Adelante Youth Mission 2025 - Misión Joven Dominicana
Once again we had an amazing mission! During the mission's two weeks a record 51 U.S. volunteers along with 25 D.R. missionaries worked side by side to build homes, teach in the local elementary schools and distribute medical/hygiene care packages. Our local school here in Michigan, Catholic Central of Grand Rapids, included 20 students along with 5 parents that came on the 2nd week of the mission. It was a JOY to have so many young fresh faces join us again! The memories made and the love and friendships built will last a lifetime!
BUILDING
During the two-week mission we built 12 new homes for people living in extremely poor conditions. These homes all started with back-breaking digging and placing the foundation of cement blocks. Homes include wood siding, cement floors, tin roofs, paint and electricity for a light fixture. We furnished them with simple furnishings: Beds, table and chairs, a table-top propane stove, small fan and a small refrigerator.....basic life necessities we too often take for granted. Painted with vibrant shades of blue, green, yellow, orange or purple, they are simply a JOY to see! We made and brought dedication plaques written in Spanish for the residents to keep and display, and to put a personal touch on their home. Messages such as "God Bless This Home" or "May this home be filled with love and laughter" brings a personal and meaningful message to the recipients. The reward of knowing a family has a clean and sturdy new home is a wonderful feeling.
During the two-week mission we built 12 new homes for people living in extremely poor conditions. These homes all started with back-breaking digging and placing the foundation of cement blocks. Homes include wood siding, cement floors, tin roofs, paint and electricity for a light fixture. We furnished them with simple furnishings: Beds, table and chairs, a table-top propane stove, small fan and a small refrigerator.....basic life necessities we too often take for granted. Painted with vibrant shades of blue, green, yellow, orange or purple, they are simply a JOY to see! We made and brought dedication plaques written in Spanish for the residents to keep and display, and to put a personal touch on their home. Messages such as "God Bless This Home" or "May this home be filled with love and laughter" brings a personal and meaningful message to the recipients. The reward of knowing a family has a clean and sturdy new home is a wonderful feeling.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters
of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
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EDUCATION
Our educational team's focus was outstanding as usual. Along with Janet, our Director of Adelante's Education, numerous volunteers had many years of educational experience. Our teams worked with teachers of first and second grades to help them improve their methods of teaching reading. We distributed thousands of books in Spanish, many of which were donated. Each student was given several books to take home....for the majority it was their very first book! |
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Reading is for a lifetime of success, growing and learning.
Did you know? You NEVER unlearn how to read!
Did you know? You NEVER unlearn how to read!
None of these works of love could have been accomplished without God's great and unconditional love, or without your most generous support. About 95.5% of all dollars donated goes to the direct benefit of these wonderful and hard-working Dominican Republic sisters and brothers. - Fr. Joachim Lally
Gallery of pictures from 2025 - Click on any picture to enlarge and scroll
Yes there are a LOT of photos here, because all of our volunteers shared such wonderful memories! Thank you for looking!
