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Volunteer Programs -
Groups or Individual
Kids Helping Kids
/ Teachers Helping Teachers
/ Doctors Helping Doctors
Rancho Wendy is situated in a unique place in the
world. We see the beauty and natural wonders of the Caribbean, while tucked
gently in the sprawling mountain range in the center of the Dominican Republic.
Among the beauty are also people in need. We have been fortunate to have many
different types of groups choose to stay with us and allow us to work with them
to lend a hand to others.
Our inexpensive accommodations work well with groups where one room can
accommodate up to six individuals. While we have worked with groups ranging from
boy scouts, to church groups to doctors, we also have given individuals, such as
father and daughter, the chance to work with local people.
We help you plan the entire experience and can arrange transportation as
well. For pricing, questions or to confirm your groups next volunteer trip,
please e-mail, call or click on our live chat.
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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

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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.


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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
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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
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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

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DAY 6
Today we went on an incredible hike through the mountains.
The views were breathtaking! At the beginning, I wasn't expecting the length or
difficulty of the hike but it was amazing how we pushed each other through the
tough situation. There were times when I was frustrated and tired but the
person beside me was feeling exactly how I felt. I also have a new
appreciation for pineapple.
Tonight in the circle reflection, things got
totally emotional, which, I must say, did
not surprise me in the least bit. One of the
things I wanted to say, but didn't get a
chance to, was that none of us should ever
under-estimate ourselves. We can wade across
a category 6 raging rapid. We can scale up 8
miles of Dominican mountains. We can repel
down the side of a waterfall. If we can do
all that, then we can change one person's
life. We can make things better for one
village. Bit by bit, we can make this a
better world for someone to live in.
-- Carly

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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.
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Students from st. clair - 2007 |
USC STAFF: |
| Kira Brown |
Samantha Jones |
Todd Flynn |
| Meghan Christie |
Brian Lattanzi |
Tracy Smith |
| Jen Findle |
Colleen Lloyd |
Keera Dwulit |
| Nicole Gans |
Kelsey Mailman |
Dr. Frank Gaudio |
| Steve Garbin |
Ashley Nowicki |
Dr. Dan Lattanzi |
| Brian Gaudio |
Marcella Ogrodnik |
Mike Ehland |
| Ashley Gilbert |
Holly White |
Melanie Grubisha |
| Drew Hinzman |
Scott Yanak |
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| Mike Howie |
Carly Hyland |
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