This week has been truly enriching, as my soul had the privilege to be spiritually fed by the thought-provoking conversation with Natalia Poloche (sophomore, nutrition), an Andrews University student currently dedicating her time and energy to serving at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. Her role as an English and music teacher has not only brought academic enrichment to the lives of young learners in the Dominican Republic but has also exemplified Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Natalia's approach to each day is both humbling and inspiring. Her morning prayer, with the words, "If I fail to teach English or music today, at the very least let them see Your unforsaken, never-ending, compassionate love flow through me," has inspired me to start my morning with words like, “If I fail my Anatomy test, or don’t live up to my expectations, at the very least let those around me see Your reckless, unbound, compassionate love flow through me.”
The sincerity of her prayer highlights the core of Natalia's service - not merely as an educator but as a vessel of God's love. Her commitment extends far beyond the classroom, as she strives to be a living embodiment of love, compassion, and hope to the people she encounters daily.
The captivating nature of Natalia's interview is a reminder that mission work is not confined to textbooks, lesson plans, or going overseas; it is about the transformation of hearts, the nurturing of hope, and the revelation of love in those who need it most. It can be done right here, right now, wherever or whoever you may be.
What inspired or called you to participate in a student mission trip within the Dominican Republic? Can you share your personal motivation or story?
Growing up attending a Seventh-Day Adventist school, the Bible camps that the school would organize always inspired us to dedicate a year of our lives to God before the age of 25. In my heart, I decided to do so. However, halfway through my first semester, I realized that life passes by too fast, and I needed to prioritize and make time for the things that truly mattered. To me, being a missionary was that thing and is a crucial reason I aspire to pursue a medical career. In short, I entered Teela Ruehle's (Director of Missions and Service Projects) office one day, expressing my desire to engage in mission work, and that's how I find myself here now.
Where in the Dominican Republic are you currently stationed, and what specific activities or projects are you involved in as part of your mission work?
Currently I am serving at an orphanage in Bonao, Dominican Republic. Because I am at an orphanage, there are so many different roles that I take on. However, the main "jobs" I am involved in are teaching English and music.
Can you describe a typical day or week in the Dominican Republic? What are your primary responsibilities and tasks?
Here, each day starts with a consistent routine. The house parents kick off our mornings by playing hymns on the speaker, acting as our gentle 'alarm clock' to rouse us for the 5:45 a.m. worship session. Following worship, we engage in household chores, enjoy breakfast, and get ready for school, which starts at 8:00 am and continues until 12:45 pm. I have the privilege of teaching English for the Secundaria (high school). After school, we gather for lunch and take a well-deserved break before the afternoon activities begin at 2:30 pm. The specifics of our afternoon sessions may vary, but they typically involve us instructing various classes, including ESL, music theory, cello, and guitar.
What has been the most fulfilling or rewarding part of your mission experience in the DR so far? Is there a specific moment or achievement that stands out to you?
Meeting the kids/local community and spending time with them has made this experience what it is. I find that it's the little things, such as walking into school or church and being overwhelmed with hugs and greetings from the younger ones or nights at the courts where we play basketball or a game of Uno. Even on days when the power goes out, and we get to sing songs while I play the guitar, these moments with them have made my time here so meaningful and heartwarming.
Have you encountered any significant challenges in the DR? How have you managed or overcome these challenges?
Cultural shock is something you can't grasp until you experience it. Being away from my family and friends has been challenging at times. After the first month and a half, I started feeling homesick now and then. Luckily, technology is a lifesaver – being able to call and text my family has been a real help. Then there's the food. Lunch is almost the same daily, with rice and beans as the main meal and some veggies on the side. Breakfast and dinner are all about carbs, like yucca, potatoes, bread, and the occasional fruit smoothie. We've gotten used to it, but we keep a little stash, our 'pantry,' one of our suitcases where we store stuff like cereal, rice cakes, peanut butter, and granola bars that we can munch on. And there are these little stores called colmados that sell food super cheap, so we grab avocados and mangoes from there once in a while.
What message or advice would you share with other students considering participating in a similar mission trip within the DR? Why should they consider it?
100% do it! If you feel that God is calling you to serve, pursue that calling. Being here has truly humbled and inspired me. Some days are tiresome and draining, but being around the kids and local people here makes it worth it. The orphanage where I am is unlike a typical or traditional orphanage where other families can adopt kids. Here, if a child is brought in, they stay until the age of 18, which is what is considered to be a legal adult. At 18, they then have the opportunity to decide to stay through college or leave. Staying here means that the institution pays for up to 75% of their college tuition, and they continue to provide the individual with food, shelter, medical care, etc. The majority of kids here come from really traumatic pasts. Some come from sexually abused homes, others from parents who neglect them, and some from parents who cannot provide or care for them. Here, they are offered so much. There are six homes with parents in each house that have chosen to live here and, in essence, become parents to these kids.
How has this experience broadened your understanding of the world and the importance of cross-cultural exchange and service, especially within your country?
From the moment I arrived, I was caught off guard by how joyful everyone was. Despite all that they have been through, their joy is consistently contagious. So far, this experience has taught me something about being grateful. Here, we don't have the same commodities that we have back in the U.S. Life is more simple and, as a result, more fulfilling.
Are there any specific projects or initiatives you're particularly proud of or excited about that you're currently working on in the DR?
One of the 'projects' we've launched is an English conversation class. This class is open to everyone, but it's primarily aimed at individuals genuinely interested in learning and practicing English beyond their regular school curriculum. University students, parents, and anyone looking to enhance their conversational skills are welcome. It's a relaxed and laid-back class where about 75% of our time is devoted to engaging in conversations on various topics and role-playing real-life situations, like placing an order at a restaurant. We also allocate a small portion of the class to introducing and practicing new grammatical concepts. So far, it's been a delightful class to teach!
What are your future plans or goals related to mission work or community service, and how has this experience influenced your aspirations?
In the three months I have been here, I have realized that I want this mission year to be more than just a mission year. I want to serve constantly and wherever I go because the truth is that mission work doesn't just happen overseas. You can serve right in your hometown or college campus. Even here, the parents and pastors always encourage the kids from the orphanage to serve. They emphasize the importance of our mission. So, every morning, my prayer has been that if I fail to teach English or music, at the very least, someone may see God's overwhelming love through me.
Can you share any unique traditions or cultural aspects of the DR you've learned or experienced there?
One tradition I will adopt from this experience is taking a daily nap. After lunch, we set aside thirty minutes to rest before diving into our afternoon classes and activities. These thirty minutes of recharging are a game-changer, and I intend to continue this habit daily.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.