“Work hard, play hard” was the motto Niños Matter volunteers embodied during their October 2023 trip to the Dominican Republic. While the dedicated team poured their energy into multiple service projects throughout the day, the real heart of their journey lay in the many hours spent bonding with the boys and girls of the Niños de Cristo Orphanage.
From the moment the volunteers arrived, music became a shared language of joy. The girls, eager to connect, turned up the volume on their favorite songs, pulling volunteers into impromptu dance parties filled with laughter. Dancing became a way to break barriers, to celebrate, and to share in the simple happiness of movement and rhythm. It was a highlight of every evening, an unspoken agreement between the volunteers and the children that fun and connection were just as valuable as the work being done.
As a touching farewell, the girls presented each volunteer with a handmade bracelet and a heartfelt thank-you note. Each bracelet featured the first initial of the recipient’s name, delicately woven together with a heart and the word ‘gracias.’ These beautiful tokens were personally crafted by the girls through My Hands Creations, showcasing their artistic talent. (Link directs to My Hands Creations on the website.) The effort and thoughtfulness behind the gifts were deeply moving—a symbol of the bonds formed and the appreciation felt on both sides.
Beyond the service projects and dancing, volunteers immersed themselves in daily life with the children. On several occasions, team members picked up the children from school, surprising them with ice cream as an end-of-day treat. The excitement in their eyes and the joyful chatter over melting cones made these simple gestures unforgettable.
Even as the sun set and humid temperatures lingered into the night, the energy never ran low. Kickball games stretched late into the evening, filled with barefoot sprints, tree climbing, and excited shouts. Volunteers and children alike chased after the ball with boundless enthusiasm, determined to keep the game going as long as possible. In between plays, personal stories were shared—some filled with hope, others with hardships—but all spoke to the importance of companionship and support.
Whether through a competitive game, a quiet conversation, or a shared dance, every interaction reinforced a common thread: the power of building connections. The Niños Matter volunteers left the Dominican Republic with full hearts, carrying with them not only the gratitude of those they served but also a renewed understanding of the impact of presence, laughter, and kindness. The friendships built during their time there will remain cherished memories, serving as a reminder that service is not just about giving—it is about sharing, growing, and forming bonds that transcend borders and time.
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