Changed Lives

This page will feature testimonials from volunteers sharing their stories about what they experienced, and brought back from their trip, and how Cambiando Vidas truly changed their lives.

Pat and his daughters.

Patrick Findle (Volunteer, June 2010)

“I was presented with an opportunity to go on a Cambiando Vidas build in June, 2010 with my 2 daughters Sarah and Jen.  Yes, they actually invited me; how could I pass that up!?  The experience was the perfect collaboration of giver and receiver, and both ended up receiving and changed.  I was very proud and inspired by our team, the community and my daughters.  We are all now part of each other’s story, the Dominican Republic chapter.  “Perhaps part of our mission in life is not to merely give what we have to people in need, but to draw out from the world and the people around us goodness that would otherwise remain invisible” (Richard Gunderman).”

Eugene Cornelius (Volunteer, June 2010)

“Going on my first trip with CV to build a home in Las Charcas was a true eye opener for me. I was so amazed by the beauty of the nature and the location of this geographic region as it so reminded me of the Cape and wine farms in South Africa where I come from.  The people were so warm and friendly and noticeably hard working especially in this farming community.  The way that the friends and neighbors came to help and the hard work each of them put in was just wonderful to see and experience.  But the joy of seeing a home go up and be completed in 5 days and then to experience the joy of the family that will now be living there was truly the highlight of the trip for me.  As an added bonus, I have met some wonderful new friends on this trip!”

Lauren Tilly (Intern, June-August 2008)

Lauren with some of her students

“Working with Cambiando Vidas this past summer really did change my life. Not only did I meet some wonderful people who will stay close to my heart, but I also had the opportunity to work on some challenging and very rewarding projects. Teaching English and working on the two house builds especially pushed me to places that I have never been before in terms of challenging me, and I believe that I have come out a better person for it! Having the opportunity to stay in the DR for the whole summer made me fall in love with the country all over again, and I hope that all the interns over the next several years will be able to have an experience just as amazing as mine!”

Chris Jarrett (Intern, June-August 2008)

“This experience has been one of most important of my life. I firmly believe that I have figured out what I want for my priorities in life. Before this summer, I had considered a career in international development, but after everything I have experienced in my ten week internship, I am one hundred percent sure that this is the career for me. I have surpassed many challenges and been in conditions very different than those in the United States. After I have talked to and spent time with the humble Dominican people of the communities of San Juan de la Maguana, Las Charcas de Garabito and Paraiso, I feel a strong call to dedicate my life to help the poor in Latin America. I have not decided yet exactly which type of development work I prefer to do, but I do know that this is my calling.  There are sacrifices that you have to make working on projects like Cambiando Vidas, with little monetary pay and many long hours, but in the end you receive much more than a top paying salary could ever give.”

Trisha Bogar (January 8-15, 2009)

Trisha with Alex, a recipient of Cambiando Vidas home

“There really aren’t enough words to describe how passionate I am about this organization and the communities in which we build. Stepping foot back in Las Charcas this January a year after my first visit, I didn’t know who to hug first. We do not just provide these families we houses, we give them homes, hopes, and dreams. I know that for the rest of my life I have a home and family in Las Charcas. However grateful the families are to those of us who fundraise and help to build their homes, my gratitude is matched with the love, hospitality and care they give.”

Susy Reed (January 8-15, 2009)

Susy, Sarah, and Chelsi at the fiesta celebrating the completion of the build.

“I love that this program is not impersonal or anonymous; in fact, it is far from it!  I found the opportunity to work side-by-side with the family and the community members to be incredibly exciting and rewarding.  We got to know them on a personal level and by the end, I felt that I had really made new friends.  For example, one of my favorite moments was sharing a meal, dancing, and socializing in the new house on the last night in the community; however, this was also a sad moment to have to say goodbye.  The whole experience was truly life changing.”

Erica Moshman (January 8-15, 2009)

Erica putting tile up in the kitchen

“The first thing I noticed while working on the site was how the community worked together. Everyone wanted to help, and everyone did help. It was amazing to know that through Cambiando Vidas we were able to provide the resources so everyone could help the family have a better life. Finally, I noticed how happy everyone was. This was particularly noticeable with the children, because we played with them a lot. The kids were ecstatic when we gave them gloves to work with, or when they discovered little wires that they could play with. The experience on the site truly taught me to appreciate what I have, and changed my perspective on what I need versus what I want. I would go back to the DR with Cambiando Vidas in a heartbeat, because seeing how happy the family was when the house was finished was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.”