Santo Domingo Highlights!

After months of my girls asking to play in the capital, Santo Domingo (SD), we finally got ourselves a tournament in the placio de voliebol... in gringo terms- the volleyball palace... in Jess' terms- MY HEAVEN.  This is the place where they train and recruit players to be the players that represent the DR in any national tournaments.  A couple months ago, I went and saw one of their teams play (girls ages 14-16) and they beat a college team from the states.  They have a facility that has 5 courts (my girls have never played anywhere with more than 2).   It seriously is any volleyball players dream to be in a facility like that.  I am super exhausted because we spent the night there but I want to give you some highlights of our trip!

#1:  Watching my girls line up to give high fives to the other team and noticing that all my girls are about 5'5 average height and the other team's was about 6'.  Then, watching my girls play their hearts out and watching them BEAT the other team... 1 out of 3 games.. BUT STILL!

Dianny, Sarah, Anna and Esther 

#2:  Estephanie said she wanted to give a devotional talk to the SD team before we arrived. So, the oportune time came right around the time we sat down to eat with the other team (keep in mind there was a table of food and drinks set out).  I asked her if she still wanted to do and she jumped up with such enthusiasm that she tripped and took out the entire table of food and then continue to fall HARD and spralled out on the floor.  So not only did she fall, but got red pop and cheetos everywhere.  She then just popped up and ran to go get her bible and give the talk. UNPHASED!  Satan can't stop this team!!!!

#3  Watching my girls continue to play volleyball, buck buck, ninja into the night Saturday night.  You would think after 7 hours of volleyball, they'd get tired or something!

JV Girls in the Van

#4  Watching our 2 new JV teams play in their first tournament ever!    We currently have 9 players on each of the JV teams coached by two new GREAT coaches, Melisa Gomez (great friend and quality female example for these girls) and Adan (Dominican who is an AMAZING volleyball player and brings so much knowledge and skill to coaching JV practices and helping me coach varsity).  Both teams played great and it was so awesome to have 3 of us to coach all the girls. Above you can see a picture of the JV. The totally held their own at the tournament.

Overall... and AMAZING trip!  We plan on continue practicing so we can beat those giants ASAP!

Check out a video taken from one of the games.  Place close attention to number ten, Nana as she continues to pass the ball from the FLOOR! Man, I seriously LOVE these girls.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150297562797797

Fall Update

Hey Friends and Family, I just wanted to give you a overall update of what has become of the girls sports site in the past year or so.  Also, enjoy the pics of some of the girls on the varsity team! 

Shakira: Wears Uniform #7

Home Barrio:  Corocito (lives up in the mts 15 min away from practice)

Statistics:  Dominates the position of setter for the varsity team. Has a mean top spin serve. Still a bit timid, working on being more vocal and running the court.  

“My personal goal is to better my relationship with my dad.   He does not want to continue being my dad like before.  I need to continue fighting for my dad and giving him what he deserves.”  This was said by a 15 year old Mabelis in response to the question, “What is a personal goal for your life?  Most 15 year olds do not take it upon themselves to “fight” for their dads.  However, girls here in the Dominican Republic are forced to fight for all kinds of things that may not seem natural. 

Mabelis:  Wears Uniform #1

Home Barrio: Cristo Rey (shares a two bedroom home with mom, brother, grandpa and mom)

Statistics:  Mabelis has a strong attack from the outside as well as the middle.  She leads the team not only on the court, but is a dominating force in motivating her teammates to live for Christ.  

Through the avenue of volleyball, we are able to help girls see beyond their hard home lives and seemingely hopeless situations and start setting goals for their future.  We currently are working with 5 volleyball teams throughout the city of Jarabacoa.  Within that larger circle of 80 girls practicing and playing games weekly, I have worked hard to invest in a smaller circle of 12 girls that belong to the varsity team.  This is the group of girls that, God willing, will be traveling to the United States in August of 2012.  In addition to a more intense game and practice schedule, these girls have been sponsored to attend a private school and a rigorous English program.  In addition to their education, discipleship is a key component in transforming these girls into well-equippedwomen who can rise to be world changers for Christ.  

Keysi:  Wears Uniform 6

Home Barrio: Pinar Quemado (20 min from court yet has never ONCE asked for a ride) 

Statistics: Keysi has the passion that drives this team to excellence.  Keysi plays right side but its her dedication and work ethic that make her unstoppable.  Keysi became a Christian last spring and continues to grow and push her teammates in the same direction. 

I feel so blessed to have the support of my church family of Blythefield, friends and family.   Your prayers and support have been huge.   I hope that next August, you will be able to meet this group of girls when they come. The will be attending volleyball camps, participating in homestays, and going on a youth trip.  These girls have been such a blessing in my life, and you are a big part of making that possible. Thank you so much for investing in me and the lives of these girls."

Prayer Requests

1.     Girls can grasp hope for their lives through Christ who empowers them.   
2.      Fundraising and logistics of trip (visas) can go smoothly and quickly.

Leslie: Wears #5

Home Barrio: Vanessia 

Statistics:  Leslie is one of our biggest weapons in the front row.  She plays middle and has a wicked slide approach around the back. Leslie's high level of play continues to motivate her teammates to work hard... and BLOCK to try to slow her attack down! 

Meet Esther and Estephanie

So, I would like to introduce you to some of my players. Below you will meet Estephanie and Esther (left to right).  Both are key players of our teams.  Esther is one of the captains on the varsity team.  She has done a great job of leading the team in both volleyball and off the court.  She lives with her mom and Brother.  Esther has such a solid character and really shines wherever she is.

Estephanie also has such an incredible heart.  She is one of the hardest workers and always puts the other girls over herself. Estephanie dreams of being a flight attendant and getting to meet people of different cultures. 

Overall,  two wonderful girls.  I put a link that connects to my facebook video. For some reason it wouldn't let me load it here.  Thank you to those who have helped pay for the girls' school and english classes.  They are paying off! Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=553328523665