Wrapping Up...

Sorry that I havent posted about the last day of the trip, but I kind of got sick the last day, and had a pretty rough go of it on the plane ride back from the Dominican Republic. My head and throat have been hurting pretty bad the past few days. I made it back okay, and I have never been so glad to be back to the land of air conditioning and fast food. However, I will miss the awesome experience that I had in the DR. Here are some more pics from the last day or so...

Cabarete Beach... where I got a chance to try surfing (actually it was more like falling, then swimming, but it was still fun :)

Orlando, 7 time national surf champ, was our teacher
This was for dessert our last night in Sosua. It tasted awesome. The desserts on the trip were really good...

Another pic of our awesome resort

Me and Matt (he was on our team- a great guy!) in front of a beautiful sunset...

Here is a video of the resort we stayed in...

If your reading this for the first time, you may want to go back and red the whole story of my mission trip to the Dominican Republic in the past few posts.

La Liberacion

Today was a pretty neat day. It began by us driving to an inner city government housing project in Sosua called "Liberacion." We handed out lots and lots of candy to the kids. It was fun to see he smiling faces and it got a little crazy at times, as you can see below, but it was a great to bring a little joy into the lives of these kids.



Along the way a few impromptu volleyball "pepper" sessions broke out, along with some basketball pick up games happened. 2 things seem to transcend cultural lines: one is sports, and the other is God. I will talk about the latter below, but here are some pics of out day in la Liberacion:A New Church under construction and in service!
Justin- my roomate -and I handing out candy...
Kids grabbing candy... this got crazy at times! in a good way:)
Here is a little girl with a hand full of candy...
A couple of boys wanted me to take a picture of them...We got a chance to go to church at a local pastors church tonight, and it was a really cool experience. It was filled with worship songs (the same ones we sing except in Spanish) and an intense message from Pastor Rivas about bringing good news (Isiah 52:7) to the people, and how beautiful the feet of the people who bring good news are. Since the feet are what do most of the work in spreading good news, they are beautiful... Neat perspective huh! It was a very emotional and heart felt message, lots of screaming and very high energy. It was translated so we knew exactly what was being said. Like I said earlier it was cool to see how God transcends cultural barriers like language, skin color, and ethnic background. (Forgot my camera, so you will just have to take my word for it:)

Also some different things I saw during my day included cock fights, and crazy candy grabbing kids...
Cock Fighting...

This guy told us about his favorite Rooster who had his eye pecked out during a cock fight.
Candy Grabbers...


I also got out and did some shopping in the various markets. I found some pretty neat stuff here in Sosua. One more thing... The coffee here is unbelievable! I have 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups after dinner. I found the same coffee at the market... bought 2 bags to bring back... score!

On a seperate note... John Wooden (the legendary christian basketball coach) left quite a legacy, and this is a link to a great story full of awesome quotes of wisdom:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5249709

All good things must come to an end...

Load Em Up... Move Em Out!

The Rio de Los Brazos Team aka "Team Awesome"

Well, today was the last day for our baseball / mission camp at Rio de Los Brazos, and I feel like today was a great end to an awesome experience. We began at the field where we had an "altar call" in right field after a brief VBS session. We had 30+ kids come to know Christ at our site, and probably well over 100 from all the different sites. Gods hand was definately at work here in the Dominican Republic. After that, we had a fun time with the kids playing games, and continuing to witness to the older kids.




After that, we loaded up with the kids in busses and headed to a covered Pavillion / Basketball Court called the "Multi Uso." (we actually ran out of gas on the way, which is another funny story). All the different kids from all the different camp sites came to this place for a culminating ceremony. There was live music, and the place was packed with kids (see below). We handed out baseball equipment to all the coaches in the area, and the kids were fed - very crazy, but cool. I had the opportunity to bless a couple kids by giving them hats, as well as a nice glove and set of baseball shoes. The look on the kids face when I gave it to them is one I will never forget... One in paticular, Edgar, a fourteen year old pitcher / centerfielder and absolutely amazing kid was thrilled to recieve my baseball stuff. We exchanged info, and I hope to keep in contact with several people in the D.R. A seed was planted in his heart... will be praying that it will grow!

Got home, and zonked out for a couple of hours, had a great dinner, then we did a little fishing off the back of the resort - no luck- but caught a boat full for christ today!

Here are some pics and more video of our last day of camp...

A couple of kids I worked with this week...
Feeding the masses...Mateo (Matt) and Edgar...Check out those sweet Cy Falls Eagle Hats...
This was the scene at Multi Uso... Awesome Stuff!

Domincan Republic- Day 3 - Game Day

Here is Group Pic of our kiddos/ missonaries/ coaches here at Rio de Los Brazos...

Me and some of the kids...

Today was the day at Rio de Los Brazos that we let the big kids play a game with the coaches pitching. Many of the kids were excited to hit off of "coach Kracky."
Here we are playing...
Edgar Hitting in the game...

We had alot of fun playing with the kids, but even more so, it was encouraging to see the dominican coaches begin to learn and teach the drills and skills that out team have been emphasizing this week. If the coaches here in the dominican can pick up where we leave off, there is lots of hope for player development here - very encouraging. Pictured here below is Hector taking the kids through some drills, and me and Hector together. He seems like a great guy who loves the kids and loves the game of baseball.



At night we went back to work and spent about 2 or 3 hours working hard repacking baseball equipment getting it ready to distribute tomorrow to the various teams here in the dominican republic participating in the camp. The estimated value of equipment (balls, gloves, bats, catchers equip, etc...) is around $150,000 or so, which is amazing. As one missionary said, what we would consider trash in the USA, they consider gold - in terms of baseball equipment.

I have had a blast being here, working, playing, teaching, and serving. It feels good to me to do these things, but it feels better, and more overwhelming seeing God bless these kids and coaches.

I am getting a little home sick, as I am really missing Melanie and the Girls. I cant wait to see them, but it will be bitter sweet leaving a place full of such beautiful sights and people. Last pic is one of a beautiful beach where "kite surfing" is popular. This was a cool to watch as we drove to the fields... look close and you can see the kites - it was tough taking the pic from our truck going 50+ mph.

Day 3 - Dominican Republic- Getting back to my Roots

Wow, as I sit here and reflect of what happened today I cant believe how amazing this experience has been, and how blessed I have been to share Gods love with these kids....

As the day began, things were looking great. We got a new bigger transport truck to and from Rio de Los Brazos instead of cramming into the mini van. The trip to the field was much more enjoyable.

Old Transport- for 14 people...

New Transport...

Blessing number 2- We got 2 more english/spanish translators to help us talk to the kids. Oddly enough, I feel that my spanish is improving, or the kids are figuring out how to listen to really bad spanish. Blessing number 3- The dominican coaches 2- of them, helped me do my drills and we got a chance to talk hitting for a little bit. The kids were awesome, and I am making some frineds like Jeffrey, Edgar, and Richie. They know me as "KRACKY!!!"

Here are some Pics of the Field and some of the Kids...

Notice the barbed wire surrounding the field in the background to keep the livestock off the field.

Here are a few of the kids I am coaching - Edgar (red shorts), Richie (orange shirt). There are several local houses in the background that are about 100 feet from the field. Most have minimal, or no electricity.

Rio de Los Brazos Baseball Field - Backstop w/ barbed wire fences

Lots of sun, Lots of baseball, Lots of Smiles, Lots of God...

At night we got to hold a coaching clinic (Q /A session) with our American Coaches answering questions from the Dominican Coaches. It was a great time challenging these local coaches to invest in the lives of their baseball players in terms of baseball and spirituality. Great Stuff.

Also today I got to spend about 2 hours snorkeling on the coast. I actually found quite a few sand dollars on the bottom, and got to see a ton of fish. Cool stuff...

Well got to go its getting late... be back tomorrow.

Dominican Republic- Day 2- Te Gusta Jugar al Beisbol?

Today, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was excited to get in the game…
First we crammed like 13 or 14 people + baseball equipment + hot dogs and buns into an 8 person minivan (or bus) and drove about 45 min to get to our baseball site- needless to say we were soaked with sweat by the time we got there… oh yeah- no a/c. It was in a remote place with some pretty primitive “housing”- makes you count your blessings. Also, its crazy how the motorcycles and mopeds buzz around us like we re not even on the road- there were all over the place!

The kids were waiting on us and were excited to see us. My job this week is to teach hitting to 12-15 year old kids. The baseball field was actually pretty impressive compared to some of the surroundings. Its clear that baseball is a priority in this culture (just like ive heard), and we did our best to try to make God a priority as well. I told the kids about how baseball was “muy importante para mi, but christo es primero en mi vida.” I was trying to get the message across that baseball is important, but Christ is #1 in my life.... and should be in theirs. The kids seemed to understand. I was surprised at how open to coaching they were, and how they loved hearing me try to speak Spanish… this was quite comical, but I think I got the point across most times. Man was it hot and crazy humid. We were supposed to have ice water to drink, but no ice was at the site…
bummer… hot water… left in the sun… got hotter as the day went on… as I needed a nice cold drink more and more…. Servants heart… I know…

I had such a great time working with these kids, and seeing their smiling faces, enjoy a game that brings them pleasure despite their poverty. One cool thing I noticed that some of the kids were walking around chewing something that looked like a root or tree. It was raw sugar cane… the Dominicans candy! – cool huh. After we were finished after about 5 hours in the sun, we loaded back up and came home. What a great experience! Everyone went straight for the lunch buffet – pizza & burgers, and then the ocean… snorkeling off the back cliffs… really cool. Too bad my legs cramped up – probably from dehydration – and I had to cut my snorkeling trip short. Well as for the rest of the day… gonna catch a well deserved nap, and rehydrate for the second day of camp. The weather today was great, and we had plenty of equipment for the kids- 2 answered prayers! – got to go to the market and get some sun screen – the back of my neck is fried!

Sorry No Pics today... I will take my camera to this site so you can see what I'm Talking about. Will add pics tomorrow.
M.A.T.L. - 143

In the Dominican- Day 1- Servants Heart...

Well let me first say that going on this trip took a little turn yesterday in my personal view in going on this trip... I knew that roadblocks would come up, and I am trying to side step em by telling my self to have a servants heart....

that being said, I was really excited today, even with the hustle and bustle of traveling out of the country. I had the opportunity to see the oil well disaster off the coast of Louisianna first hand, and I took a pic- it may be hard to tell but that is the well with lots of ships circling around from about 20,000 feet above...


Once we made it into Puerto Plata we were all set to get our baggage (which was over 200 bags of basesball equipment to give away - cool huh!) when the power went out in the airport... yes that right the entire went black. I thought what is we were in houston and this happened? - Ahh but I have come to see that the dominican republic moves to the beat of a diferent drummer. 10 minutes later (and fifteen degrees warmer in the terminal) we were back in business. Made it to Sousa and we're staying at the Pier Giorgio, our hotel/ resort, and it was really nice... not nice like you would think with all the bells a whistles of the modern world, but very relaxing, cultural, with a historic feel... but really laid back... my kind of place!

We checked in then got to work un packing and re packing baseball equipment for hours... with a dinner break in between... MAN it was tough work - I was drenched in sweat most of the time, but it was rewarding- servants heart! :) I think we are ready to go out and do some good for God tomorrow. Below are some pics on the place with the last being my favorite - sunset... awesome

I havent gotten to enjoy any of the ameneties, but that will come in time. First things first... like one of my old coaching buddies used to say... "first we work and then we play!" Man what a blessing this trip is to my spirit so far, and I havent even been here a day. A little work is good for the soul!- especially when God has a hand in it. Pray for us tomorrow as we begin to teach these kids about Jesus and a little baseball why we're at it. There are lots of variables at works (number of kids-???, weather-???, facilities- ???) - cant wait to see God work tomorrow!

Also- Pray for Melanie and the Girls... Man I miss em so much. Avery was sick the past coiple days... Mel give em a kiss 4 me!

On a Mission ....

Mark 16:15 - He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."

I think that I am headed into the mission field... I am pretty excited about this particular mission opportunity. It is in the Dominican Republic, and it will involve baseball of all things. I will be teaching kids about Jesus as well as about the game of baseball. I really feel the Lords hand at work in all this. Ive been praying for guidance about this trip, and its really neat how it came about (when you start praying, crazy things can happen!). A family friend has been urging me to get involved in this trip for a little over a year now. I mean c'mon its all about God and Baseball - 2 passions that I have, so its a no brainer.... right??

Well, after praying about it, I had pretty much resolved to not going again this year, when I got an email saying that the trip had a couple of people drop out at the last minute, and the had some spots open up that were paid for. They wanted me and Melanie to go basically with a fraction of the financial responsibility... Like I said its funny what happens when God gets involved. I had been praying for guidance in this very matter, and bang... free air travel, lodging, and meals fall into my lap. Man it sure feels like someone wants me in the Dominican Republic in a couple of weeks. Melanie has really been wanting to stay home and spend some quality time with the girls, so she encouraged me to take advantage of this opportunity, so I am going to give it a go, although I wish she would come too.




Here is the scoop... in the D.R. baseball is it! There are many kids who love the game, but not alot of instruction or equipment to go around. The area is pretty poor, so this mission organization AIM (Athletic International Missions) has put together a team to take thousands of dollars of used baseball equipment, as well as many volunteers to help coach baseball and teach kids about Jesus in the DR. Last year they had hundreds of kids participate, and this year they are estimating the number in the thousands! Wow, what a great opportunity to teach kids about Christ and Baseball!

The next big step for me is getting a passport quick. Ill be going downtown today to get the ball rolling. Be praying for me, that I dont get stuck in red tape! Here is a link for some more info on the trip.

http://www.aimissions.net/

Prayers and Parties...

I just wasted to post today to solicit prayers for Melanie's dad who is in the hospital in San Antonio. He has a couple of blood vessels in his colon that are giving him trouble again, so pray for his health and strength for him and his loved ones around him. Also for wisdom for the Doctors working to diagnose and treat this problem.
Last weekend we had the mother of all parties for our girls, and here are some pics...

Here is the big present that the girls got for their birthdays from grandparents and us. The kids had a blast playing on it. The only casualty of the afternoon was Avery. She bumped into another kid and knocked her two front teeth loose. She cried for about 30 seconds until she realized that the party must go on ... and in fact it was going on, without her, so she had better get partying!

More sugar.... (like they needed it!)

Big Inflatable Water Slide ... Hundreds of Dollars

Two cupcake cakes... 40 dollars

Party favors, Pinatas, Decorations... 100 dollars

The look on Dads face when all the kids wanted to cram into a five dollar baby pool instead...

priceless!

Hey this party thing is pretty exciting!

Tara Beth diggin the water!

The party was a hit, and man am I glad that we only do this once a year... It was fun getting to see the kids run around acting crazy, hopped up on sugar... they slept good that night... and so did Mel and I! :)

So Long 2010 Eagles...

After I have had a couple days to reflect on the season past, I want to talk about some of the things that I will remember the most about this extraordinary group of young men...

1. I will miss getting to see JB roam center field making diving catches and showing off his cannon of an arm. This kid was a flat out stud in centerfield, and because of his humble personality you would never know it.


2. I will miss seeing Jake Wise launch home runs over the left field wall (and then hearing the opposing coach go nuts about why his pitcher threw him a pitch to hit). Those moments caused me to chuckle as a coach.

3. I will miss my conversations with Jake Waldrep about life in general, and trying to keep Mcc calm in the dugout at times, as well as him playing referee for two ex pitchers trying to figure out how to get high school hitters out. I always enjoyed coming to the field and having "Wally" ask how my day was going and how my family was doing. Over a long and grueling season little things like these really picked me up when I needed it. Thanks Wally!

4. I will miss seeing Hunter Lemke compete on the mound with one of the nastiest breaking pitches in the Houston Area. This is a special kid who has been around the program for a long time and bleeds green and gold!

5. I will miss Strick taking the team through "Day by Day..." before games and thinking how intimidating it would be for another team taking the field after hearing that. I will also miss the toughness that Garrett brought to this group.

6. I will miss the way this group seemed unfazed by what was going on around them when game time rolled around. In between the lines when the umpire said "play ball" our guys were always ready to play. It didnt matter who they were playing, who was pitching, or where the game was being played. This was amazing to see as a coach.

...these were just a few of the memories that came to mind immediately. I'm sure many more will hit me as the season being over sinks in. Friday was a really emotional day for us all. I have been truly blessed to have such a great group of kids to work with, and I have no doubt that they will succeed in life much like they did this season.

If there is one message that I would like to leave with these seniors leaving soon it would come from a verse that I have continuously leaned on all year in tough times. I have shared it a couple of times throughout the year.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

I always carried this verse with me in the back of my game hat, so if you ever saw me at the field during a game staring intently at the inside of my hat, this is what I was looking at.

Emotions...

I feel like I have been on emotional roller coaster the past few days. High high's and Low Low's, and a little bit of confusion thrown in the mix. I really want to reflect on this season, but more so the relationships that I have developed with the kids on this team.
We lost our first round series this weekend, and our season is over. I will come back and reflect a little more later, once I settle down and process whats happened. It still has not sunk in, so I'll keep it short for now. I am so proud of our guys, but still in disbelief that our season is over (but thats the way it goes). Here is a pic of our seniors with the coaches....



I'm back, and here are a couple of things I want to talk about while they are fresh in my mind...

First, I guess it is playoff mentality (whatever that means... i guess win at all costs), but I was very disappointed to see an opposing coach trash one of his pitchers arms by throwing him extensively back to back days. This made me feel good about our approach in taking the opposite stance and seeking to keep our kids future first and foremost in our philosophy as coaches.

Second, I feel that we got away from what we do, and what we have been successful at as the season winded down. Things like...
- hitting the ball on the ground with short compact swings
- throwing strikes, working ahead in the count
- pitching and defense setting the tone
- not depending on the long ball, but being scrappy and taking advantage of what we're given (see game 1 of playoff series)
- not striking out and putting the ball in play at all costs
- paying attention to detail in our take 3's after games / practices

this was our approach at the beginning of the year, and this is why we were successful.
Not taking anything away from what we have done, which was unbelievable, and that which I have never experienced as a coach, but as a coach I feel like we could have done better in our overall approach as the season winded down. Again, I am as proud of these guys as any I have ever coached, and these guys have taught me as much as I have taught them.