Jesuit High School Portland in Higo de la Cruz, Dominican Republic

´Lock in!´ These words became a motto in our work on the court, and lock in we did! All of our days were filled with joy and effort as we journeyed through our days, the first three, primarily being focused on construction. Sunscreen, bugspray, hats, sunglasses, and freshly picked bananas quickly became necessities. Our work shoveling, carrying, and unloading buckets turned a collective dream into a reality.  

When we weren't dutifully working on the court, we were engaging in conversations and cultural activities with the locals of Higo de la Cruz. We often spent our time playing sports, drawing, visiting local farms, chatting during work breaks, and playing an abundance of card games. After many buckets, the court was finished. Seeing the joy on the locals faces was a feeling that was rewarding in a sincere, genuine way. This joy was not superficial, like something materialistic or gained from a screen. The project was changing a reality for many, and gave the community an opportunity to bond over a common goal, whilst simultaneously creating a gathering place, as well as a multipurpose athletic space. 

Once the court was finished, we participated in an inaugural game in which the entire community converged over our rewarding labor. Impacted by the sense of accomplishment, we truly saw that the work will be perennial, similar to the bonds we created with the locals. Despite the language barrier, connections were forged over common interests across two distinct cultures, each comprised of diverse individuals.

Having newly found free time, we were able to enjoy a luxury of additional activities around the Dominican Republic. We were given the privilege to go boating on Lake Enriquillo, swim in the natural spring waters, try raw honeycomb and coffee, and engulf the breathtaking skyline, among other novelties. 

Departing the country, we are left only with the memories cemented in our brains. We will truly miss the people who shared our dedication to the cause, but more importantly, we will reminisce over the unwavering hospitality shown by our new friends in Higo de la Cruz.  - Britta, Chris,  and Nathan

Volunteer Quotes:

“What I learned from the community is to be grateful for what’s in front of you. Social media, plans for the next week and material possession are for less important than family, food, and laughter. This community of Higo de la Cruz puts an emphasis on hard work, helping whenever you are needed, and caring for the youth as a joint effort.” 

-Reggie Collins

“My favorite memories from the trip was all the great bonds I made with the locals, my classmates, and everyone else. Throughout the trip I have learned so much from all them and they showed me compassion, friendship and more. Another favorite memory for me was the happy looks on everyone’s faces when they saw the court for the first time. That is the moment I felt like I made a difference in others lives and it was just an amazing feeling that I will never forget.” 

-Taylor Stalick

“I realized how lucky I live and that I need to be more considerate and conscious of the rest of the world. I also learned that I do not need to live with luxury, and that I can still live and be happy without it.”

-Andrew Wellnitz

“I have learned constant love from this community. We were welcomed into a backyard and we picked avocados straight from the tree and ate them there. People would cook for us and wanted to show us their homes. I learned the beauty of finding joy.” 

-Abby Bartow

“My favorite memory from the trip was playing soccer with the local kids. I love seeing everyone’s ecstatic faces as the language barrier was left behind. The community seemed so connected by such a simple sport.” 

-Nathan Tschanz

“I have so many memories from this trip that I will never forget. From the second we arrived in the community watching everyone’s smiles grow on their faces as we passed in the truck to the sadness of saying goodbye to everyone to the community as we leave.” 

-Rachel Mattercheck

“What I learned from this trip about the world is that much more precious than I tought. I also learned that there is more to life when you live simply. I think many poverty communities are actually more happy with their lives than most Americans are.”

-Ava Fricke

Community quotes:

“My experience with the Portland Jesuit group was very good, I liked them very much, they were all very kind, I had a great time with everyone, I really liked the experience, I would like to live that experience with them again ☺️ I thank Aby and the other girls who showed me a lot of love and we laughed a lot ☺️. The  girls also really liked my name and that made me feel very good.” - Delany Pérez 

“My experience with the group was excellent, the exchange of cultures was impressive, despite being young they had a lot to offer, in the community they left a legacy that will be remembered forever where a group of young people from the United States came and worked with no hesitation.” - Dennison Perez 

“The group of Americans came here to help our children have a safe place to place sports. This is just priceless. Good bless them all.” - Irmenia 

“For me it was a pleasure to spend time with the volunteers. As a cook, I was concerned that they would no eat our food. I was surprised how willing they were to try new things. It made me feel good.” - Nirsa 

“When I fist saw the American volunteers, it couldn’t believe how parents would send their kids so far away to help total strangers build a court. The more time I spent with them I understood why parents will send them here. They care for the general well being and it is admirable what the parents are doing. This is definitely something to learn from.” - Genaro Diaz 

“We did not think this court would truly happen. We just had so many disappointments and nothing really gets here. Today, it warms my heart to see the kids playing on the court.”  - Chena