Was it just us or did the summer FLY by?!
We welcomed out dear interns just yesterday, wasn’t it?
These outstanding college students joyfully chose to spend their summer serving in the Dominican Republic. In just two short months, these three individuals interviewed thousands of associates, took hundreds of photos, recorded tons of stories, ate countless grains of rice, all the while smiling, every single day.
Before returning home, each intern shared some reflections on their Esperanza experience. Here are some descriptions of the ways Claudia, Michael, and Karolyn grew and learned here in the DR.
“During my time here, Esperanza has reinforced this idea that it’s not so much as fixing the whole problem but making it better. We can’t give all of our associates a life where they no longer have to worry about money and relax, but we can make their life a little better. Take a small piece of that worry off their shoulders, which helps more than I would have imagined. Give their children a better life with more opportunities. Create a sense of pride and dignity in associates. All of these things that Esperanza does to improve the lives of the associates has made me realize that better is in fact possible.”
-Claudia Partida (left), University of Richmond
“I learned how to listen while down here. I’m talking about intentionally listening. Primarily, this was a necessity in order to comprehend anything…Truly and relentless living on every word that was coming out of the other person’s mouth made me realize that this was not common action that I did. I always saw conversation as something I had to work at, something that needed me to come up with the next question, or comment. Once again, by facing this reality, I’ve realized new ways I can be intentional with those I love, which would not have been possible without this experience.”
-Michael Drake (middle), Texas Christian University
“It was incredible to be a part of was the devotionals and prayers during loan recollection meetings. I could feel the energy and belief that radiated from associates and loan officers while they raised their voices to talk to Jesus. Sometimes, the meetings felt like it was made up of family members that came to share and laugh together. Other times, people were going through hardships yet they smiled while they petitioned for God to help them. I witnessed such strong faith and perseverance that I could not help but praise God even more for His work in our communities.”
– Karolyn Guzman (right), Point Loma Nazareen University
*Pictured with Doña Esperanza, their unofficial Esperanza mother.*
We have been blessed by their hearts of service and their enthusiasm to learn. Though the summer was short, we were blessed to welcome three wonderful new members to the Esperanza Family.
If you’re interested in serving with us here in the DR or learning more about opportunities for partnership, please check out our Get Involved page.
Stay tuned for more information about our Summer 2017 Internship program!
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