2025 MISSION TRIP - Stories & Updates

Preparing for the DR: The Lessons Before the Lessons
July 18, 2025

Preparing for this mission trip to the Dominican Republic has been a journey in itself—one filled with questions, learning curves, late nights, and many humbling moments. What started off as a simple plan to teach local teachers about Google Drive and a few AI tools quickly evolved into something much deeper.

At first, I was overwhelmed by the unknowns. I wasn’t sure how the teachers had been trained or what they truly needed. The more I tried to finalize my lessons, the more questions I had. Every time I sat down to create content, I realized just how much more time I needed—not just for the lessons, but to build presentations, design activities, and consider how best to deliver everything in a way that would truly serve them.

Eventually, I landed on focusing on three guiding teaching principles, including Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory and how to implement into lessons and utilizing AI tools to create differentiated lessons and activities. I wanted to create something practical, but also rooted in strong pedagogy, and I wanted my delivery of the content to model best practices and teaching strategies.

I created several sessions on Google Drive and multiple presentations on AI in education. And let me tell you—the learning curve was real. I had to teach myself many of the AI tools first, and while they were cool, I quickly learned they had many limitations--especially once I factored in Spanish translation and what's available with the free versions., they also came with limitations. I did tons of testing and comparisons to figure out which ones were truly worth sharing. It was frustrating at times, but I learned a lot.

In the two weeks leading up to the trip, I spent countless hours learning and designing. I created materials, translated them into Spanish, and printed what ended up being five reams of paper’s worth of packets (sorry, trees!). When I finally packed it all up, I had 120 pounds of teacher materials—not counting a couple extra reams that the church graciously printed for me. Fitting everything into three suitcases under 50 pounds each became a fun little game of Tetris.

And yet, even with all the scrambling and sorting, I felt ready. More than ready—I felt grateful. Grateful for this opportunity, to be able to share what I know, and to be serving alongside the other 22 people on this trip.

In my heart, I know this trip isn’t just about what I’m bringing. I’m sure I’ll learn just as much from the teachers in Constanza as they might from me. I’ve realized that deep down, I may not have been as focused as I could’ve been in prayerfully preparing for this trip, but I truly believe my intentions were right: to serve these educators, to honor their work, and to glorify God by using the gifts He’s given me.

My First Public Testimony — In a Dump... literally!”
July 20, 2025

It certainly was unexpected to be standing in the middle of a landfill, swatting at flies, and realizing—this is the exact place God wanted to use me.

On one of the days of our mission trip, we visited a community of people who spend their days scavenging the dump for food and scraps to survive. The heat was thick, the smell was overwhelming, and the surroundings were, quite literally, piles of garbage. And yet—there was something powerful about being there.

I had volunteered earlier that morning to share my testimony, not really overthinking it, but just wanting to serve. When we arrived, I stood with Fred by my side to translate, and a dozen or so people gathered around us, curious and ready to listen.

I kept my story simple. I shared about the pain of losing my brother and how, even in my darkest moments, God never left my side. I tried to send the message that God is near, even in the hardest places—He sees you, He loves you, and He’s with you too.

What happened next was nothing short of beautiful.
Caren sang a worship song in Spanish while Bryan played guitar, and the locals began clapping along to the beat. The joy in that moment was unexpected and deeply moving. Here they were—standing in the middle of a dump, surrounded by flies and stray dogs—and yet still willing to welcome us and listen with open hearts.

Before we left, we handed out bags of toiletries. Driving away, I couldn’t help but reflect on the contrast we had just witnessed: people living in deep poverty, yet still willing to welcome us and listen.

That day humbled me. I prayed for them as we left—and thanked God for the life He’s given me, and for the reminder that He shows up in the most unexpected places. Of all the places I imagined I’d share my testimony, a dump wasn’t one of them. But maybe that’s exactly where it needed to be.

Leaving a Piece of My Heart in the Dominican Republic
July 23, 2025

This past week, I had the privilege of spending five days leading professional development for a remarkable group of educators in the Dominican Republic. The school is beautiful—but not nearly as beautiful as the people I worked with. Nearly 30 teachers, administrators, and support staff chose to attend, despite it being their summer break—a true testament to their dedication.

The school, Colegia Cristiano Rio En El Desierto, is part of Kids Alive International, whose mission is to "Reflect the love of Christ by rescuing children in crisis, raising them with quality comprehensive care, and introducing them to the transformative power of Jesus Christ that enables them to share hope with others." After spending this week with these professionals, it’s clear they live out this mission every single day. Their lessons are rooted in love, healing, and a deep desire to help their students feel safe and valued.

Throughout the week, I shared three core teaching principles: 1] A teacher never stops learning, 2] We learn by doing, 3] The way students learn determines how we teach.

We explored Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, practiced using Google Drive to share resources, and dug into the world of AI—focusing on tools that support differentiation for students at varying skill levels. Many classrooms include students still building basic reading and math skills, often while coping with trauma. The stories teachers shared were eye-opening, and they helped shape how I approached each day of training.

This week has truly transformed me. I’m leaving with a deep respect for these educators, a desire to continue supporting them from afar, and the hope that I’ll be able to return again. Without a doubt, I’ll be leaving a piece of my heart at this school.

Building Community: My Journey with the Valley Team
July 24, 2025

This week, I have the incredible privilege of serving alongside the Valley team—a group of 22 individuals spanning five decades of life experience, from teenagers to those very much not teenagers. Despite the range in age and life experience, we’re building strong connections as we serve.

Throughout the week, we work side by side, share stories, laugh often, pray together and have conversations that go deeper than surface-level. I am in constant awe at how kind and open-hearted everyone is. Honestly I have never spent this much time with what I like to call "God's Squad," and I love it!

What stands out most is the selflessness of everyone and how seamlessly everyone works together. Every time there’s a task to be done, someone steps up—often without being asked: picking up around the house, clearing dishes, carrying items for one another, etc.. I’ve always tried to be a giving and polite person, but I’ve never been surrounded by so many like-hearted people at once. It creates a sense of harmony that makes an enjoyable and effortless experience.

I came into this trip only know one other person, and, honestly, I have been feeling a bit disconnected at Valley. But I truly believe God placed me here for a reason. He has surrounded me with people who have reminded me what real, God-centered community looks like. I’m so thankful for every person on this trip. I see God’s intentionality in each one of them, and I’m grateful that our paths have crossed. I hope these new connections will continue to grow and help me feel more grounded and connected at Valley.

The Hills of Constanza: Farming, Food, and Fruits!
July 27, 2025

I had heard that Constanza was the agricultural heart of the Dominican Republic, but nothing really prepares you for just how alive the land is there-- rows and rows of vegetables as far as your eyes can see. It's crazy to think that an average of 300 produce trucks leave Constanza every day, year-round to feed the island and for export. I didn't believe Fred at first, and he told me he didn't believe either when he first came to Constanza but he sat and counted!

As someone who gardens, I was in awe because farming in the Dominican Republic is no small feat. Although Constanza is cooler than the rest of the country because it’s up in the mountains, it’s still tough work. And what really amazed me was that I didn’t see a lot of machinery. Most of the planting, maintenance and harvesting, looked like it was being done by hand or maybe with some help from animals.

We passed endless fields of broccoli, lettuce, collards, celery, peppers… and a bunch of things I couldn’t identify from a distance. But the thing that completely blew my mind was the hills. People weren’t just planting on flat land—nope. They were farming on hillsides that looked like they were at a 35-degree incline! I literally watched a man walking down one of those steep slopes, planting row after row like it was nothing. Some of the hills were covered in plastic sheeting, probably to protect the strawberry crops or maybe create a greenhouse effect. Everywhere you turned, the land was being used—fields tucked into every available corner even right up against the road. It was incredible.

I learned that there are only five crops that don’t grow in Constanza because it’s not hot enough (really? not hot enough?) These are: chocolate(well, cacao, to be exact, I think), pineapple, sugar cane, coconut and rice---really rice?? considering how much they eat of it there....odd. But the fact that everything else does grow, it is quite amazing.

Ironically, even though we were surrounded by all these delicious greens, we didn’t eat much greens during our trip. I would’ve loved a big plate of roasted broccoli or a fresh lettuce salad.

That being said, we definitely didn't go hungry. I think I ata more during this week then I had the three weeks prior! We had a couple great meals out, where several people on our team ate goat— a local fav-- (Yikes! Not for me!)

The real food highlight of the trip was the home-cooked meals. We were incredibly blessed to have a couple of talented women come to the house to cook for us. Every meal was full of flavor: delicious meats (still not for me), rice and beans, fried plantains (Yum!), avocado (which is different from our Mexican imports). It wasn’t just about the food, though; it was about being able to sit down as a team of 22 and share those meals. I am certainly going to miss those home-cooked meals when I return. Anyone want to come and cook for me when I get back?

..AND LET ME NOT FORGET ABOUT THE FRUIT --oh my-- the delicious sweet and tangy fruits!!! Fred made sure we had all kinds—mango, papaya, banana, avocado, passion fruit, dragon fruit, guanabana (which one teacher told me was good for cancer...hmmm...). Of course, I had to make smoothies.

Oh—and I can’t forget the strawberries. They’re a huge crop in Constanza-year round. We had strawberry drinks all week. Odd that I didn't eat any guavas, but the guava juice is now my favorite of all time, and I just may need to pack a bottle in the suitcase...

Oh how my taste buds will miss Constanza....

Beach and Baptism Bliss in Santo Domingo
July 27, 2025

Our last stop in the Dominican Republic was Santo Domingo, where we spent our final day and night before flying out—and it definitely came with its own set of memories.

We all stayed in one house, which made for a bit of a jigsaw puzzle when it came to sleeping arrangements. Let’s just say we got very creative. Shoutout to the troopers who ended up sleeping on a mattress tucked inside a spacious closet or made a couch their home for the night...

The house was beautiful with a backyard pool and fruit trees: mango, star fruit, kiwi and coconut! After many hours travelling in a crowded bus in the heat, the pool was quite the refresher, but it was no comparison to our short beach trip. The water was the perfect temperature. The waves were big and rolling. We floated with them, jumped over them, and dove straight into their crashing crests. What a perfect way to end a rewarding week of serving in the heat.

But nothing compared to what happened the next day.

On Sunday morning, we returned to the beach—not just to swim, but to witness something incredibly special. Bob, a longtime follower of Jesus, was baptized in the ocean by Fred and Asher. It was one of those moments that hits you deep. Bob has been serving in the Dominican Republic for 13 years as well as in prison ministry for just as long. He’s been walking with the Lord for decades. And yet, on this particular day, he was choosing to take this next step—to be baptized in obedience to God.

It was such a blessing to be there. We stood on the beach and watched.... and as Bob came up out of the water, the joy on his face was beautiful and true … even the memory of it now as I write, brings tears of joy to my eyes...

What a perfect celebration to conclude such an amazing week... wow!