SCORE Intern Adventures Through The DR
Bethany Giroux poses at the SCORE Hotel in the Dominican Republic.
“I did not want to go on a missions trip,” said Bethany Giroux lounging at the SCORE Hotel in the Dominican Republic. “I thought it meant sleeping on the floor in a hut in hot weather,” she laughed. “That was almost two years ago.”
Since that 2007 missions trip with her church, Bethany’s life has taken a 360 degree turn. “I remember seeing interns working in the DR during that missions trip,” said Bethany. “I thought it would be fun to do something like that for a summer.” Little did she know where God would lead.
When Bethany arrived home from her first missions experience with SCORE, she contacted a representative about the internship program in the Dominican Republic, but was encouraged to attend the GAP program in Costa Rica instead. GAP is a ten month program designed to teach students Spanish and Bible. “The day before I was to go back to college, I knew God wanted me to go to Costa Rica,” said Bethany. “I had three weeks to prepare for my move to Costa Rica.”
Bethany quieted as she remembered her year in Costa Rica. “There are so many good memories, I can’t just share one,” she said. “When I arrived in Costa Rica, all I could say was “hello” and “bathroom” in Spanish. Now I can give the Gospel in Spanish and carry on a conversation.” Something she currently experiences daily as a SCORE intern in the Dominican Republic.
After graduating from the GAP program, she fulfilled her previous desire to serve as an intern. “I arrived in the DR with confidence because I knew the language,” said Bethany. “I grew academically and spiritually in Costa Rica, but here I’ve finally found that close relationship with God that I hear others talk about.”
Although internships can range from two weeks to six months, Bethany chose to stay five months. Some of her duties include making sure the hotel meals run smoothly for mission teams, doing ministry in the local church, and translating for groups. Her face brightened as she remembered translating for a medical missions team at the beginning of her internship. The doctor made sure everyone heard about Jesus while he was examining them. “I shared the Gospel with one lady and she became a believer,” said Bethany. “She began attending my church and I was able to establish a relationship with her. That was exciting!”
Interns also explore the country while working with SCORE. “One of my favorite excursions was to Twenty-Seven Falls,” said Bethany. “We hiked through the waterfalls and cliff jumped. It was fun!”
Now Bethany is praying about her future. “I think God is calling me to become a full-time SCORE missionary,” she said looking around the hotel with excitement in her eyes. “I want to come back here.” At the end of her internship, Bethany plans to return to the United States to begin deputation. Then, it’s back to where it all started–the Dominican Republic.
Bethany Giroux sweeps her room at the SCORE Hotel after Sunday service in the DR.
