Alvernia College - Mission & Ministry

Sophie Guzowski, Senior (Secondary Education)
Student Campus Minister

My trip to Santo Domingo was extremely moving and life changing. The people of this very impoverished country showed me the importance of valuing love, friendship and affection rather than material things. I was awestruck as those who had so little materially were able to offer me so much kindness, hospitality and love. The children of this community were especially grateful. While I am used to encountering children who are simply interested in the material things you can give them, these VERY poor children, who had to struggle to find food to eat and clothing to wear, were simply interested in holding our hands, sitting next to us during church and working with us on their classroom projects. In fact, these children searched for every opportunity to give us the little they had. Whether it was jewelry, money, food or toys, these children were eager to share whatever they had. What a difference from what we are used to in the United States! While I know I was able to make an impact in the lives of the children I helped throughout the week, I do not think it sufficiently compensates the gifts they gave me. My week of service will never compensate for the love they showed me and the lessons they taught me about priorities.

James Schreiner, Junior (Psychology)

Poverty & Love

In an effort to avoid impulsive purchases, I once wrote “Less is More” on my wallet, and I now realize moderation must be developed through discipline. My name is James Schreiner, and I am one of thirteen fortunate individuals from Alvernia College to have served in the Dominican Republic this January. I wish to share two stories, one of generosity and another of compassion, which come from the Third World.

One afternoon, four individuals and I set out for walk in the barrio. We had long since become accustomed to the muddied roads, wandering children, and dilapidated houses. It was a pleasant surprise to encounter a young woman who served as a teacher at the school where our group volunteered. Yoly was her name, and she invited us into her home. Shortly after, we voiced compliments about the décor, artwork she had created. Yoly then retrieved a stack of portraits for us to examine. We were amazed at the vibrant colors and details. She told us to each select one that we favored. The five of us did not know how to respond, but she insisted, and we each chose an appreciated image. The teacher’s generosity was shocking. The painting I selected illustrates a man bearing a cross while comforting Jesus who is crucified. I was reminded of a statue at my college which depicts St. Francis embracing Christ on the cross. Though I could not fully realize what this image meant to me, the artwork stood out among the others and offered hope.

On another day, in an effort to prevent a glob of glue from reaching one girl’s puppet, I quickly used my hand to intervene. The young artist’s name was Sandra, and while she thought my actions were amusing, she continued to dab pieces of felt upon my palm until her craft was completed. When the teacher passed out wet naps, Sandra quickly wiped her hands then attended to mine. I had never felt such tenderness. Jesus often tells us: children teach us to be servants. Less is more. I must continue reflecting on this concept and how the poor are blessed.

Kristen Nivison
Director of Campus Ministry

A Little Girl from Santo Domingo

I'm still processing my trip to the Dominican Republic. It's hard to sort out the reactions to a people burdened by such poverty yet filled with such generosity. It's overwhelming trying to write about all that I felt and experienced. And it's impossible to put into words the genuine, unquestioning love we were shown.

For now I'm reflecting on the relationships I formed, the connections I made, and the people who touched me so deeply. Although there are many people I wished I could take home with me, closest to my heart is Lisbet, a little girl with a serious face and a persistent hug that replaced the words we didn't speak because of our language barrier. I am left wondering so much about her life - past, present, and future. I didn't get to see her house, but if it's anything like those I did see, I am in awe of her good nature despite the hand she's been dealt.

I've found myself missing Lisbet the past few weeks, especially after the long, tight hug she gave me before I left her in her barrio. She, like the rest of the children we met, yearned for the love and attention that her parents struggled to give because of their hard lives in a poor country. She, like the rest of them, had so much love to give, and gave it unconditionally.

The words I heard in her hug asked me not to go, but I had to... They asked me to return, and I hope I will. But for now, while I fight the guilt, she'll be in my heart.

Luiz Ramoz-Cruz, Senior (Social Work)

I would say that what impacted me the most the first day in the Dominican Republic was the joy in the faces of all the people we encountered. The world around them looks very different from ours but they are happy with what they have. I was also impressed by the sense of hospitality that is very much a part of this community. Every person I greeted while walking through the barrio responded with a warm hello or a smile. Try doing that in our communities and the response would not be anywhere near what I found among the people of Tres Brazos… the way they welcome you into their humble homes and talk to you as if they have known you all their lives! I hope to have the opportunity soon to return to see the smiling faces of Santo Domingo.