June 17, 2011

The third day of camp started with only a few kids in attendance. Most of the kids had finals or testing at school to see if they would move to the next grade. So we spent the day visiting the school and meeting teachers and school officials. We were also able to see the house of Alfre, the Dominican coach at our site. Sarah King, one of our site members, had previously visited his house and noticed how bad one side of the roof was, and she was determined to get it fixed.  The roof was in need of major repair -- gaping holes in the tin must make a mess each time it rains.  We are going to ask some of our team members to help us collect enough money to add new tin. 

Once we returned back to the baseball field the camp time was almost over so we served lunch for the kids and had Bible Study. Our Medical team at the site was really overwhelmed with sick kids needing attention. Dr. Ramsey was at our site to help some of these kids and also to show Stacy and Lisa how to administer parasite medicine and vitamin A drops.  Intestinal parasites are a huge problem in the Sosua area.  This area has alot of poverty; so out of necessity many will drink the tap water.  The tap water is not safe for drinking; it causes intestinal parasites and the majority of the children and adults deal with this on a daily basis.  The parasite medicine we're distributing will keep the parasites away for 4-6 months.  The parasite medicine, vitamins, and baby formula distribution is a huge part of our trip this year.

 After camp four of our American boys played another exhibition game against a Dominican team at La Union. Cody had so much fun playing against the boys he helped teach last year. After that game we played in a coaches game of softball. I was an honorary Dominican Coach because I am so dark, just kidding. It was fun and this was the first time that the Dominican coaches had done anything together, so they are learning that teamwork is a key to the success of their program.

God Bless,

Carlos

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6)