Shoes for Orphan Souls - Dominican Republic 02/2014 - Dan Hall

Shoes for Orphan Souls - Dominican Republic – February 2014

I have many, many photos from our travel to the eight locations. Yesterday was the highlight as we traveled to an orphanage of 31 boys in the AM and 42 girls in the PM. These were by far the neediest of the trip with many children without any shoes at all. The girls were very appreciative and thanked us through songs which were nothing short of professional. These orphans were from 1 yr. to 18 years old some of which had been abused or had been abandoned on the streets of Santo Domingo.

It is hard to describe the sheer joy in the children s faces, all 555 kids, as we gave them new socks, shoes and t-shirts. Some, with tears in their eyes, would hug us in appreciation. We Rotarians learned that the shoes were only the outward reason we were here, as the real reason was to give human contact and love to the kids. They craved and needed attention from caring adults.....and they got it in spades. *;) winking

Our Rotary ¨shoes¨ team heads home tomorrow much richer than when we came. We found our mission was not of material things but the eternal message of service above self.

In Rotary friendship,

Dan Hall

PDG 2011-2012

RI Dist. 6040