Mission to the Dominican Republic
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Mission to the Dominican Republic ~
Mission in the Dominican Republic: A Journey of Service, Faith, and Gratitude
Our trip to the Dominican Republic was not just a work mission; it was an opportunity to witness the transformative power of a shared dream. Our first Dementia Care Training in the country went beyond sharing knowledge.
It became a bridge that united strangers for a common cause, guided by faith, dedication, and a sense of gratitude that seemed to resonate in every corner of the communities we visited. From the beginning, we felt a special connection with the volunteers and the mission that brought us together, creating an environment where each person contributed unique and irreplaceable value.
How It All Began
This journey started as a dream of one of my students, Ibelka Blanco, having experienced firsthand the impact of our dementia care trainings, dreamed of bringing this knowledge to her home country. With courage and determination, she began reaching out to organizations and key individuals who shared her passion.
Thus, together with the organization “Ser Mujer,” led by Mrs. Diznarda De La Cruz, the preparations began. It was not easy; there were challenges and moments of uncertainty. But little by little, this dream turned into a collective effort where every member of the JC Dementia Care Trainer team joined with enthusiasm and dedication.
We set out not just to teach but also to bring hope and resources to those who needed them most, committed to ensuring this initiative transcended the act of teaching and became an act of love and service.
Ibelka Blanco, organizer & journalist,
with her husband, Osvaldo.
Preparations and Collective Support
Our plan extended beyond training; we wanted to make a direct impact on the lives of those who face the daily challenges of caring for people with dementia under difficult conditions. Thanks to the solidarity of many individuals and organizations, donations of essential equipment and supplies began to arrive.
We received wheelchairs, walkers, pampers, hygiene products, and even reading glasses. Each donation reflected the generosity of those who, even from afar, wanted to contribute. We shipped most of the donations and packed the rest in our luggage, aware that every item transported was a spark of hope for those who needed it most.
Arrival in Santiago de los Caballeros
On October 21, we arrived in Santiago de los Caballeros, a city full of history and beauty, which welcomed us with open arms. From the first moment, the community showed genuine interest in learning about dementia care.
That very evening, we had the opportunity to speak on a national television channel, where I shared the urgency of educating about this condition that affects so many families. The next day, our agenda was packed with interviews and TV programs, each allowing us to connect with more people, spreading the message of compassion and empathy.
First Training in Santiago
On October 23, we held the first full training day at the Santiago City Hall. The response was overwhelming as the room quickly filled beyond capacity, requiring additional seating. More than 400 people attended, each bringing their own stories and challenges. During the sessions, we not only shared care techniques but also engaged in personal reflections on the importance of empathy and mutual support. Participants felt understood, and with every session, bonds of solidarity were strengthened. At the end of the day, certificates of attendance were handed out as a symbol of the commitment each person had made in their caregiving roles.
Visiting Nursing Homes in Santiago
Visiting nursing homes was perhaps one of the most moving moments of our trip. The first home we visited welcomed us with immense joy and gratitude. We had the opportunity to interact with the residents, listening to their stories and sharing moments of joy.
We shared joyful moments, but we also uncovered a silent, harsh reality. Basic needs like adequate beds and medications were unmet, and the absence of family left a shadow of sadness, but also immense gratitude for bringing a bit of relief and comfort, even if only for a moment.
In the second home, this reality became even more heart-wrenching. There, the stories they shared with us seemed like they came straight out of a book of pain and resilience: people who had been abandoned at the doorstep, without a farewell or a final touch from those who had once been their family. As we walked through the hallways, we encountered gazes that seemed to search, in each new face, for a sign of affection, a gesture of companionship. Seeing the staff's effort to provide a dignified and clean environment, despite the limited resources, was an act of love that deeply moved and inspired us.
As we progressed in our visit, the weight of this experience led us to reflect deeply. We asked ourselves how much we truly value what we have and how often we express gratitude for the people and blessings in our lives. In every wrinkle on their faces and in every trembling hand we shook, we saw the traces of a life that was not always easy. On more than one occasion, we had to hold back tears to offer them a warm smile and a sincere hug.
This encounter was bitter sweet, reminding us that every human being deserves to be valued, cared for, and loved, especially in their golden years, when the body no longer responds as it once did, but the heart continues to beat with the same desire for companionship and affection.
Second Training in Santo Domingo
On October 25, we held the second training day at the Dominican College of Journalists in Santo Domingo. From early morning, people arrived from different parts of the country, some traveling for hours to attend.
Each participant came with a desire to learn and improve the quality of life for their loved ones or the patients they care for. The collaboration of local institutions was crucial in providing food and water, and amidst this day of learning, friendships and support networks were formed that filled us with energy and optimism to keep going.
Reflections on a Transformative Journey
Participating in a radio program and answering listener questions after everything we had experienced was the perfect conclusion to this mission. As I shared information about Alzheimer's and dementia, I felt something that transcended the simple satisfaction of a job well done. It was profound gratitude, a sense of being part of something greater than ourselves, something built with every step, every smile, and every hug shared.
This mission showed us that teamwork is a powerful engine capable of achieving the impossible. The community's strength, the unbreakable spirit of those who joined us, and the boundless generosity of every volunteer were like a constant embrace that pushed us forward, even in the hardest moments.
This trip was more than a professional project; it was a life lesson. I return home with the certainty that every effort, every smile, every small act of kindness matters and leaves an indelible mark on those who give and receive it. Faith, gratitude, and empathy became the threads that wove this journey together and gave it meaning. They taught us that, even though the road is sometimes arduous, every step is worth taking because what we leave in others’ hearts is what truly lasts.
This mission transformed me, not only as a professional but as a human being.
