"Santo Domingo" Santo Domingo by damaris05


Santo Domingo Travel Guide: 488 reviews and 942 photos

I Left My Heart In Santo Domingo...


This unexpected trip completely transformed the way I look at life... and at the world. Never in my life did I see myself traveling overseas... I never had a passion for traveling nor for Missions. I figured that I'd always end up being some kind of in-church minister or teacher or doctor or something like that. Never did I picture myself as a Missionary. And before I know it, here I am going to a foreign country and falling into a passionate love with it. My heart burns for the Dominican Republic. I truly miss it like I've never missed anything before... and I long to go back and just BE there... it's like I left a huge chunk of myself in the little island... I'd never felt so satisfied before in my life. I knew deep within that's where I belong. Or is it just a crazy idea?? Do I belong here at home for the rest of my life?? Then why did so much of myself stay in the DR... why is it that I still can't let go? Do you have the answers to these questions?


Hope you Take a Look at My Travelogues!!!


[not fully completed.. but that gives you more of a reason to visit again for the rest]

Muchas Gracias to Everyone who made this Trip Possible!!!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Also Gracias a Dios!!!


1/4/05: I just discovered I could be going back in December '05 I'm looking forward to it!!!

Our Mission

We didn't go to the Dominican for fun or for pleasure... we didn't really go sight-seeing, or touristing... we had a mission planted in our hearts, which was to build relationships and evangelize to the people. We went from house to house, sharing testimonies, Bible stories, and getting to know the people in a Barrio called Los Mameyes. We would split up into about 4 or 5 groups. We walked around with dominicans who would take us to visit their friends and scattered family members... those working with us were Melina, Alex, Hector (Tejano), Carlos, Mauricio, Kersi and her sister, and some others. The missionaries that we worked with were Rodney and Sharon Coleman, and a JourneyMan Rob. DRMissionEsperanza is their website... I encourage you to visit it... there's pictures and more info. on their mission.

Our Fun

We worked hard for six days in the Mameyes and Herrera... but the day we worked the HARDEST was on the 7th as we hit the beach! Wow, were we suffering for the Lord!Haha!! Beautiful Boca Chica is the closest beach to Santo Domingo, with plenty of restaurants and shops at hand. We went with our crew from Los Mameyes and Herrera, and our two loyal dominican friends Jochy and Osiris! I love them so much! They were HILARIOUS!!! More pictures to come in albums and travelogues!

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Amazing people, GREAT food, rich historical background, beautiful beaches and scenery
  • Cons:Inter-city roads:large potholes, oversized speed bumps, dangerous traffic if you're not used to it, electricity problem, contaminated water
  • In a nutshell:Once you're there, Ya don't wanna leave!
  • Last visit to Santo Domingo: Jun 2004
  • Intro Updated Jan 4, 2005
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Reviews (10)

Comments (20)

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  • vegannramember's Profile Photo
    vegannramember Jan 25, 2007 at 10:40 AM Report Abuse

    haha, yes! leaving a club with a dominican friend at around 4 am, i discovered that red lights mean "maybe slow down a little as you plow through the intersection".

  • TropicGirl77's Profile Photo
    TropicGirl77 Aug 10, 2005 at 11:14 AM Report Abuse

    I just LOVE those "quarter to one" rules!!! HAHA@ suffering for the Lord ... I'm sure after repenting, he has forgiven all suffering! Aloha ~

  • BuickMackane's Profile Photo
    BuickMackane Feb 11, 2005 at 3:05 PM Report Abuse

    I haven't been to the DR since I was a little girl, but I enjoyed your tips very much -- great page!

  • Aurorae's Profile Photo
    Aurorae Feb 3, 2005 at 2:53 PM Report Abuse

    Thank you for stopping by at my HP. I love your passion for Dominican Republic, it's a place that attracts me as well, I'd love to go there, and your descriptions awake the senses, presenting that country so well.

  • basstbn's Profile Photo
    basstbn Dec 31, 2004 at 7:30 PM Report Abuse

    I enjoyed visiting your DR page, and reading of your leading to the Lord's work - wherever that might take you! Abide in Him and He will guide you and protect you. Thanks for your visit to my home page, and best wishes for the new year.

  • marcoparco's Profile Photo
    marcoparco Dec 19, 2004 at 4:32 PM Report Abuse

    Nice page! Very similar culture to Haiti which I have visited twice! They also like to drive crazy fast and use their horns! Cheers

  • MalenaN's Profile Photo
    MalenaN Dec 10, 2004 at 11:57 PM Report Abuse

    I can understand that you fell in love with such a beautiful country! Hope you can go back soon!

  • nomorewars Nov 25, 2004 at 9:12 PM Report Abuse

    I've never been to the Dominican Republic, but I understand your love for the people there. I feel the same way about the people of Kosovo.

  • arasnosliw Oct 24, 2004 at 10:01 PM Report Abuse

    must have had a wonderful experience here! you should definitely go to PR when you get a chance. Not as impoverished, but certainly full of fantastic culture and beautiful scenery. thx for stopping by my pages!

  • dr.firas's Profile Photo
    dr.firas Oct 15, 2004 at 2:21 AM Report Abuse

    Damaris that is a great place on Earth, you did a great job here, thanks ;-)

damaris05

“"Here am I. Send Me!" Isaiah 6:8”

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