| Lessons from the Dominican Republic |
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We often hear how it is in giving of ourselves that we receive all the more, but a student traveling a second time to serve the poor in the Dominican Republic probes that idea a little further. Every year, students from Marymount University travel to Banica in the Dominican Republic. This was my second year going, and I was blessed to do so. Last year, I was blown away by the beauty of the mountains and the kindness of the people we met. I loved seeing Christ in each person I worked with, including those I traveled with from Marymount. I was able to grow deeper in my relationships with old and new friends. Most important, I was able to grow in my relationship with Christ. While I was very excited to return, I was also nervous. I did not want to compare my experiences from the year before to the experiences I was about to have. God certainly did not disappoint. I had an even more incredible experience this year. I relearned some old lessons, but gained new insights on things I thought I had known. Three simple things I learned this year in Banica: 1. It is good to be humbled. Humility is a tougher virtue to practice than one may think. We may forget all that we have, yet still think we know it all. It is important to always remember that with so many different worldviews around us, we can only so know so much and can learn from others by allowing them to share. It is in this humility that we can best serve those around us. 2. Keep it simple. Every time I go to the DR, I find the simple way of life there refreshing. Coming back, I try to get rid of what is unnecessary. Maybe that means spending less time on Facebook and more with friends. Maybe that means calling someone to say hello instead of texting them. 3. Serve others so to serve yourself. By going to the DR, I have realized the great joy of serving others. I also realize that I do not have to go hundreds of miles away to serve. I can do so right here in my everyday life. I can serve my friends and neighbors by smiling and saying hello. I can serve my parents by being a loving daughter. I can serve my God by serving his children. Every day is a new opportunity. I plan to take advantage of that gift of time, and encourage you to do the same. Jo Ann McLaughlin is a communications major at Marymount University. |