Each group that comes brings their own dynamic way to contribute. Below we have a day-to-day journal and photos from a great group of high school students from Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, USA. . We at Rancho Wendy have been honored to have this great group.

DAY 1
After a long day of traveling we finally arrived to Rancho Wendy. While it was dark when we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms to this accommodating little ranch.-- Jennifer Brayer and Samantha Marie

DAY 2
Since we came in in the pitch black last night, we didn't get a chance to take in the whole scope of Rancho Wendy. When we came out of our rooms this morning, we saw ourselves surrounded by rolling green mountains, a stable full of horses, and acres of trees and flowers. It was AMAZING. After that, we got to open up the clinic here and help the local people.

DAY 3
Today, a group of us went to a local church to attend mass. Two weeks ago the church was flooded and lots of help was donated to get the church back in shape. The priest was from Seattle and did the entire sermon in English just for us. The environment was very welcoming. That same day we started making jewelry that was made out of the rocks that were collected. We thought this would be important because we could teach some kids to make this jewelry so they may go to the city to sell this jewelry and make some profit. In the afternoon we packed rice and beans and left to go to a village on the top of the mountain. Although the village was impoverished, there was lots of joy when we had arrived at the village. We interacted with some of the kids through baseball, catch, and other games. That evening, I was thinking about the sermon and the smile from the village people that warmed my heart. The priest said that people endure suffering , but still conform to God's will. He said that God knows what is good for all of us, and sometimes we will have to suffer and trust him. I saw that in the villagers eyes, that although they were suffering, they had hope. Our supplies only were a temporary solution, but it was the interaction that left a permanent mark on both the villagers and us. This impacted me because it made me realize that I need to change my attitude and have an attitude like theirs. When things don't go my way, usually I complain and fuss. After today, I am going to try to trust the Lord and his ways, knowing what he has in store for me is far greater than the things that are going on at the moment. -- Scott Yanak
     
       

DAY 4
You really lose all concept of time while you are here. It's funny because no one uses watches or has a clock.  I feel like we get a lot more accomplished this way-not worrying how long it takes to get something done-we just want to get it done. Just a personal story: When we were walking through one of the villages handing out rice and beans, I dropped one of my bags. I didn't really notice and a little boy ran up beside me-- I thought he would for sure take it, knowing how hungry he was, and seeing how it was my fault anyways.  But instead he tapped me on the shoulder and gave it back...to give to someone else.  You really get a sense of community down here, caring for you neighbor. It is very heartwarming and touching. Love, Nicole

DAY 5
Right now on this Tuesday night when normally I would be sitting on my couch watching TV., I am sitting here in the middle of the most amazing trip of my life.  I just want to say the reality of the situation is beginning to hit me right now and I know I won't go back to my home and just forget how truly blessed I am as a person.  I am starting to realize that the little shacks I see are actual houses, the clothes that people wear are their entire wardrobes, the doll that a little girl holds is her only doll and I could go on forever.  But these are real lives and real people, and now I realize that so much can be done with so little.  It is hard to imagine that in a world where we can communicate with someone across the world as quickly as we can yell to the person in the next room that there are still countless parents that don't have enough to clothe their children.  But I have faith in this us, all of us.  I just want to leave you with the story I told tonight at our circle time.  I was giving out Smarties to some little kids in one of the villages.  An adorable girl around 4 years old waited patiently for me to give her candy.  A couple of minutes later her little brother came over and looked at her candy.  She gave it to him without a thought.  He grinned ear to ear but his smile was nothing in comparison to the bitter sweet smile on the little girl's face.  I understand her feeling completely and I only hope that everyone someday will be fortunate enough to feel the happiness that giving of one's self brings. Sweet Dreams, Colleen Lloyd

DAY 7
Our last day at Rancho Wendy....A group of 5 students and 3 adults ventured to a school that we had previously visited.  Although we had already passed out rice and beans, today the team administered de-worming pills and clothes.  Back on the ranch, we packed up our bags, cleaned out our rooms, and worked on some last minute hemp bracelets.  By 10:45 the trucks were here to pick us up and cart us to a nearby baseball field (a.k.a. cow pasture--EW!).  Along the way we, Americans, prepared to be annihilated.  However, the game ended up 8-2 (their victory).  All the players were very friendly and cheered both teams on, with a little heckling, too.  Soon enough, we were shaking hands and handing out the baseball equipment we had gathered from home.  After we said our good-byes, all of the "Americanos" piled back into the trucks for one last ride.  We enjoyed one last meal all together, boarded the bus, and embarked on one last adventure in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.  Our theme quotation rings true in our hearts; we are forever blessed by this experience:

"I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.- Edward Everette Hale"    --- Kelsey Mailman and Keera Brown

  
The woman (pictured on right) is Dr. Juana Rivera Sandoval. She is not only a Pediatrician, but a Pastor seeing kids free of charge. We are happy that she comes and picks up free medicine for her kids in need.