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500+ Dominican Republic children + 500+ Christmas gifts = An amazing day

As we drove up, there was already a line of excited Dominican children forming at the church door. The place was going to be soon packed full of giddy children anticipating getting Christmas gifts. The facility looked amazing. It was full of tables, chairs, and decorations.

The doors opened and excited children entered the church. To start the event, the Mission of Mercy project staff and students put on a small program – complete with songs, choreographed dances, and prayers.

After feeding the anxious children lunch, it was time for the main event. Up to that point, the staff had been able to keep order and control over the 500+ kids, despite being significantly out-numbered. However, when the gifts started to be handed out, it got crazy. Kids began to bum-rush the stage. There was no more being quiet, no more standing still, and no more patiently waiting. After all, there were Christmas presents to be had. The staff did an amazing job handing out the Christmas presents to all those eager kids.

It was amazing to watch these Dominican children rip open these Christmas presents that the NORTHchurch family had so generously donated. The atmosphere was think with joy, smiles, and excitement.

These three pictures are my favorites. I watched this boy receive his Christmas presents, walk over to a secluded area, rip open the presents, and react to what was inside. I tried my best to capture his pure joy in these moments through these pictures.

Like I said at the beginning of this post…

500+ Dominican Republic children + 500+ Christmas gifts = An amazing day

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To see more pictures from our Dominican Republic trip, CLICK HERE.