Growing up in the Dominican Republic was quite the experience. Past the clear beaches, fertile mountains and local hospitality, sleep the countless families snuggled by the hardships poverty has brought upon them. Most on empty stomachs and restless worries for the second or third night in a row. It was hard to believe I lived within miles of these people. It seemed as if society had become blind to the lifestyles our very own citizens were forced to endure.
It was a hot Saturday morning when I first visited Pancho Mateo, a Haitian community on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. I remember my first impression and at that moment forgetting all I had ever learned or heard about poverty in the country. That moment was life-changing. As we walked through the village, I could feel my heart shattering and tears welling up. A young girl came up to me in search of a mere hug; not money, food, or clothes, but a single sign of love. I realize now, that moment defined in great part who I am and what I stand for today.
Aside from the tin-made houses and lack of clean water, I noticed a small house. This house was different. The children inside were smiling and it seemed to have a peculiar hope-like glow. This house belonged to Makarios.
Makarios, named using the ancient Greek word for “blessed,” is a faith-based organization that focuses on educational development in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. For more information please visit their amazing website: www.makariosinternational.org
After that trip I felt encouraged and empowered. This blog is a product of the seed that was planted over 3 years ago. I have decided to become an advocate for the voiceless, not only in my country, but around the world. home to change is a small and humble place with the mission to educate others on social injustice issues, highlight extraordinary people who are giving hope, and ways to get involved.
Thank you Makarios, YL DR staff, SCS teachers and everyone who has one way or another watered this seed of purpose in my life.
Kudos!
ReplyDeleteThis blog entry is so inspiring and enriching...
With eloquence you touch upon the issue of poverty, an issue that is often times forgotten through the immediacy of everyday life...
Welcome to blogging! I hope to read more lovely entries :)
-Vanessa
Caro,
ReplyDeleteAqui te pongo algo que escribi cuando sentia esa fuerza y fuego que hoy tu sientes. Cuando mis sueños de "Robin Hood" existian antes de que el cinismo se apoderara de mi conciencia!
Espero que te guste...y recuerda: Pa'Lante!
Es difícil expresar de donde vengo.
De donde vengo la gente es libre pero esclava de nuestra historia
De donde vengo la ignorancia nos arrastra
De donde vengo la esperanza nos levanta y nuestra realidad nos pisa
De donde vengo pocos controlan, el resto son controlados
De donde vengo somos ricos pero explotados por el extranjero
De donde vengo hablamos de independencia pero somos cautivos de aquella "doctrina"
De donde vengo hay gente de alma alegre pero de sueños tronchados
De donde vengo estudias por un titulo pero te gradúas para pasar hambre
De donde vengo la política es una ideología y el robar es una ciencia
De donde vengo el gobierno es elegido por el pueblo, pero se rige para pocos
De donde vengo sale el sol siempre, pero vivimos bajo una sombra.
De donde vengo se produce merengue, ron, y peloteros pero hay escasez de música, leche y líderes.
De donde vengo la sociedad es una anarquía controlada.
De donde vengo se sueña con un gran futuro pero despertamos en nuestra angosta realidad
De donde vengo nos llenamos la boca de nacionalismo pero pisamos tierras extranjeras y se nos olvidan nuestras raíces
De donde vengo somos muchos pero pocos nos representan
...sabes de donde vengo?
U. R. Tejada
Wow, Carolina. I saw the link to this on your facebook. I'm so impressed with you and with what you are doing. This is awesome. I will post your link on my facebook status. :D
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