Finding Joy Everywhere

Finding Joy Everywhere

Rachel Joy Chavez is 21 years old and was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She had the opportunity to go on her first mission trip in the summer of 2019. During this summer, she served as a 6-week intern on the Northern coast of the Dominican Republic with Kids Alive International. Kids Alive International is a nonprofit Christian organization with a focus on helping at-risk children and supporting schools and child care facilities. Little did she know, this experience would change her life forever! The beautiful people, place, and culture continuously were on her heart, even after her internship wrapped up. When looking back on every experience and interaction here, the same word pops up in Rachel’s head each time: JOY.

“I saw the joy in people’s eyes, even through the challenges they faced in life. I saw the joy on the children’s’ faces as they welcomed me into their classroom and asked me to play with them out in the grassy field. I saw joy as friends shared their testimonies of God’s grace. I saw the true joy in so many situations; the kind God promises us for eternity.”

Rachel reflected on her time with this community and knew she had to go back. She was given the opportunity to move to the Dominican Republic in 2020 with Kids Alive International. During this mission, she will be serving at the Park School and Care Center as a Learning Mentor.

“I have learned that love goes beyond cultural barriers, language differences, skin colors, and any other obstacle in the way; that is something I can always find joy in.”

– Rachel Joy Chavez

In order to live and serve in the D.R., Rachel must fundraise for her travel expenses, living expenses, and pre-field learning experiences. This “Count It All Joy” shirt is a gentle reminder to always consider and look for joy in the everyday moments.