Bellarmine High School in the joyful and welcoming community of Padre Las Casas, Dominican Republic

Starting this trip out many were very confident about what they were about to immerse themselves into. Leaving our parents at 3 a.m. and getting to the Dominican Republic during the afternoon, but just as the meeting before coming on this trip said “be flexible”, we missed our flight and ended up staying in Dallas, Texas for a night. That night everyone began to connect. We went to Denny's after a long day of traveling and later played cards in our hotel rooms, getting a glimpse of each of our personalities. Afterwards, when we finally got to the Dominican Republic, we saw the beautiful landscape as we drove for three hours to our destination.

Welcomed late at night with a celebration, we ate some traditional Dominican food: fried cheese, plantains, and salami. We danced with the locals, learning all about their school and how they specialize in the arts. That night was the beginning of a beautiful trip. The next day we began construction work, and after a long trial and error process, we occupied a rhythm that worked for us. After long hours of lifting buckets (and breaking a few), spreading wet cement across blocked out areas, and sweating from head to toe, we finished the court in 4 days.

During these work days we tackled ¨challenges¨ given to us by the chaperones in order to connect with the locals and each other, from asking about local conflicts to asking if anyone ¨needs toilet paper for their diarrhea.¨ Through our hard work, we danced to music in both English and Spanish, bridging connections over songs we all loved. The locals pushed us to work even harder, and our challenges and conversations gave us more of a connection to the locals. Though some spoke no English, many were able to communicate using hand signals, like charades. However, we did have to sit in the discomfort that not everything we wanted could be said.

The construction process tested our patience and resilience, both physically and mentally. After long hours of working through the court, we engaged in more cultural dances, games, as well as conversation. As time went on, we grew closer with the locals and each other. Although we came from different cultures and different countries, our shared experiences working on the court allowed us to build bonds that enabled us to enjoy our time together and share life changing experiences. 

Ending the trip with reflection has been invaluable. Not only has looking at the finished court brought us a sense of fulfillment, but identifying what we´ve learned and how we've changed has felt like such a blessing. We each overcame both given and unexpected challenges, and are returning back to America with pride and satisfaction. Late night meetings and enjoying wonderful views has allowed us to sit in our excitement, frustration, joy, and struggles that have arisen from this trip. On our very last night in the Dominican Republic, we wandered along the beachside, enjoying the warm blue water and laughing with one another. With new friends, new experiences, new memories, and new knowledge, we´re very sad to leave, but very grateful to have had this opportunity.

~ Grace Howell and Sam Gobal

I think the most difficult part of going home for me will definitely be saying good bye to the locals. The strong and loving connections/ friendship we have made with them, specially in such a short amount of time will be very hard to leave behind. 

~ Ali Opitz

The most difficult part about going home is knowing I will never find a more joyful and welcoming community. From the moment we arrived we were embraced with welcome arms and kind smiles it was an amazing and unique experience that would never happen at home. I understand more clearly that you always have to be able to directly communicate with language to have a deep relationship with people. 

~ Claire Lucas

I learned to be a lot more grateful for my own circumstances as I realized that people don’t have it as easy as us in the developed country we live in. 

~ Brandon Wing

Being in this trip gave me so many clarity, it cleared my mind of the stress of home and school and friends as much I’ve been needing.  ~ Nicole Gobal

The most difficult part of this trip is certainly having to leave a place the I’ve made so many special memories in through this trip. I’ve learned so much and grown even more I’ve developed such a caring for the locals and this school and the last couple of days of the trip it’s really felt so special to me. It’s hard leaving with the knowledge that I’m thousand of miles away from these people and this place.  ~ Sam Gobal

Court for Kids in Padres la Casas changed this It showed me the the life of other communities. Even though it can be really different life is, if anything, more enjoyable.  ~ Mac Barney

I think my most difficult part of going home is knowing what I am leaving behind. I have formed so many connections on this trip, and learned so many things about myself.  ~ Audrey Bridgman

Quotes from the Community:

Dear volunteers, your staying in our school means to me a gesture of solidarity, love, and dedication to the people who need the most; For me it was a lot of knowledge, to know that good people still exist, people with a big heart ❤️ ♥️ as you continue doing the good, may God will bless you. We will always wait for you with our arms open. ~ Herany Velos (the one who was in the kitchen)

I felt very good about the collaboration of other people from another country, for their help with the court, being basketball my favorite sport, and I was able to learn a little about their culture. ~ Luis Alexander Galvan Suazo

It was a very enriching and fun experience, because I was able to play with them and get to know them better. I also thank them for the great work they did with the court, thanks to them we have a good space to play. I hope to see you soon. With love, ~ Daveida

I felt good because I interacted with different people, besides they were very kind, working with them was very dynamic as well as fun, communicating with them. I learned new words in English and also thanks to their contribution we have a court and some sport equipment and that is appreciated. ~ Carlos Manuel Jiménez.

I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to volunteer as a translator for Courts for Kids. Serving as part of a team of dedicated Americans and Dominicans gave me a sense of purpose and joy. I am proud of the work we accomplished and I appreciate the Courts for Kids staff who made it happen, especially Marlennis who was on top of making sure everything went smoothly. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who has the chance! ~ Aaron Durka Peace Corps Volunteer

Dear members of Courts for Kids,

On behalf of the entire educational community of the Liceo Eugenio María de Hostos, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary work they carried out during their visit to our institution. The creation of the court, the cultural exchange, the gift of sports equipment and, above all, the invaluable gesture of friendship that they gave us, have left an indelible mark on our hearts and on the comprehensive development of our students. Their dedication and commitment to making possible the construction of a sports field in our educational center has not only physically transformed our environment, but has opened new opportunities for the growth, recreation and sports development of our young people. The generosity and caring spirit of each of you have strengthened community ties and enriched the educational experience of all of us who are part of this great family. Furthermore, their willingness to share their culture and friendship with us has been an invaluable gift, allowing us to broaden our horizons, understand new perspectives, and strengthen our vision as an educational institution. The sports equipment that has been given to us will be used with enthusiasm and gratitude by our students, who will be able to enjoy PE and sports activities that will contribute to their well-being and comprehensive development. Your visit has left a long lasting impression on our community, and we are sure that the fruits of your generous act will last over time, bringing with it a positive impact on the lives of our students. Once again, thank you for your unmatched contribution. We hope this is the first of many opportunities to collaborate together on future projects that benefit our community. With sincere appreciation and gratitude, ~ Geomary Belliard Famili, Principal of Eugenio María de Hostos Art school Padre Las Casas, Azua, R.D.

Hello, guys. When I heard that some Americans were coming and needed my help, I expected everyone but you, such kind and beautiful people. Although I couldn't spend the whole week with you, the moments I shared with you will always live in my heart. Remembering Brandon 2 saying pon en el 30 (I never knew what it meant) or calling himself wawa, talking with Gracie, Alli, and realizing they are beings of light, spending time with Liam and Sam, and having a deep conversation with Brandon 3 about social inequalities, seeing Finn being competitive, talking with Sam (twin) about my dreams. Playing UNO with you. Seeing you use "klk" in your posts or hearing you say things in Spanish fills my heart with joy. You guys are the cutest. I know I couldn't spend time with everyone, but you are very special and lovely people, and I hope you do it again someday. We are very grateful, and you will always be welcome in the Dominican Republic. ~ With love, Shayra

Hello! When I heard about the Courts for Kids program coming to my little village, I was so excited and amazed by this opportunity. I knew it would be a life-changing experience, not only for the Bellarmine students coming but for my community as a whole. Being able to help and connect with such amazing people fulfilled my soul. The time we spent together turned out to be my favorite week of the year, and these memories will always live in my heart. Seeing how you guys embraced our culture and began using our phrases was heartwarming. Brandon 2 turned out to be even more Dominican than me! Liam and Zander were always trying their best to connect with the community by speaking in Spanish. Sitting with Grace and Liam to have the best conversations showed me how deep connections can be found in cultural or language exchanges—distance is not a barrier. Having deep cultural conversations with Brandon 3, seeing Finn playing with the locals, talking about educational differences, dreams and so on with the twins, Miss Mary Jean and Patrick—these experiences were beyond what I had imagined. Dancing with Ali and Grace added a whole new layer of joy to our time together. I never thought I would be able to make such deep connections. I will miss you all! Inspired by your ethos of giving and gratitude, now i have a renewed sense of purpose and passion for social labor. This experience taught me that true wealth lies not in possessions, achievements, or college acceptance, but in the richness of our relationships, contributions, and experiences. I hope we can meet again.

- Samantha