While I was only in the Dominican Republic for a short time this past summer, the things that I learned from the people there will not soon be lost on me. They taught me what it really means to be filled with joy and, even more than that, showed me what a smile really means. In the midst of extreme poverty and hardship and illness and any other thing that I take for granted, the kiddos and every other person I was lucky enough to meet met it all with a smile. They taught me what it means to always see the good and to be filled with joy in the midst of any circumstance. I also learned how much there is to be done for these people. I understand a little bit more now how much it is going to take to get these people the very minimum things they deserve.
So, in the title, the Miles is literally miles, but it is also representative of a journey and of how far we have to go. And the Smiles in the title are literal smiles, but they are also a way of living.
“Be joyful always. Pray at all times. Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.” -1 Thes. 5:16-18
We are so grateful to have been able to organize the 5k and raise money for a clinic in Los Cocos. It was challenging and hard, but still so rewarding. Thank you so much to everyone who came out and participated or supported us with a donation. We are so encouraged by all of you!