Final Reflection - Chandler Estep

This was my third time on the 4-H Dominican Republic Service Project Trip and I can honestly say that this trip changes my life every time I go on it. This week was the best out of the three trips I took, but I can’t say I have had a bad experience on this trip yet. I was hesitant to go back this year because I felt that I needed to work as much as I could before college started, but I am so thankful that I got to go back again. I love seeing the campers and going back to their community every year. Getting to see their lives in such a short period of time gives me such an appreciation for what I have and how little they have in materials. But what they don’t have in materials they make up for in culture and family. Getting to meet all the people that Carol has made relationships with over the years, like Welinton, has been amazing as well. I get to see a different side of the Dominican Republic that is not shown in the mainstream media through her relationships. My life was changed by this trip and I will forever be thankful for it.

Chandler Estep, Shenandoah County

Final Reflection - Mrs. Lee Ann Gray

Summer 2019 marked my second 4-H chaperoning experience to the Dominican Republic. In 2016 I attended this trip with my son, and it was such an amazing experience that I promised myself that I would bring my daughter during her Junior summer as well. The second trip was just as wonderful! Both of my children consider this trip to have been a “life-changing” opportunity, and I can say the same for myself as their parent. 


Mrs. Hodges and Mrs. Nansel have created an exceptionally organized and informative week of immersion into the Dominican culture, complete with personal networking and connections, environmental excursions, and educational opportunities. And also so much teen-bonding and fun!!

I literally cannot say enough about this experience. I am so grateful for Mrs. Hodges and Mrs. Nansel for all of their hard work in continuing to offer this opportunity to local teens each year. Thanks also to all the sponsors who contribute to the trip each year. 

Keep up the good work Alleghany and Shenandoah!!

-Lee Ann Gray, Alleghany County
4-H volunteer leader and speech- language pathologist

Final Reflection - Cheyenne Estep

As I have reflected very heavily from the last couple of days on the 4-H Dominican Republic Service Trip, it has made an enormous impact on me. I learned so much about myself. I learned that we as teens and adults are there to really change these children's lives forever. With that I found an empty part in my heart that has now been filled. Filled with love and care for these children. I learned that I received so much as a child and even now and that I should be more thankful. 

I learned a lot about the Dominican Republic. I've learned that the news can make a beautiful place look terrible. Although different things have occurred in the Dominican Republic there was not a time I didn't feel safe. I personally feel that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover because those terrible things could or do happen in the United States. 

I learned a lot about the Dominican people. I found that these people aren't just random people. They are people who care. These unfamiliar people have now turned into friends that will last a lifetime and their hospitality is amazing. The Dominican teens were so helpful and their friendship 
will forever hold a special place in my heart also.

My leadership skills have improved a lot because I have learned how to work well with children, but not only that I now know how to overcome a language barrier. This trip showed me so much about life in general. These children go days, months, and even years without things that benefit their life and my brother and I don't go a day without something we want or need. This doesn't mean we are spoiled, it just goes to show you how grateful we should be because these children have it way worse than what we think we might. Some of us think having no AC is terrible, or no electricity for a couple of days, or no clean water, or no vacation for the summer is life threatening. These children go a long period of their lives without these items. As these sad things do occur I feel that without this trip we couldn't show these children and villages how much we want to help, and show them a positive side of the situation. 

Overall, it was a life changing experience and I hope I can go again next year. Most importantly I want to thank my parents and the wonderful people in my community that helped my brother and I travel and give back our time. A huge thank you to our chaperons that made it very enjoyable. Last but not least, thank you to my new friends and my brother that made it even better than I could imagine. It wasn't goodbye, it was see you again!

-Cheyenne Estep, Shenandoah County

A Chaperon's Perspective

As the 4-H Service Trip comes to an end here in the Dominican Republic, I will leave you all with the beautiful views, faces, and opportunities we had during our stay.  Not one time did we feel scared, threatened, or fearful during this trip. We feel extremely grateful, and overwhelmed with love for this country and its people. 🇩

Lee Anne Bowling-Angle, Alleghany Co. 4-H Chaperon

❤️

Traveling home

The tears started the night before we had to leave the Dominican Republic.  There was a closeness in this group of Virginia and Dominican teens that we don't often see.  Our week went fast, but it was filled with adventures, educational opportunities, service, learning to communicate, trying new things and new foods, and making memories with new friends.  It was magical.

Carol Nansel, 4-H Extension Agent, Shenandoah County