For most Americans, extreme makeovers entail remodeling an outdated room or space and transforming it into something spectacular. Sparkling floors, freshly painted walls, and shiny new fixtures are a given. But what does an extreme makeover look like in Consuelo, a municipality of approximately 30,000 people in the Dominican Republic? Bruce Horgan, a 23-year veteran and staff member at Willow, knows the answer.
In November of 2010, Bruce led a team to Consuelo for an eight-day, short-term mission trip. One of the projects was to improve a one-room shanty with a steel roof. The room, which measured 12 x 15, was home to a husband and wife and their five children. Inside the shanty's unpainted walls, a single mattress on the concrete floor provided the only place to sleep. Bruce and his team labored into the night to complete an 8 x 12 room addition, along with a concrete pad for food preparation. "It was like the Taj Mahal to them," Bruce said, “and neighbors came by to watch and help.” And according to Bruce, the best part of the story was yet to come.
After Bruce and his team packed up and returned home, they realized they were "under budget." Thanks to a generous donation in connection with the trip, Bruce realized even more could be done for this family. He connected with Rafael, a Willow Creek staff member who lives in the Dominican Republic and organizes the team projects, to arrange the details. On December 23, a big truck backed up to the family's home to pour out materials for a real makeover: bunk beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, a dresser, and mosquito nets. The interior of the shanty received a fresh coat of paint. The team also wanted to do something special for the children's mother, whose only concern was caring for her children while her husband looked for a job. Amazingly, the budget accommodated a new outfit and a "spa day” for the mother—an unfathomable luxury.
Serve Abroad or from Home
Bruce, who has led several short-term mission trips, says the opportunity to serve is more accessible than ever. Participants often pay for half or sometimes the whole trip by raising money or receiving donations. "It goes to show," Bruce says, “those unable to participate in a short-term mission trip may still play a role. After all, it a generous donation on behalf of one of the team members that made the Consuelo make-over possible. "Some people have more money than time, and some people have more time than money," says Bruce. No matter what side of the equation, donors and team members share in the exciting "before and after" of each mission trip.
For information on upcoming trips, visit the Short Term Teams page.
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