Today was our last day to go to the academy. It was bitter sweet to end our time with the Dominican players that have grown so close to our boys even with the language barrier. Today we wanted to bless them so the morning was spent cleaning up their facilities and picking up trash. In the DR there is a big trash issue everywhere you go, their academy is no different. We wanted to leave the academy better than we found it so we shifted our beach cleaning ministry to clean up there instead. This was such a great leading by the Holy Spirit, because as we put on our gloves and handed out trash bags, the Dominican players stopped what they were doing and came to assist us in the clean up. It was so special seeing them work side by side, laughing, joking and making an impact for the Kingdom!
After we picked up the trash, we had lunch and the Dominican players joined our boys. They sat together, laughed, and played games while eating. It’s amazing how teenage boys are the same regardless of culture, their humor, laugh and excitement to see their friends was amazing.
One special thing that happened today was several of the boys decided to give the Dominicans their personal sunglasses. This selfless act of love was so sweet and the Dominican players were so grateful.
My favorite thing that happened today was devotions. The growth that I have seen in these boys has been mind blowing and tonight they discussed what impact this mission trip has had on them and what is going to change when we go back to AZ. Every player walked to the front and spoke from their heart. It was vulnerable, raw, emotional and so beautiful to witness. They discussed their walk with God, their commitments they were making to themselves and the team and the accountability they desired from each other. One person after another spoke of selfless devotion to God, their brothers on the team and using this experience to not be so hard on themselves on the field but focusing on the overall goal vs personal performance. And that, is God moving in answered prayer!!! It ended with prayer and lots of hugs that made my heart very happy!
After we picked up the trash, we had lunch and the Dominican players joined our boys. They sat together, laughed, and played games while eating. It’s amazing how teenage boys are the same regardless of culture, their humor, laugh and excitement to see their friends was amazing.
One special thing that happened today was several of the boys decided to give the Dominicans their personal sunglasses. This selfless act of love was so sweet and the Dominican players were so grateful.
My favorite thing that happened today was devotions. The growth that I have seen in these boys has been mind blowing and tonight they discussed what impact this mission trip has had on them and what is going to change when we go back to AZ. Every player walked to the front and spoke from their heart. It was vulnerable, raw, emotional and so beautiful to witness. They discussed their walk with God, their commitments they were making to themselves and the team and the accountability they desired from each other. One person after another spoke of selfless devotion to God, their brothers on the team and using this experience to not be so hard on themselves on the field but focusing on the overall goal vs personal performance. And that, is God moving in answered prayer!!! It ended with prayer and lots of hugs that made my heart very happy!
Too good!!