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Amy Story had the opportunity to serve as an intern for Cambiando Vidas this past December. She shares her reflections on her experience below.
“When I look back over my relatively short time spent in the Dominican Republic it astounds me how much I experienced and achieved. From learning to deal with a significant language barrier, to spending time with people who swiftly turned from affable strangers to great friends, I am proud of everything I did and equally proud of those who worked with me.
Cambiando Vidas and the work that Jose does in the Dominican Republic is simply inspiring. The way in which CV communicates and works together with the local people is beautiful and the results are incomparable. What struck me most was the sheer respect felt between everyone on the work site and how the power of having a common goal meant that any hint of differences in language or background were quickly overcome.
One soon sheds their inhibitions of encountering a new environment in the Dominican Republic and I was especially able to see that with the Clemson group as they discovered and dealt with the same things I did just two weeks before.
Once the team arrived the build was completed in four days, which in itself is remarkable, and the result was a beautiful house for a beautiful family. The bond which was created amongst us all through this common experience was unlike anything I had ever felt before; and the physical product which came from such hard work was also a new experience.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something so wonderful and I hope that Jose is able to continue to do such amazing work and that, equally, people continue to have the motivation and the inspiration to help him and the local people of the Dominican Republic achieve their dream.”
Cambiando Vidas was recently featured in Clemson University’s Feature Stories section of the school’s website. A group of 16 Clemson students built a home for a deserving family in December. Their story, and testimonials are featured here:
The Cambiando Vidas team put on a fundraiser in true Dominican style last month. The event, held Jan. 28, in Danbury, CT, was full of great food, friends and fundraising! Merengue and Bachata lessons got everyone out on the dance floor and items from local businesses were hot commodities. The crowd of 100+ was able to truly celebrate the spirit of service and community. Here are just a few moments caught on camera during the event:
Bachata and Merengue lessons!
Raffle items from local vendors.
Food...Dominican Style!
Do you want to get involved and help change lives? Find out more here.
