Dominican Republic July 26 - Day 7

Today marked our last day in the Dominican Republic, and we can officially say we made it through the humidity! Today we had the incredible opportunity to join the Students International staff for a trip to the beach, where we played in the ocean, spotted sea turtles, and collected some sunburns to carry home as souvenirs.

While we were enjoying the water, a man came down the beach selling coconuts from a wheelbarrow. Of course, I had to try one. As I sat there sipping the sweet coconut water, I thought about how I could describe this trip in a single word. That word is fruitful.

And not just because of the delicious fruit we enjoyed this week, but because of the fruit of the Spirit that grew in each of us during our time here:

Patience: We learned endurance through long hours of heat and humidity while serving in a new place.

Joy: We saw joy in the smiles and laughter of people who, despite having less materially, radiate abundant joy.

Peace: We experienced Christ’s peace in the midst of unknowns and travel challenges.

Kindness: We were welcomed with hospitality and compassion by the Students International staff and community.

Goodness: Daily devotionals reminded us to fill our cups with God’s grace before pouring out to others.

Faithfulness: We witnessed the staff’s consistent presence and commitment as they serve week after week.

Gentleness: We were met with grace when our Spanish fell short and words could only go so far.

Love: Above all, we learned to love well through Christ’s love, the love of the Dominican people, and the love of new friends we’ve made here.

We leave grateful for the fruit God has cultivated in us and for the love we’ve shared and received.

Adiós y Gracias, Dominican Republic!

Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV):  

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

- Sophie E.