Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic (Apr 2026) - Service Trip Recap
Dates: April 6-12, 2026
Location: Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic
This was the first HFK Board and Alumni trip to the DR, where the team partnered with Seed to Sower Ministries to serve at local schools, the Ark Children’s Home, and surrounding communities. The team helped with projects like building and delivering a bunk bed, supporting PE classes, and spending time with students and families. The week was filled with service, connection, and meaningful moments together.
We also take this opportunity to remember and honor our Team Captain and Board Chair - Pastor Dave Ricketts. Read more about this trip and Dave’s impact on his last service trip below. 🤍 🕊️
Day 1
The team arrived in the Dominican Republic and was excited to finally meet each other in person after weeks of connecting over pre-trip Zoom calls. There was an immediate sense of familiarity as everyone came together in one place.
Rain came and went throughout the day, giving the first glimpses of life and rhythm in the DR. 🇩🇴
They shared a home-cooked meal prepared by local cooks, including traditional dishes like arepita and fried yucca. It was a great first taste of the community’s hospitality.
Everything was well organized for their arrival, and the team spent time going over the schedule for the week ahead as they prepared to begin serving together the next morning. There was a lot of anticipation and gratitude as things got underway. 🙏
Day 2
The team spent the day in Palo Blanco, a community where many kids face real challenges and where the local school plays a steady and important role in daily life. It was meaningful to see the dedication of the teachers and staff who show up for students every day. 🙏
The team split up to serve. Some worked on building bunk beds for families in need, while others joined in PE classes and recess, spending time with the students.
Heavy rain moved through during the day, but activities continued. A muddy soccer game in the rain turned into a shared moment of laughter and connection. ⚽️
The day ended with a BBQ hosted by a local family, who shared their story and their long-standing commitment to serving the school community. 💙
Day 3
The team returned to the school and joined the students for the flag salute and national anthem. It was a simple but meaningful moment to be present with the students in their daily rhythm. 🇩🇴
They completedtwo bunk beds and delivered one to a family in need, a moment that carried a lot of gratitude and emotion for everyone involved.
Pickleball during PE was introduced across all grades and quickly became something the students really enjoyed, filling the courts with energy and laughter.
The team also spent time hearing from Seed to Sower Ministries and learning more about the long-term impact happening across the community. It was encouraging to hear how consistent care over time is shaping lives. 🙏
Later in the day, they visited the Ark, helped with some construction work, and spent unstructured time playing with the kids there, which was a highlight for many. 🎉
Day 4
The team started the day back at the school with more pickleball, helping the final group of students learn the game. It was a relaxed and joyful way to spend time with the kids, filled with lots of smiles and encouragement.
Later, they delivered a bunk bed to a local family. Two children who had been sharing a worn mattress now had a bed of their own, a moment that was simple but deeply meaningful. 🤍
The team also spent time hearing stories from the early days of the care center. There was a strong sense of gratitude as they reflected on years of faithfulness, provision, and steady care.
In the afternoon, they cooled off with a swim in a nearby river, a quiet and refreshing pause in the middle of a full week. 🙏
They ended the day with a shared meal and time together as a team, reflecting on everything they had experienced so far. 🇩🇴
Day 5
The team said goodbye to a wonderful family, but first had the chance to tour Seed for Sower’s flagship campus. The two schools serve students from early childhood through high school and support hundreds of children from some of the most underserved families in the area. It was a meaningful visit, especially being guided by a longtime team member who has faithfully served in the DR for decades. 🙏
After the tour, the family headed to the airport with their hosts to begin their journey home. The rest of the team returned to the school for PE classes and to finish up woodworking projects, enjoying time with the younger students through games and laughter. ✈️
Following lunch, the team sorted through a large amount of donated clothing, organizing items by size and type so they can be distributed where needed most. 🫶
The day wrapped up back at the Ark, spending time with the kids and watching soccer practice for an upcoming tournament, with a chance for some to jump in and play as well. ⚽️
They ended the day at a local restaurant with the coach, his son, and several players, closing out a full and meaningful day together. 🍽️✨
Day 6
The final morning began back at the Ark Children’s Home with another soccer tournament. Some of the team played alongside Seed to Sower while others cheered from the sidelines. ⚽️
The event included a recognition of Randy and the long-term ministry work that has shaped the community over more than two decades. There was a strong sense of gratitude for the foundation that has been built over time.
Afterward, the team spent time at the beach for rest and reflection. Despite a storm passing through, a few members went into the ocean for a quick, refreshing swim before heading to dinner.
It was a simple and meaningful way to close out the trip together, with full hearts and deep appreciation for the week. 💙
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our Team Captain and Board Chair, Pastor Dave Ricketts. Dave passed away of natural causes while doing what he loved most – serving in the DR!
Dave lived a life marked by faith and an unwavering commitment to loving people well. His contagious joy and unique ability to make everyone feel seen impacted our HFK family and the many communities he served. Dave leaves a legacy of service and devotion to honoring God in all he did.
We remember Dave through this recap that captures a example of the heart and joy he brought to so many over the years!
We love you, Dave. You will be deeply missed, and never forgotten.
Please keep Dave’s family and loved ones in your prayers. You can support his family by clicking below.
Our team had a meaningful time serving in the DR. From building and delivering bunk beds to leading PE classes, playing soccer, and spending time with students and families, it was a week filled with service, connection, and care for the team members and the community. It was an honor to come alongside the work happening there and to serve together in such a meaningful place. 💙
We dedicate this trip and recap to Dave and the legacy he left behind. 🙏 🕊️
