CCU Baseball: Costa Rica

Day 4:

Today was the first day on trip that we were properly able to sleep in.  The extra sleep really did wonders for our team morale as the extra energy was much needed.  Today was essentially the same as yesterday in that we held another clinic for the kids and played a game after.  Being a Saturday, more kids attended today's camp than yesterday.  It was great getting to see familiar faces and we were able to develop personal relationships with some of the kids, even thought the language barrier was pretty steep.  We played another Costa Rican national team with a lot of the same players from yesterday's team.  Although the game took four hours, we ended up winning 14-12.

Personally, I've spent a lot of time thinking about the difference we're making in the lives of the kids we come in contact with.  I've been to Mexico twice so I have a general idea about Latin American culture, and one of the things I've noticed in all the kids is that they are incredibly respectful.  They are excited to get outside and play the game of baseball.  It's both a refreshment and a challenge to see these kids working so hard.  It both challenges us to become better players and creates a point of conenction between us and the players.  Although we don't speak the same language, we can connect through baseball on the field.

It's been amazing to be around teammates that truly love serving the Costa Rican kids.  While we're all on different levels in our relationship with Christ, it's evident that we are fulfilling our purpose of serving others.  It's important on trips like this to make sure that we are allowing ourselves to be served because we are all on the same level.  Regardless of our wealth, social status, or beliefs, God values each of his children equally.  We are all made in his image.

Below, I've posted a link to the Facebook page of the organization that we are working the camps for.  Our partner Cesar has been dilligent in taking photos
of everything we're doing.  If you are a parent of one of the players on the team, this is probably the best link you'll have to get an idea of what's going on.  For those others who have kept up with our trip, these pictures represent some of the many moments we've spent in Costa Rica.  Thanks for your prayers and continued support!

In Christ,

Christian Garcia, CCU Baseball

https://www.facebook.com/HPSCostaRica?fref=ts