We arrived last night to a party of people welcoming us with small gifts and lots of hugs. Behind them was a huge Athletes in Action sign that they held with pride!
This morning we went to church with the pastor who is the director of AIA here in Colombia. The church blessed us with some great relevant gospel tracts and sports bible studies for us to give to the other team.
This morning we hosted a coaches' clinic and medical clinic for over 40 high school and college coaches. Erika and Cate shared their testimony during the time.
We won our first game against Bolibar here in Cartagena. We played in front of about 500+ fans. Each person heard the testimony of one of our girls and the gospel.
Today has proven a great opportunity for us to enter into a new place to practice faith. Hurtin' for Certain to be specific. One of our players dislocated her pinky finger which required a trip to the hospital to get it back into place. It was a wild cultural experience as well as a challenge for her and the rest of the team. There is a fresh appreciation for the health care in the USA, but God definitely provided great doctors here.
We were able to meet as a team and debrief about our day. Each person would say we are growing in our faith in a personal way and trusting God for the unknown and how to respond in unexpected circumstances. Please pray for out team as we adjust to one less player and for her heart as she waits on the Lord in the midst of her faith testing situation.
As a side note we also added two new players. One a native of Colombia, Yanet, who is excited to spend time with our team and explore her own faith. The other Alisha (my bride) who has done a great job of adjusting.
After a long day we had the opportunity to drive around the city to learn about more of the history of the country and Cartagena. We have had out first taste of Colombian food and coffee. So for no one is sick.
Tomorrow two more clinics and game #2.
Prayer requests:
1. Our trainer, Cate, is still missing her bag with all of her supplies. Clearly has presented a challenge, but she has done a phenomenal job of adjusting and still caring for us well.
2. Pray that God would be glorified with our time and that we would be quick to adjust to His plan for us here.