Dominican Republic 2026 Day One

Today started dark and chaotic… as people awoke nightmares began. Everything was in a kerfuffle, missing bags, limbs and everything in between. DUH DUHN DUHNNNNNNNNN! JK, the morning was smooth like peanut butter. We awoke at the Trips (Olivia Allen’s camp name) household and packed at the bright hour of 4am. We had snacks and filled our vehicles (thanks parents!) before we made our way down to the airport! As we drove to the wrong gate lol and took everything out of the car, we quickly realized that we were in the wrong spot (thanks a lot Pumba). Checking our bags went well and no one exceeded liquid limits. YIPIEEEEE! Next we settled and had some amazing eats for breakfast. After the big back feast ceased, we hopped onto the plane! The plane ride was peaceful and allowed us all to get some much needed rest.

Once we arrived in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, a little someone forgot her passport on the plane (cough cough Clover), but thanks to our amazing Tymon and airport staff, we retrieved it and all was swell! Once we moved through security and baggage, we reunited with our Dominican friends. Lots of; hugs, catch ups, laughs, and introductions were made. We made our way onto our lovely bus and started our 4 hour trek to the compound. Some of us played our favourite card game president, while Gabe fell asleep to hard core classical music. In all seriousness though, it was a sweet opportunity for the team to bond together and get to know the Lighthouse peeps more.

We arrived to the compound and were greeted with (but here’s the thing, now let me be clear, this may be a stretch and a hot topic) a fantastic dinner. After settling in we had a great time of team evening devotionals, which was met with cool conversations about God and His mission. During Devos we learned about the climate of the Dominican culture and how to spend our time here as a missionary rather than a tourist. After reflection and prayer, we jumped in the pool and pretty well ended our night there!

Sponsored by Olivia A. and Gabriel

-          We do it best!