Even though Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola on his first voyage to the new world, many people in the United States know very little about this historic country in the Caribbean.

In fact, most Episcopalians in the United States don't realize that some dioceses in the Caribbean, Central America and South America are equal partners in the United States Episcopal Church.  As a result, the Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic developed "Mission Discovery" trips for those who want to know about the work of the Episcopal Church in the DR.

"Mission Discovery" trips are 5 to 7 days in length.  This does not include the two days of air travel required to come to the DR and return to the USA.  The Rev. Bob Snow, assistant to Bishop Holguin, serves as guide.  Seven-day trips allows visitors to tour each of dioceses four regions and have some downtime.  Five days trips are more intensive with the opportunity to visit only two or three of the regions in the diocese.

Each Mission Discovery Trip is different, because the stops are based on the interests of participants.  Each trip includes a cultural orientation, an overview of the diocese and its many projects, and an opportunity to ask Bishop Holguin questions about the diocese and the work of the church in Latin America. 

# Team leaders and key church members who want to bring a team to the DR for the first time. 

# Diocesan Bishops with clergy and or lay leaders who are interested in mission projects.

# Diocesan ECW, Daughters of the King, or other church organization that are interested in foreign mission and want to meet and assist their Latin America counterparts.

# Individuals who are not able to participate on work teams, but who are interested in participating financially in foreign mission projects.

# Foundations, mission organizations, civic clubs, etc. that are interested in making an investment in the social action and/or education programs in a third-world country.

The diocesan office will arrange for all in-country travel, housing accommodations and other logistical matters.  The Diocesan van and driver will be used for the tour, so the size of the group will be limited to no more than 8 individuals.  Participants will need to pay all travel costs.  This includes gas, the driver's salary and misc. expenses, and the housing costs for the guide.

The diocese will also make arrangements for any Episcopal group wanting to hold meetings or retreats in the DR.  The diocese will charge a small administration fee to cover the costs of doing so.