When my daughter and I first traveled to Batey 7, a small village outside Barahona in the Dominican Republic, about 30 miles from the Haitian border, I had no idea how much it would change us. We went expecting to serve—but in truth, we were the ones who were transformed.
A Place With So Little—Yet So Much
Life in Batey 7 was a shock at first. Electricity was scarce, running water came only from a spigot in the middle of town, and homes were little more than sticks or concrete walls with tin roofs. Families lived with very little, sometimes nothing by our standards.
And yet the children—barefoot, laughing, chasing after us with bright smiles—were full of joy. I remember thinking, “They have so little, but they are so alive.” My daughter noticed it too. More than once, she looked at me wide-eyed and said, “Dad, they don’t have anything—and yet they’re so happy.” That realization alone was worth the trip.
Serving Together as Father and Daughter
Sharing this experience with my daughter was one of the greatest blessings of my life. Side by side, we walked around as kids showed us their town, played with the kids, and spent time with families who welcomed us with open arms.
One afternoon, I watched her kneel down to talk with a little girl who tugged at her shirt. The girl didn’t ask for anything—she just wanted someone to notice her. My daughter smiled, held her hand, and sat with her for nearly an hour. She told me it was one of the most meaningful moments of her life.
Some of the boys were like, look an American white girl, and they crowded around her.
Worship That Changed My Faith
We also joined the local church for worship. The building was plain—concrete walls, plastic chairs, and a simple wooden cross—but the Spirit of God filled the room in a way I’ll never forget. The singing was powerful, the prayers heartfelt, and I realized something: these brothers and sisters depended on God for everything.
Back home, faith can feel like an add-on to an already comfortable life. But in Batey 7, faith was their lifeline. It was humbling, and it reminded me—and my daughter—that faith isn’t about stuff or status, but about trust and surrender.
A Trip That Stays With You Forever
I fell in love with the people of Batey 7. Their warmth, their resilience, their gratitude—it left a mark on me. For my daughter, it was life-changing too. She came home different: more grateful, more compassionate, and more aware of how blessed she truly is.
These trips weren’t just weeks on a calendar; they were defining moments in our lives. They taught us that joy is not found in possessions but in relationships, service, and faith. And they gave us memories—faces, laughter, prayers—that we will carry forever.
Final Thought:
If you ever wonder whether it’s worth going on a short-term mission trip—especially with your kids—let me assure you: it is. My daughter and I went to Batey 7 to serve, but God used that little village to change us in ways we will never forget.
