Trip Preparation
Important Information
"Our first task in approaching another people, another culture, another religion, is to take off our shoes, for the place is holy. Else we may find ourselves treading on people's dreams. More serious still, we may forget that God was there before our arrival."
- Max Warren
Here are some articles to help you better understand the culture in the Dominican Republic. http://www.dr1.com/articles/index.shtml
Culture is what holds a community together. It is the total way of life of a particular group of people at a particular time in history. This way of life includes the groups intellect, customs, ideas, traditions, symbols, social structures, values, language arts and mores. We are all shaped by the culture in which we were raised. Our cultural inheritance comes to us without our asking. When we approach other peoples in their cultures we are not in any way to belittle them, but we begin with an attitude of respect because those cultures are the fruit of generations that have tries to preserve life, to beautify it, and somehow to respond to the demands of the Spirit of God present everywhere, a preservation of life and a renewal of reality.
Some questions to ask yourself in preparation:
1. Why are you going on this mission trip? Pay particular attention to your joys and fears.
2. As a visitor, you will need to be sensitive to the differences you perceive. God is there to help you cope with the differences and any personal challenges that may arise. Learn from the local people and let them learn from you. Is there any cultural baggage you carry that may alter your perception of how the world should live?
3. What might it mean to you to offer a hand, not a handout? Who's needs are you meeting? Giving of yourself can be difficult without knowing what is important to the receiver. Being present with others means treating them as equals and with respect. Your presence is more important than the "work" you start. Be flexible, adaptable, creative and open to the unexpected changes that may occur in the schedule.
4. What do you expect with the itinerary? For example, the van breaks down and we are on the side of the road for an hour. Or, I have planned on doing a certain ministry and plans change?
My first trip was a vacation. We had planned to drop off supplies to the school and spend some time with the children. I was overwhelmed by the living conditions and wanted to change the world when I returned home. I thought my living situation, education and my culture was a better way for the Dominicans to live. It was challenging to overcome my "American" way of thinking. To be different is not wrong, it is just different.
Keep a sense of humor, laugh at yourself, and try to relax. The sights, sounds, people will all be dramatically different, but a smile is a bond between all people. The Dominican people are naturally happy, helpful and relaxed. It is infectious! Tranquillo (take it easy) is the way of life in the DR.
