2009 International Service Learning Trip
Dominican Republic July 25-August 1
Host: SCORE International

The Pioneer volleyball team travelled to the Dominican Republic in late July 2009.  The squad participated in ministry opportunities including: competition with the Dominican National team, orphanage work, and food distribution. Senior, Julie Finley said of the service learning trip, "God used our team on this trip to bless others, but I believe we were the ones who were blessed by the people we came across.  They showed our team the love of God firsthand."  In reflection, freshman, Jackie Schwamberger commented, "It was an eye opening experience that showed me how blessed we are as Americans.  It made me realize the true meaning of 'childlike faith' and I will never forget the people we met or the things we saw." 
 
The Dominican Republic shares the island Hispaniola with the country of Haiti.  It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.  Nearly 80% of the country's 49,000 sq. km is covered with mountains, but some 20 different topographical areas exist in the country.  Nearly 4 million of the country's 9 million residents live in Santo Domingo.
 
SCORE International is based in the town of Juan Dolio, between the towns of La Romano and Santo Domingo.  For more information visit www.scoreinternational.org.  Donations can be made directly to SCORE International on behalf of Malone University women's volleyball team.  A 2011 summer trip to Costa Rica is in the initial planning stages.