"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."
Rom. 1:11–12 motivated Portland Adventist Academy to visit Las Palmas Children's Village — a cluster of ten orphan homes in the Dominican Republic established by International Children’s Care — in March 2024. While short-term
mission trips often focus on helping less fortunate brothers and sisters in materially poor countries, Sus Manos, the outreach arm of PAA's Spanish program, takes an
asset-based and collaborative view.
Nine PAA students spent several months preparing their hearts and minds for this cross-cultural service-learning experience. Preparation included developing a daily
quiet time of Bible reading and prayer, building cultural awareness and strengthening Spanish skills.
At Las Palmas, PAA students painted a house that will receive orphaned and vulnerable children sent by the government court system. However, their focus was not on the physical work but on recognizing and supporting assets already in place at the village: loving parents, dedicated
administrators, Christian teachers and energetic children.
ICC Las Palmas Children's Village is divided into six homes of 10–12 children. PAA students spent time each day with families observing how the loving and patient houseparents blessed the children who had come from difficult and often traumatic backgrounds. ICC hires local houseparents to nurture the children in their cultural context.
The assets at Las Palmas — the buildings, land, school and wonderful staff who care for the children — are made possible by generous donors from the NPUC and throughout
the world. Caring donors, especially those who provide monthly through sponsorship and systematic giving, create a nurturing haven for children who would otherwise
have nowhere to turn.
Ana Burgos, PAA senior said, "I thought we were going to see only poverty ... but it wasn't the most important part; there were beautiful kids with joy and happiness all over the place!"
Rita Barrett, PAA Spanish teacher, presented workshops for teachers and parents, underscoring the importance of pleasure reading for academic growth. The group donated more than 400 new books in Spanish to the campus library. The Las Palmas librarian proved to be another great asset, with her passion for connecting children and
teens with books that will motivate a lifelong love of reading.
Participation in Las Palmas' annual Family Olympics games and outings to the beach and waterfalls were additional opportunities for building relationships between PAA students and Las Palmas children and teens. One local teen said, "They taught us to be more united."
Chelsea Rose, PAA junior, shared, "I really valued seeing all of the openness that people had with their belief and relationship with God. I haven't always experienced being in a place where believers are open about their relationship with God and what they're studying. Sharing with our group every morning and seeing how the kids loved talking about God really stuck with me. It was a reminder that you don't have to have the 'perfect thing' to say or the best theology to talk about God with others. I think I can make sure this sticks with me by reflecting that in my own life by sharing what I learn from God with the people around me."
Playing, working and worshiping together, visitors and hosts found opportunities to encourage each other's faith and to grow stronger together.
Sus Manos and Las Palmas students collaborate in preparing a house for painting.
Books donated for the Las Palmas library will help staff promote reading for pleasure.
