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