Dominican Republic
Jamaica
Mission Trips
A “Mission Moment” is the kind of experience that stays with you long after your mission trip to Mustard Seed Communities ends.
For our community, these moments often come quietly. They are found in a shared laugh, a held hand, a small breakthrough, or an unexpected connection. They capture the heart of what it means to serve and to be transformed in return.
The following reflections bring these moments to life. Shared by mission volunteers who have spent time in our apostolates in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, each story highlights a unique encounter, a favorite memory, or a meaningful relationship. Together, they reveal the beauty of presence, the power of connection, and the lasting impact of a Mission Moment…
Emalyn Osborne | Salve Regina University
Hogar Immanuel, Dominican Republic
I chose to serve with Mustard Seed because I wanted to learn from a community different from my own and grow as a future educator, especially in building relationships with children of diverse abilities. I was drawn to MSC’s focus on inclusion, care, and building a sense of belonging for children who have faced significant challenges.
One moment that stayed with me was with Francesca, a resident who is nonverbal. One of the projects we worked on was weeding around the property where the children played. Francesca wheeled over to me while I was weeding and began to watch. She is nonverbal, but through her body language, I could tell she had something to say. She reached for my gloves, and through that simple gesture, made it clear she wanted to be included. I found her a pair of gloves and helped her to the grass so she could work beside me. Though pulling weeds was difficult, she helped place them in the bag, fully part of the moment.
That experience reminded me that true service is not about the task, but about connection, dignity, and making space for everyone to belong. It gave me a new perspective on inclusion. I want to approach my classroom with the same patience, empathy, and intention I used while connecting with the residents at Mustard Seed, especially when working with children who are nonverbal or have diverse needs.
Carter Rankin | LaSalle Academy
Sophie’s Place, Jamaica
I chose to go on a mission trip because I wanted to serve others and gain a broader perspective of the world. One meaningful moment was with Jevoni, a Sophie’s Place resident who moves with a wheelchair.
Throughout the week, I spent time with Jevoni that was quiet but meaningful. His smile grew to mean so much to me: when he finally smiled at me, and it felt like he recognized me and enjoyed my presence. Those moments of connection meant everything.
I hope to carry this experience forward by encouraging others to serve and by advocating for greater understanding and support for people living with disabilities.
Victoria Sanchez | Syracuse Catholic Center
Hogar Niños de Dios, Dominican Republic
One of the most meaningful moments of my trip was with Claudia, a resident who has very limited movement and usually observes quietly.
While I was sitting with her one day toward the end of our week, Claudia began reaching out and took my hand, and we stayed like that for a while. It felt like such a deep and unexpected connection—almost like a small miracle. That moment, and the time I spent with all the children, gave me a new perspective. It challenged me to step outside my own bubble and approach others with more understanding, compassion, and openness.
Caroline Alegado | Lansdale Catholic
Blessed Assurance, Jamaica
I knew before I even left my first mission trip that I had to come back to MSC. The kids at Blessed Assurance make such an impact on your life that you can’t help but carry that with you. I wanted to come back because I missed them and felt I could make a positive impact on their lives, and them on mine, again.
Seeing Roshane’s progress over the past two years was incredible. When I first met him, he struggled to stand and he didn’t speak. This time, I helped him walk around the gazebo, and I even heard him sing. During devotion, we sang a simple song repeating ‘Amen,’ and afterward he kept singing it on his own. It was a beautiful moment! To me, I saw his growth and the impact of prayer and care in that moment.
I carry these experiences with me and share them with others at home. This trip also helped shape my future. While I have always felt called to healthcare, my time at Mustard Seed has led me to pursue roles where I can continue supporting individuals with diverse needs.
Joseph Malone | Move a Mountain Missions
Sophie’s Place, Jamaica
At Sophie’s Place, I was fortunate to form a connection with a little girl named Toniann. While feeding her, I watched her body shift from a state of strain and tension to one of calm and relaxation. After one meal, I held up the bowl and said, ‘You did it, Toniann, you did it!’ Seeing her try so hard to smile, with her eyes lighting up, was incredible.
On our last morning, I was able to carry her into the chapel for adoration. As we sat together and Johnny sang so wonderfully, I felt her body relax in my arms once again. It was a quiet, beautiful moment, and one I will never forget.
Tim Buckley | Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
Blessed Assurance, Jamaica
I’ve been on several mission trips with MSC now, both before and after Hurricane Melissa. In every season, I have found the people of Mustard Seed to be deeply joyful, focusing on the good in their lives rather than what they lack. The caregivers did not dwell on the difficulty of their long commutes or the added challenges as roads slowly returned to even half of normal. Instead, they were simply grateful that none of the residents were harmed. Everything else felt secondary.
All around us at Mustard Seed in Jamaica were images of Jesus caring for the poor and gathering the lambs in His arms. That image feels closer to the people there than to the European depiction of Jesus that has been so widely portrayed. Each time I return, I am reminded of Christ’s own suffering and love, and I begin to see His image reflected more clearly in the residents than in someone like me, an American who comes to serve for a week. There is a deep joy that comes through their brokenness, and through His. That, to me, is the true miracle, and what makes the mission trip experience ‘worth the wait’ every year.
What does a Mission Moment really mean?
Individually, these moments may seem small. Together, they reveal something bigger.
They remind us that love is often found in the simplest encounters, and that God meets us there, in the quiet, in the unexpected, and in one another.
Mission Moments don’t end when your mission trip is over. They become part of the life you carry forward, giving every resident and every act of love a long, lasting legacy.
Want to share your Mission Moment?
We would be honored to hear how your experience with Mustard Seed Communities has shaped the way you live, love, and hope. Share your story with us: