The Zinch Report

Youth camps and family trips. Summer work and summer play. What did you do this summer? I joined a group that backpacked 11 miles into the Grand Canyon. Beautiful waterfalls that were great for diving and swimming. Nothing like nature to both amaze you and beat you down (the hot sun, long hike). Kirk, a familiar face to Zinch, had an experience I had to share…

Kirk spent 13 days this summer in Monte Plata, located in the Dominican Republic. He was part of one of over twenty missions teams from his church youth group that traveled in and out of the country. His particular group participated in a student mission that partnered with LeaderTreks, a student mission organization that adds an emphasis on practical leadership growth. The traveling group consisted of 12 students, 2 adults, and 3 LeaderTreks staff members. They assisted at a Christian orphanage by building a gazebo and a trash pit, which will be finished by the Dominican workers. Before the gazebo, there was not a common area for the orphanage families, and before the trash pit, the orphanage (although nice) was becoming cluttered with garbage. So this group came in to both work with the kids and make their day-to-day living a little better.

It was a huge culture shock for Kirk. Like with many countries outside the US, the standard of living is much lower in the Dominican Republic. Although the country is known for having nice beaches, the inland areas are poor and many people live in shacks or run-down homes. The climate is very rainy, hot, and humid. Water and electricity are both sources that cannot be relied upon. When not working, everyone seems to hang out along the streets, according to Kirk.

One major problem for the orphanage is to find exceptional couples willing to live with the orphans (each house, there are four, has a couple) and serve as house parents. Their high expectation level has made the process difficult. Kirk had a lot of fun and grew close to the others involved in the trip- his peers, his leaders, and the people of Monte Plata. He was really impacted by how much joy the children had, despite their pasts before being taken in by the orphanage. Kirk states, "I just want every student out there to realize how easy it is to get involved in a trip like this to help make a difference. It can have a huge impact on both your life and the lives of countless others."

Nice work Kirk! Soak up the rest of your summer, because school is coming up…