In the women's sports site, we had tons of fun meeting all the younger girls and getting to play volleyball, a sport that we all really love. We really enjoyed being a part of their volleyball practices and seeing how good they are. It honestly really shocked us how good they are, when we began to play with them. All the girls that came out to play were so young, but had so much talent. We were also able to see how smart they are and how much knowledge they have concerning the Word of God. Whenever our leader talked about our sin and the redemption we have through the cross, they would quickly participate in the conversation.
Initially, we were both really nervous about whether the girls would like us and whether we would connect with them. However, when we first arrived at the school where we were going to be practicing, two girls immediately came to hug and greet us, asking to play with us. After the first day, the rest of the girls were also comfortable with us and would excitedly rush to give us the traditional Dominican greeting. It made us really happy to see how full of love and care these girls are, and we feel so blessed that we were able to meet these girls and share in their love for volleyball and cheer them on!
MEN'S SPORTS SITE - Alex, Pablo, Josh, Najeem, JC
"Today we went to the baseball site to play with the kids, where we played the game, "Baseball 1-2-3." This is basically a slow-pitch baseball game where everyone rotates positions after an out. After we played, we had to say our goodbyes to the kids that were there, since it was the last day with them. We all felt really sad about leaving them, but happy that we had had a part in their lives. Shortly after leaving the field, we went to get haircuts. Now we can say that we got haircuts in the DR!" - Alex
"We played one regular game on the first day of the week. One of the kids that we all thought was pretty cool was Gustavo, who was also the first of the kids to talk to us. I will miss the DR, but I will never forget the kids that I met here and all the experiences that I had." - Josh
EDUCATION: LOS HIGOS - George, Daniel, Leon, Alex
We were at an educational site that mainly serves kids ages 3-4 and 13-15. While there, we had an amazing time seeing what God is doing in the community of Los Higos. Los Higos is a small community located in Monte Evade with around 200 people. SI established the first school in the community, "Mis Primeros Pasos," to teach writing skills and remedial math to pre-kindergarten students and English to teenagers. SI was able to demonstrate God's love to the people there by establishing an education site for young students and aspiring teenagers, where previously there had been none.
It was such a blessing to serve all the little kids and grow close with our site leader Michael. He shared with us his ministry and shared with us how, through education, we can raise up the next generation with God's Word and love. Michael and his staff taught us how we should serve even the smallest with the humblest of hearts. We are so thankful that God has provided such faithful servants, in His plan, to Michael and his ministry in Los Higos and that we were able to serve alongside them this week. The kids taught us how to be patient and thankful for everything. It was refreshing to get out of our normal routine and learn about God's goodness and work in another environment.
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