What do people say who have been on a trip to the Dominican Republic?

After my first trip, my "needs" list and "wants" list completely changed. I learned that you do not need stuff to be happy. I learned that things will go exactly as they are supposed to regardless of how much you plan. I can't wait to go and be used in any way possible. - Anna Allen

I have left my heart there...so there's no questions I have to go back. We go thinking we're helping them but I always come back with gifts of the heart and blessed beyond words. From the team members to the sweet people of Barahona...God definitely has his hands all over this. - Paula Lambert

I've been down to the Dominican Republic twice. Our church had been going and Dale Williams was very active. When he mentioned that he was taking Megan down for her senior project, my daughter Amanda and I tagged along.

After that I was hooked. The people are warm and loving, especially the children. The country is beautiful, the weather nice, especially in the winter and there are so many opportunities.

Sometimes in America it seems like it is hard to have an impact but there one person can have a tremendous impact on people's lives. My two trips down there have been wonderful and the kids from the DR are in my thoughts a lot.  I consider it to be one of the most life changing experiences I have had.  The other nice thing is that we are continuing to work there and are developing a permanent connection. - Mike Vitamvas
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World Water Releif - Batey 7 Project


The Winston-Salem team partnered with World Water Relief to install a water system that provides clean water to the residence of Batey 7.  The video below documents the efforts and an update is included after the video.

Clean water is a major problem in many of the Bateys.  If you would like to donate or get involved in providing clean water to the Bateys in the southern part of the Dominican Republic click the "Get Involved" button to the left.

Update


It’s been awhile since my last update, so I wanted to take the opportunity to bring you up to speed on what has happened in the past few months.  As you may remember while we were in Barahona in February we installed a water system in Batey 7. 


We just had a group get back and the system is working great and has been a huge success in the Batey.  According to World Vision, who has all of a sudden become very interested in what we are doing, people are walking/riding up to 3 miles from surrounding villages for the clean water. 


In addition this influx of “tourism” into the Batey has resulted in some creative entrepreneurship by some of the local inhabitants.  Stands selling food, drinks, and bottles of gasoline for mopeds have popped up.  World Vision also reported a significant drop in visits to the local hospital by Batey 7 residents, while there has been little change in other villages hospital use.

 

In addition I was finally able to secure the grant money from Rotary International, and in cooperation with World Water Relief 2 more systems were installed this past week.  So from humble beginnings with you guys as my sole support we are now providing clean water to about 6,000 people.

 

But what is more amazing to me is that with the support that you provided we basically got a new nonprofit off the ground in World Water Relief, got the attention of a huge NGO in World Vision, and started a partnership with COPA (and NGO out of the UK with whom we installed a system in Bombita this past week), all of which will lead to bigger and better things in the future.


We were World Water Reliefs first “customers” providing them with a means by which to get their name out there and establish themselves in the NGO community.  The press they got from the system in Batey 7 has allowed them to get partnerships with other organizations and create a model for future projects.  They have grown by leaps and bounds since February, having become involved in projects from the DR, to Haiti to Uganda .  I have joined the Board of Directors of this organization where I will continue to advocate for the people living in the Bateyes around Barahana.


I feel that WWR has the commitment and means to take this project to the next level.  The goal of this Board is to outfit every Batey in the area that can be done.  Funding is already becoming available for future Bateyes and more installations will be forthcoming in the next 6 months. 


I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your faith and support.  Although it was a long time coming, I think this is a great example of how a few people can make a big difference.  Although I will admit that there were times I had my doubts, this effort has now convinced me that a difference can be made.   

 

Kevin Fussell