Round 2: Success

Yesterday morning we went with the varisty girls over to La Vega to rematch the local teams. It was great and fun competition and although our Varisty buddies lost in two games against the team they played, we were successful and clenched the win. The dynamic on the court was amazing, and the flow of the game was something to be excited about for the season. The connections were there, along with the passion for the game.
Afterwards we headed down to the river with the girls and shared lunches. We took turns jumping into the river from various rocks and heights. The water was so refreshing and was a great experience for all of us as that was the last time we would see the buddies we had for the week. My buddy, Leslie, told me that she was inspired by the way we play volleyball as a team. She said it was never just a one person show, but that the whole team worked together well.
For dinner we went to a location by a different river and the scenery was beautiful. And of course we ate ALOT. Upon arriving back at base we were able to watch a recap video of the week and see the work that God had been doing in not only our area but in the other sites as well. Each of the Varsity girls had written us a letter on the back of our team pictures. Although some of us had to get a translator to tell us what they said, the sincerity behind each message really touched our hearts and our tear ducts.
Today is the last full day we have here in the Dominican and may be our biggest adventure together yet. We will be taking off from base in just a couple minutes to experience the river swells and go rafting. It will be an experience to remember.
~Rachel

Our team/ Dinner in the community

Today we led team building drills for the girls and we also did them and learned many things about our own team. We learned that we all have different strengths and we had to listen to each others ideas in order to complete the drill. It was encouraging to see that the younger girls didn't want to give up in any of the tasks. We were able to set an example by not getting frustrated with each other. Later that day we went to Keysie's (one of the girls on the varsity team) house for dinner in the community. Even though there wasn't much room, they still enjoyed having us over. We had amazing rice, fried chicken, salad, potato salad, and fried plantunes(french fries). It was weird not being able to help with serving or doing any dishes. We've been blessed more than they know.
-Mo and Phil(Lauren)
P.s. The hurricane is gone.

Into the City

As we exited the can onto the streets of innercity Jarabacoa, they were paved with cracked tiles, dirt, and remenants of the people that had travled them before us. Sounds of motorcycles and honking horns, kids playing in the streets, and the occasional barking of dogs filled the air; sounds of life here in Jarabacoa. The air was clouded with a heavy, mixed combination of humidity, and smells..mainly fresh fruit and burning trash.
Our first stop was to drop off one of the girls we work with at her home. Nana, around 12 years old, happily lead us through the streets to where she lived. As we passed through tight dirt alleyways, littered in trash, we finally reached her home.
Quietly we approached a small structure, hidden by other small shack-like structures, from the main road. We realized we had reached our destination. As Nana entered, she smiled as she invited all 21 of us girls inside. With content, she pulled back curtains that divided a standard-US-bedroom-sized room...which revealed a kitchen, and three cots. Through the middle of the concrete room was a string, used for drying clothes.
With a heard filled with joy and greatfulness, Nana opened up her home to us. I could not help but fight to hold back my emotions; not only did the conditions break my heart, but even more so the complete love and content that was pouring into us through Nana's welcome.
As we traveled around the city to drop off more girls, the reactions of the families were the same. All greeted with a kiss and a hug, we were accepted happily and thankfully into their homes...they all offered what they had to us. Today I am filled with a overwelming feeling of thankfulness for the blessings God has given us. Surrounded by people that love me, and the comfort of having somewhere to sleep, food on the table, and my loving God are more than enough to quiet my heart. Looking forward to meeting more families and experiencing the mercy and grace of God as the week goes on.
-Kaitlen Laine

P.S. The storm passed, it barely rained last night and we are safe and sound!

Awakening

Breaktaking and Aww are my words to describe Tuesday of this week. Yesterday we coached our varsity girls, jumping in and out of the shade. At the end, two of us shared our testimonies with the girls (which I pray God used). It would have been a good day to end there yet God had more planned for us. As a whole the ministry site gathered together for worship "Meet at the Cross". Where many nailed burdens and sin upon which were ready to remove with Christ's strength. It honestly was one of the most intimate times I've had with the Lord. He moved throughout our team and hearts were changed. Praise God for His Love and bringing us here. <3

Steph

Hurricane Emily

It is a rainy, humid morning this morning in Jarabacoa, but we are still looking forward to what God has in store for us today. Many of you have probably seen the reports of Hurricane Emily headed this direction so I wanted to let you know that we are safe. Students International is welled prepared for situations like this and will take good care of us. The base is in a location that has little chance of flooding. It's possible we won't be able to work at our ministry site this afternoon due to the rains, but we will find that out later today. Please continue to pray for our safety and our health! The girls are doing amazing - I feel blessed to be their coach and have this opportunity to see them grow throughout this trip.

We will continue to keep you posted on the weather!

Have a great day!
Coach Fisk

Day Two

Buenos Dias!

We are beginning day two of our adventure in Jarabacoa. The girls are doing amazing! I am so proud of the women they are and their ability to open up their hearts to the children of Jarabacoa. They are truly already making an amazing impact on these girls. I will have one of them write on the blog later today so that you can here directly from them, but I wanted to get you a little update to start the day.

One highlight from yesterday is one of the directors took us out for Dominican Republic ice cream last night - it was a fun experience! Ice cream is always good for the soul :)

Today we will be holding two practices, one for a JV team and one for the Varsity team that we worked with yesterday. It should be a great fun day today!

We miss you all! Please keep praying for continued health (no one has gotten sick yet!) Also, please continue to pray for continued energy throughout these long days of serving. We are having sooooo much fun!

Have an amazing day!
Coach Fisk

First Experiences

It is Monday morning and the girls are having their quiet time before our morning devotions as a group. Students International does an amazing job of taking great care of us. We have been fed very well and are prepared to start our ministry today. We actually get an opportunity to play in a match today against a team from a local town. We are excited to see what is before us today. Please pray for our safety as we play and pray that we will be able to overcome the language barrier to share the love of Christ with the Dominican people. Please also pray that they will see the our love of Christ just through our actions.

Thanks again for all of your support!
Coach Fisk