting and praying with each household allowed everyone to experience the difference it can make when someone shows they care enough to step into these humble homes with love and items of sustenance.
We ended the day at the Remar Orphanage. Team Thrive in Joy’s first task was to form an assembly line with the Casa Misionera team to transfer essential provisions purchased for the orphanage from the truck to the kitchen (a heartfelt thank you to Esther Cho Lee for providing the funds for these essential provisions). After filling the orphanage's pantry shelves, Remar Directors, Yenny and Paco, talked to our team about the ongoing needs of the orphanage. The Thrive in Joy team then spread out and spent time engaging the children and young adults in various activities, including bracelet-making, basketball, and other arts and crafts. The talented young adults performed two dance routines. We were also especially happy to see the beautiful condition of the field affectionately called “El Play de Nick.” Thanks to Sharon Lee’s donation in honor of her new grandson’s 100th day, we ended the night with a delicious fried chicken dinner and cake for the young people at Remar. A few hours later, with gratitude for the time to serve at Remar but sadness to say goodbye, our team boarded the bus back to the hotel.
Tuesday, Day 6: The team enjoyed the abundant Fiesta Hotel buffet breakfast ahead of boarding the bus for one last ride with our incredibly calm and gifted driver, Yency, to the Santo Domingo airport.
On every trip we have a very special gratitude for Nelson Paulino, who has coordinated all the good works Thrive in Joy has been able to accomplish on behalf of the vulnerable children and families in this country. Additionally, there is so much gratitude each team member shares for the kindness and generosity of each fellow team member who chose to participate in this life-changing experience.
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