The Big Surprise

Argenis and Doug are brainstorming about the best way to tell the kids about the surprise.

This morning, we had a wonderful time of prayer and Bible study, as we discussed what it means for Christians to be meek.  In the end we defined meekness as the combination of humility and confidence that flows from our Union with Christ.  We saw that the cross forces us to have a healthy humility, because it causes us to see our sin and our need for a savior.  But we also saw how the cross gives us a heavenly confidence because the work and righteousness of Christ has been applied to us.  Thank you, for your prayers about our team devotionals... they have definitely been a highlight of our trip. 

This is what most evenings look like after dinner time.

It's been so fun to watch the kids bond with one another. Last night the girls remarked that they felt this was the most unified team we've ever had in Juan Tomas... I think they might right.

After this morning's Bible study, Doug Diehl (our foreman) gave the team three options for work projects on our final day of construction.   

Option #1 - Dig up the sewage pipes connected to the guys' cabin. (Christina was the only one who voted for this option)

Option #2 - Hang new razor wire around the backside of the Lower Campus compound. (This option somehow had 3-4 votes) 

Option #3 - Was a surprsise to be named later. (Thankfully, this option had about 14 votes)

After the votes were in, Doug informed the team that everyone at the school was really grateful for the work we had put in, and that we were going to be treated to a Dominican Summer League game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies.  I wish we had filmed the students' reaction, because it was something I'll never forget... they were SO EXCITED!  And just like that, we were all boarded onto a bus and headed into the city.  The funniest part about this whole surprise was when the students found out that our blog readers had known about this whole plan since yesterday! 

The Phillies facility is considered sub-par when compared to other facilities in the Dominican League.  But next year they will be relocating to a brand new facility that will be state-of-the-art and a useful tool for recruiting players as young as 16 into their farm system. 

The trip to the Philadelphia Phillies compound was super interesting.  Along the way we passed the facilities of the Dodgers, the Astros, the Padres, and the Rays.  Interestingly, we learned that the Phillies have selected a location off the beaten path to prevent players from stumbling into the distractions that often accompany professional athletes (bars, brothels, and discotecas). 

The kids were so excited!

The trip was made possible because of a connection the church in Juan Tomas has with Pedro Luis (the Phillies' Dominican Strength Coach).  Several years ago, we met Pedro Luis at church when he worked for the St. Louis Cardinals during the years they played in Juan Tomas.  But when the Cardinals moved their facility, Pedro Luis switched over to the Phillies where he has been extremely successful (because of his integrity and English-speaking ability).         

When you meet Pedro Luis--and especially when you shake his hand--you understand why he's a strength and conditioning coach!

The manicured grounds of the Phillies' facility felt like a resort!

It felt like worlds were colliding when we walked up to a dugout full of Phillies uniforms.

The age of the players generally ranges from 16-20 years old.

Ishmael loves being close to Kai. 

There wasn't much seating at the ball park... and most the seats were taken up by players that couldn't fit into the dugout!

It was awesome watching the action from close up.

If you look closely, you'll see Rachel seated next to Dewey Robinson, the Minor League Pitching Instructor for the Tampa Bay Rays. We had an awesome time getting to know him!

It felt like a Caribbean Field of Dreams.

Without much warning it started pouring... so all the students rushed to the covered seating and we began hanging out with the Phillies!

Dario's wife, Dhariana is pregnant and sat beside Rachel.

Rachel has been feeling pretty well today.

Because of the rain, the game was canceled in the bottom of the 5th inning, but we weren't disappointed... the Phillies were getting destroyed anyway!

In the DR, the teams eat, sleep, and train steps away from the baseball field.

The rain kept us from going into the village as planned, but it didn't keep the students from a fierce game of Ultimate Frisbee. 

Tonight we will hopefully get a tour of the goat farm from Linda.  And after dinner, we will head over to the church for the Youth Service.  Tomorrow will be a busy day for me as I will be preaching in the morning and the evening.  Please pray for me, as I haven't had much time to refine the sermons in the chaos of this week.  

Soli Deo Gloria!!!