Serving in the DR – Intern Jessica Wise

As a Freshmen in college Jessica Wise made a promise to herself that she would devote all of her college summers to serving in missions. Little did she know then that she would spend all three summers in the Dominican Republic as part of the Children of the Nations Internship Program. Jessica was first introduced to COTN by the campus ministry that she attended at the College of Idaho.

Jessica’s first summer in the DR was that of a typical COTN DR intern. The next summer, however, Jessica was surprised with the opportunity to serve as the Intern Coordinator for her team of 13 interns. Jessica accepted and did a phenomenal job leading the team at the age of 20. This summer Jessica returned again, this time to volunteer at the COTN clinic, assist with this summer’s vaccination project, and continue to have take part helping to lead the internship program.

Jessica’s love for this country and its people is evident in her interactions with them and the impact she has made. “It’s very difficult to describe Jessica because she is a very special girl,” says COTN–DR staff member, Lucrecia Cuevas. “She has a spirit of service and is very sweet.” The clinic is equally grateful for Jessica. Nurse Administrator Yaneth Richardson describes her as “a blessing, especially to the nurses…because she puts her whole heart into her work and takes the time to teach us English on the side.” The people in the bateys equally love Jessica, as seen in their excitement when she comes to visit. “Yessica, Yessica!” is the cry that is heard whenever the intern van pulls into Batey Los Robles.

As she nears graduation at the end of the coming year, Jessica hopes to go to medical school. Her dreams also include wanting to start a lab for the clinic here in Barahona. Jessica’s love for the Lord and others is truly manifested in how she lives her life and she will be a blessing to others throughout her life.

by Karuna Luthra and Megan Grycko (Summer Interns from Seattle serving in the DR)