Orpanage outreach mission trip in the dominican republic?

Question

Im going to the dominican republic on my first international mission trip next week. We are going to an orphange in monti cristi to teach vacation bible school to 2,500 kids in the communtiy. Has anyone been to the dominican with orphange outreach and if so do you have any tips for me. Or any international mission trip tips in general?

Answer 1

I agree with Happy Feet.  I lived in Haiti for 2 years and in the D.R. for a year and I don't see how you are planning to teach vacation bible school if you don't speak Spanish, French or, in Monti Cristi... CREOLE.  

If you REALLY want to help those people, then teach them how to fill their stomachs and leave the preaching alone... they get enough of that nonsense all year long.  

ALSO... be prepared for a REAL CULTURE SHOCK... you are going to witness a level of poverty that you can not imagine.  Everywhere you go, you will see very dirty, small children who look at you and rub their stomachs while they say "M Grangou"... which, in Creole means I'M HUNGRY.  And if you start handing out MONEY to ANY of them... you will be swamped by every kid in a 10 mile area coming up to you with their hand out.

Answer 2

I really hope you speak Spanish and have some good knowledge of French, because in the region of Monte Cristi there are a lot of children from Haiti (they speak Creole, mix language with french)

Happy to help you

Happy Feet

Answer 3

I agree with happy feet. The good things is that regardless of the the language barrier you will be able to enjoy your stay there. Dominicans are very warm, friendly and hospitable. God bless you tremendously for the beautiful charity work that you are part of.

Answer 4

I have been to several countries, but not DR.

Pray daily.  

Be flexible, ready to do whatever you are asked.  

Follow all rules given to you by the leaders you are with and always stay with them

Work with your team.

Keep a smile on your face as you work with the children-- They may not understand your language, but they know if you are enjoying being with them or not.

Don't worry too much about sanitary conditions, but eat only food that you know is safe--usually prepared by your team.

Wear comfortable clothes, but nothing good.  You may want to leave some of your clothes and things behind for the people there.

Be respectful of their culture.  You are in their country, so don't question or make fun of the way they live.

Take lots of pictures.

Have fun.   You will find that the time passes too fast and even tho you will be glad to get back home you will miss the DR people too.