Helping Hands - Rebecca's Story

Each volunteer has a story.  Rebecca's is special because she has embraced the children for so long and in so many ways.  I hope you enjoy her story.

How did you first come to get involved in Helping Hands?

My family and I first began serving in the Dominican Republic in 2012. We joined medical
mission teams that had already been serving there for more than 15 years. In 2017, God
began placing the orphanage heavily on my heart. Several of the boys asked if I would be
their mama, and both Pastor Pedro, (Dominican Orphanage Pastor and orphanage founder) and Yeudy (orphanage director), approached me separately about becoming more involved.
After several days of prayer, our entire family came into complete agreement that God was calling us to serve at the orphanage. It was not just my decision—it was a family decision.

What was your very first experience there like?
My very first experiences at the orphanage were honestly difficult. I did not speak Spanish, and the boys did not speak English. The heat, culture, and living conditions were a major adjustment. Resources were extremely limited, refrigerators often did not work properly, and some of the food we received was filled with bugs and had been discarded by local schools.

Yet in the middle of those challenges, I saw the incredible joy of the boys and
learned about the hardships they had endured. I quickly grew to love them, even though I
felt overwhelmed and unsure how to help. Those difficult early experiences deepened my
commitment to the boys and the ministry. I honestly went to my room in the Dominican
Republic and cried every day. The work was difficult, the needs seemed impossible, and I
often felt overwhelmed by the challenges I was seeing around me.

Was there a specific moment that made you think, I can't walk away from
this?

One of the moments that deeply impacted me was realizing how hard the local church was working to provide for the boys and how impossible it was to keep up with the growing needs. When I saw that the boys did not have adequate food or basic supplies, it broke my heart. What affected me even more was seeing the joy they still carried despite those hardships. God used their resilience and gratitude to draw my heart closer and deepen my commitment to them.

 

How has your motivation changed over ten years?
My motivation has evolved over the years. At first, my focus was making sure the boys had enough food, clothing, and basic necessities. Later, I became deeply involved in helping them obtain birth certificates, which are essential for education, employment, banking, and identity. Today, my greatest motivation is helping the boys build better futures through education, life skills, and opportunities that will allow them to become independent adults.

How has your role evolved since you started?
When I first started, my role was simply spending time with the boys and building
relationships. Over the years, I became involved in fundraising, advocacy, helping secure birth certificates, and creating meaningful celebrations such as birthdays and Christmas. My role has become helping fulfill the vision of Pastor Pedro and the church—not simply providing a place to live but creating a true home where the boys feel loved, supported, and valued.

What's the hardest thing you've been through in this work?

One of the most difficult parts of this ministry has been witnessing the discrimination many of the boy’s face. They are often judged because of their poverty, because they are male, and in some cases because they are Haitian and Black. Seeing children treated unfairly for circumstances completely beyond their control is heartbreaking. These experiences have deepened my commitment to advocate for them, to stand beside them, and to remind others that every child has immeasurable worth, God-given dignity, and incredible potential for the future.

What's a moment that made you feel like everything was worth it?

Christmas is one of the times that reminds me why this work matters. Seeing the joy on the boys' faces, as well as the volunteers and church members who make it all happen, is
incredibly rewarding. Another meaningful part is being able to walk alongside the boys
through difficult seasons and letting them know they are loved. The consistency of those
relationships has made everything worth it.

What did the orphanage look like when you arrived, and what does it look like
now?
When I first became involved, many mattresses were old and worn out, the boys had very
little clothing, and there were ongoing concerns about having enough food. Today, every
boy has a good mattress, adequate clothing, access to quality food, better healthcare,
educational opportunities, and meaningful celebrations. The staff has grown, nearly all
eligible boys have birth certificates, and there is now a strong focus on helping them thrive both inside and beyond the orphanage.

Is there a child whose story you're allowed to share?
Maxo came to the orphanage when he was four years old after losing his parents. He arrived without a birth certificate and with very limited opportunities. Through the support of the church, orphanage, sponsors, and many people who invested in him, Maxo obtained his birth certificate, received a quality education, and developed confidence in himself. Most importantly, Maxo loves God. Today he attends university, owns a small business, serves as the orphanage pastor, mentors younger boys, and preaches in the community. His life is a testimony to what can happen when people invest faithfully in a child.

How do the kids respond to long-term volunteers like you versus newer faces?
The long-term volunteers mean so much to the boys. Consistency matters. Knowing that

people continue to return year after year reminds them that they are loved and
remembered. These relationships build trust and encouragement, not only for the boys but also for the church and staff. Many volunteers come once and then return again and again because of the meaningful relationships they develop.

What do you wish more people understood about what the orphanage actually
needs?
I wish more people understood that the orphanage needs not only financial support but also people willing to invest their time and love. Many volunteers worry about the sacrifices involved, but they quickly discover that they receive far more than they give. The boys have a way of blessing those who come to serve. If God is calling someone to volunteer, I would encourage them not to be afraid to say yes.

What's still left undone that you want to accomplish?
What excites me most is helping the boys prepare for life after the orphanage. We want
them to have the education, skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to become
independent adults. I am especially excited about the online store project, which will teach valuable business and life skills while helping the boys prepare for successful futures.

What would you say to someone sitting on the fence about volunteering?

My advice is simple: pray. You should only volunteer if you believe God is calling you to do it. If God tells you to go, then go. Do not let fear or excuses stop you. God equips the people, He calls and gives them the strength and wisdom they need.

Ten years from now, what do you hope this place looks like?
My greatest hope is that the boys who grow up here become independent, godly men who can support themselves and their families. I hope they become leaders in their homes, churches, and communities, and that they use their lives to bring glory to God. If they become men of character, faith, and service, I would consider that one of the greatest successes of this ministry.