WE ARE HERE!!

This morning we left Houston at 9am and arrived in Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic at 1:30pm local time. When we stepped off the plane and into the airport, you knew you were not in an American airport. It felt like we were stepping back in time -- very simple, no air conditioning, no shops in the airport. As we entered customs they greeted the adults with a small cup of rum – something you would never see in the U.S.!

We had our first meeting with all the local coaches and the pastor. It is so amazing to hear how appreciative they are for all that we are doing in their country. We as Americans take so much for granted and here it is so appreciated. I just wish we could appreciate what we have instead of complaining about what we don’t have. The local man that runs things here year round, Checo, even wrote a song in Spanish for us.

Checo has already seen how much equipment we have brought with us and is amazed by it. Checo mentioned that these kids usually play barefoot, cut a limb from a tree for a bat and use some type of bottle cap for a baseball. All the equipment that we as Americans consider no longer usable, will be the best equipment these kids have ever seen.

I am so excited for our first day of Camp tomorrow! Please continue praying for our group and our work here.

By the way -- pictures may have to wait. Internet connection isn't that strong and I couldn't get any uploaded to the blog this evening. Will try again tomorrow.

Have a great day and God Bless,

--Carlos