The Beauty of Presence
This summer, Trinity attendee Paris Del Degan traveled to the Dominican Republic with Children of the Nations, alongside Trinity member Jacquelyn Phillips and her son, Odin. Together, they joined 14 other team members from churches in Washington, California, and Florida, united by a shared desire to serve in Christ’s name.
After returning home, we asked Paris to reflect on her experience—where she saw God at work, what He taught her about serving others, and what she hopes to carry with her into everyday life back home.
The Beauty of Presence
Reflections from Paris Del Degan
The Dominican Republic taught me about the power of being present with those around you. During the trip our team had the honor of meeting with families in their homes, cooking a meal, and sharing in the gift of fellowship. I often fall into the bad habit of treating my life like a checklist and sometimes...I treat people like that too. The DR reminded me of the beauty that exists in every small moment and the blessing of community. Being present is how we love and serve others well. I hope to carry this lesson with me here in Seattle.
I landed in DR with a group of people who had just learned my name, and I landed back in Seattle surrounded by a group who had cried with me, prayed for me, and listened to parts of my story that I had hidden away in shame. How does something like this happen? How did these people, who had only learned my name a few days ago, know how to speak the exact words that I had been longing to hear? This is no coincidence of course. God is behind all these good things. I felt God romance and pursue my heart in a way that exceeded all my prayers. In a way only a good and perfect God could.
Pray for the DR! Pray for the health and protection of families.
