A seed can take many forms. It can be as microscopic as the dust in our air or as large as a cacao bean–a popular farming method in the Dominican Republic.
It is amazing how one tiny seed can take hold of the Earth and grow into the elegant flowers that brighten my mom’s garden or the delicious fruit growing in various areas of the world. Seeds are everywhere. They are necessary for our food and livelihood.
Our inspiring trip leader, Cassy Dorsch, often reminded us that each of us could plant our own seeds in the time following our trip. With the comfortably humid air and the sun's evening glow kissing our faces, her words struck a chord in my heart. I can plant seeds of faith wherever I go.
As our plane touched down in the heart of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, I felt anything except prepared. Our little 18-person group of Waynesburg students, staff, and community members was out of arm’s reach of home, and I had no clue what to expect in the week to come. Some of us had been on past service trips, and some, myself included, had never been outside the country. The Dominican Republic was a whole new world.
Our travel day was exhausting. Most of us had been awake for more than 24 hours, and sleep was calling to us as we traveled from the airport to where we were staying. As our large, tattered yellow school bus with its strangely nostalgic green seats pressed on past gorgeous trees and a strikingly pale yellow sun contrasted by an array of grumpy grey clouds, I stared in awe at what lay before me.
Green was everywhere. Thick, emerald vegetation was spread wide across the flat land, unreservedly covering the countryside. Trees with large seeds and fruits were scattered throughout the landscape that was painted so serenely, as if Bob Ross had reached over with his skillful hand and a paintbrush between his fingers.
I glimpsed many breathtaking views throughout the week of service in the Dominican Republic. Not only did I witness the most extraordinary view twice a day atop a hill on our way to the village, but I saw the gospel plant, grow and spread through every new person I met.
The trek into the small but widespread village was a bumpy one. Our wonderfully hospitable host, Meeting God in Missions, was situated about an hour and fifteen minutes from the village, and we had the pleasure of riding in our very own cattle truck. As the predominantly smooth paved road winding through the town transitioned to primarily dirt, the landscape continued to leave us in awe.
I will never forget my experience in the Dominican Republic. It was a wondrous week of witnessing God’s creation and building new relationships under Him. The week of serving His people was something I will cherish forever.
