Piedmont Pride in the Dominican: Save the best for last

“Save the best for last”… is a phrase we are all familiar with. While the entire week has been an eye-opening blessing, I think most of the guys here will agree that the past day or so has been the most impactful.

The day started with the routine “good morning men” wake-up call from coach (Joe) Hudak, and then it was time to start our early morning devotion time. This time has been kind of a jump-start to every day here. It is a time to get our minds ready for the day.

First on the agenda was our game with a team here in La Romana, which we won. After the game when (Chester’s) Jake Wright gave his testimony about Christ, the team was by far the most attentive team yet I believe. You could really see Christ working in them. It was also our last game as the Pride this summer, but it’s awesome to know it came during time spent spreading the Lord’s word.

El Piñon was the best part of the trip to date. A small village of tin huts with dirt floors in the middle of nowhere is where I, and other guys, felt the closest to Christ. As soon as we pulled in, the children started chasing the bus. Carrying them on our shoulders, they led us to the ball field (pasture) where we played games for hours. It was incredible to see how little they have and how disconnected they were, yet how happy everyone was. I think sometimes those with the least have it figured out the most.

After a needed night’s rest, we awoke early this morning to go to church here in La Romana. One word to describe the entire service would be passion. Never before have I seen the passion that those people had. It has been an amazing trip so far, and I speak for everyone when I say we all wish we could stay.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Piedmont Pride in the Dominican: Save the best for last."