(Nikoli) couldn't believe he was getting a home with a bedroom and a bathroom… When we bought beds, a curtain and pots and pans he was in tears, and so were we.
Vanessa Nelson from Luton went for a fortnight to work at the Esperanza project in April. She was there to see former slum-dweller Nikoli move into a house that the team had finished building for him and his family.
What were your first impressions of Dominican Republic when you arrived?
As soon as we stepped off the 'plane we were greeted by men playing musical instruments, serenading us. Then we were sped off to our hotel which was pretty luxurious. It was all really touristy and a bit of a deceptive start to our fortnight.
So how did it feel to visit the slums after that?
It was like entering another world. People were living in huts the size of a car made out of junk. I wouldn't have even parked my car in one of these at home and there were six or seven people living in some of them. I was shocked: all this was only half an hour away from our hotel. The disparity between the two was hard to comprehend.
What sort of greeting did you get when you arrived?
In the villages it was just children, children and more children. You couldn't even get off the truck as they were all so desperate to get hugs and cuddles They come running up to us, knowing we will have sweets and want to help them. It was quite a welcome!
Was it a depressing atmosphere, all these people living in poverty?
No not at all. Some people are quite negative and resigned about their lives. But there are just as many who are completely upbeat in spite of their living conditions. The Christians in particular were incredibly positive - that was such a challenge to me not to complain; I've got so much!
You were helping to build a house for one of the slum families. What was it like to hand over the keys?
That was so moving. We were supposed to come and help him move into his home, but by the time we arrived that morning, he'd already done it - he couldn't wait! I was there looking at this house with virtually nothing in it, thinking 'this is really basic'. But he was in tears; he couldn't believe he was getting a home with a bedroom and a bathroom. It was all the birthdays and Christmasses ever rolled into one for him. When we bought beds, a curtain for the bathroom and pots and pans he was in tears.
How has the fortnight changed you?
Since coming home I have become much more aware of waste. I try really hard not to waste food or water; I try to use up all of my leftovers. And I know what a blessed existence I lead. It just makes me want to keep giving - I'm still in touch with some of the people I met over there, and I try and help when I can.
Who would you recommend a Mission Direct Dominican Republic trip to?
I think it's a good first mission trip to go on. You do roll up your sleeves and make a difference, but you don't have to live in unpleasant conditions, and you can unwind by the pool in the evenings - a nice compromise. And it's good if you want to bring children. They do see a bit of the hardship, but there's still a bit of 'holiday' in there too.
Vanessa Nelson
The keys to a new life
Do you want to feel a warm sense of achievement at the end of your fortnight off?
Try this: come with Mission Direct and build a new home for a family. As a team you will work with contractors to complete an entire house. When it is complete you will hand over the keys to the new owners. Then you will move their possessions out of their previous ‘house’ – usually a rat and snake-infested shack made of sticks and rubble. Then at the end of the you can cool off in the sea or the hotel pool – you deserve it!
Call Jackie Johnston in the Luton office
8am - 5.30pm
Mon - Fri
to apply or find out more.
t: 01582 72 00 56