After Jewelie visited Massiel, her sponsored child in Dominican Republic, she posted this on social media:
“Many years sponsoring a child with Food for the Hungry! Today was a prayer answered. I was able to meet her and her family.”
We interviewed Jewelie to find out more about her visit…
Jewelie, why was meeting in person with Massiel so special for you?
“Meeting Massiel in person was beyond anything I could have imagined. It wasn’t just about seeing her face. It was about the hugs, the shared smiles, the encouraging words, and the joy of seeing firsthand how sponsorship makes a real difference.”
“Seeing how our support helps provide not only an education but hope for her future.”
“I was able to see how Food for the Hungry has a clean water well that her family could get clean water from, at a fraction of the cost if they had to get water elsewhere.”
“Also, to see how the community staff know what the family needs and how they seek support for them.”
“There’s something incredibly powerful about being face-to-face. It reminds you that what you do matters. Not just in theory, but in real life, with real people.”
“This visit has changed me, and I’ll carry it with me always. I hope to go back soon.”
What was it like being at the table together, tasting local foods?
“We got the chance to try Mofongo, a traditional dish in the Dominican Republic. It was completely different from anything I’ve ever eaten—savory, hearty, and unique. It reminded me of a bit of the dry stuffing or dressing we’d have around Thanksgiving.”
“Tasting something so rooted in their culture helped us connect more deeply with the experience.”
“Sitting at the metaphorical table—giving, learning, tasting, and witnessing—reminded me that sharing a meal isn’t always about being physically present.”
“Sometimes, it’s about providing a moment of joy and comfort for someone else.”
What did you discover about the local culture?
“During my visit, I experienced a beautiful place. The local culture deeply moved me and shifted my perspective.”
“One of the most eye-opening parts was understanding the struggles children face in accessing education.”
“Getting to school isn’t as simple as we might imagine—it can involve long walks, limited supplies, and families making sacrifices just to keep their kids enrolled.”
“Yet despite the challenges, the children are full of hope and determination.”
“I also learned how important farming is to this region.”
“Seeing how cacao and cashew crops are grown, seeing lots of coconuts and drinking coconut water straight from the trees, gave me a new appreciation for the hard work and teamwork it takes.”
“Farming is not just a job—it’s a family effort. Everyone pitches in, doing what they can to help bring in income.”
“What struck me most is how joyful and content the families are. They live simple lives, and yet, when we asked what they needed, they didn’t ask for things for themselves—they asked us to pray for others.”
“That kind of selflessness is something I’ll never forget.”
“This experience helped me understand that generosity, resilience, and community are deeply rooted in their culture, and I’m better for having witnessed it.”
Would you like to visit your sponsored child, too?
Find out what’s possible, perhaps a family visit or a mission trip with your friends!