Saturday, August 8 

First answer to prayer: Josh Hartman’s passport arrives in the afternoon! Dinner at Van Pelt’s then leave for Wrigley’s house in Reston, Virginia. About one hour into the trip Mrs. Van Pelt (along with Danny Wrigley and allthe luggage) loses control of the van and has a squad of angels save themfrom a bad wreck.  The van had only minor damage and we arrived at the Wrigley’s just after 10:00PM.  After watching Kung Fu Panda most of the group enjoyed a few hours of rest. 

Sunday, August 9

2:45AM breakfast “ Thank you Mark and Michelle! Arrive at ReaganInternational at 4:00AM.  All air travel and airport procedures go well and we are settled into the SCORE Complex and have lunch by 2:30PM.  The men and women’s team walk to the beach at Juan Dolio around 3:30PM.  The beach was very populated so Andy Hawk and Kyle Snyder see their opportunity to begin their comedy ministry.  The group was doing a fine job of standing out and attracting attention, but it was neat how Andy and Kyle “bumped it up a notch”.  With swim trunks pulled up to their chest they ran at top speed

with high knees into the crashing surf.  Some locals found the display quite captivating.  Hey, we all have our gifts. God just asks us to use them!  The day ended with team devotions where the team was encouraged to step out of their comfort zones; to encourage and support one another; and to see each situation this week through God’s eyes.  Thanks to all who are praying for our team this week!

Monday, August 10, 2009

7:30AM breakfast and leave for sugarcane village by 8:30AM. We are told nothing before the trip as far as what to expect. As the bus enters the village the children of the village cheer and start chasing the bus. As soon as the bus

stops a large group of children fight to get as close to the door as possible.  The children sized up the guys and picked their horse for the day. Colton “El Grande” Reitz was a popular guy, sometimes carrying two riders! Once the children were on board, the children made clicking sounds and dug their heels into their sides to get them to run. We spent the morning playing soccer, football and touring the village with the children. As our time came to a close, our SCORE representative gathered everyone into one area and Josh Hartman and Kyle Snyder, as well as one of the women’s players, shared their testimonies.  It was hard to say goodbye to those kids who obviously enjoyed every moment with us.  Although each of us was sweaty and worn out we all agreed that we could have stayed there all day. In the afternoon we played our first game of the trip against San Carlos in Santa Domingo.  Even though we did not shoot very well and had to adjust to international rules we were able to pull off a 69-61 victory.  San Carlos was very quick and athletic but had problems stopping Colton Reitz inside as he finished with 15 points.  Josh Hartman had 11, while Phil Ribbens and Jamie Yoder added 10 each.  After the game Jamie Yoder shared his testimony with the San Carlos team as well as the crowd who had gathered to watch the game. It was a great start to the competition aspect of our trip and we look forward to playing again tomorrow. We will sleep well tonight!