We started once again with a practice from 9-12 at the baseball complex here. We were attempting to get the 1st 8 pitchers through their bullpens and since the only mound is the one on the main field we were going one at a time while the position players were doing their work in the outfield and hitting on the 2 other little league fields located right next to the main field.
Steady rain made things a little difficult but we were able to get through most of it before the periods of heavy rain started right as the final pitching group was on the mound and the other guys were getting their running in for the day.
We were able to get finished with most of what we had set out to do.....
After returning from lunch the guys had 3 hours of much anticipated beach time and the rain stopped just in time to give them a great afternoon in the sun.
Several of the guys played sand volleyball games, many played football on the beach, and others rode the waves in the ocean. All things that their classmates and families are not doing back at home.
Coach A and Dan took all the laundry to a local laundry mat and to the surprise of no one Coach A quickly made friends with employee's in there. He is quickly becoming an island favorite among certain demographics.Dr. Jenkinson held class from 5-6:30 at the school we are partnering with and afterwards in a long-standing Taylor Baseball tradition we were able to locate a Wendy's to have dinner.
Following dinner, we attended the Junior Junkaroo event here on the Island. I will attempt to describe it, but until we get pictures up it's very difficult to understand how big of a deal this event is. If there are 45,000 people on the island, I think you could easily say that 25% of them were in attendance.
It's a celebration where all of the schools (over 50) put together elaborate costumes, music, and dancing and move up and down the streets similar to a parade. It lasts over 6 hours and let me tell you these kids can dance.
It was as much, or more fun just being out and around the local people watching them do something that they enjoy. Several of us remarked at how different this even would have been had a similar tradition in the U.S. For starters they didn't charge for parking, they didn't try to commercialize and sell t-shirts, hats, etc. It was just a great night for the people celebrating with their kids.
Great to get another update! I love getting a window into what your days have looked like--they sound very full but good! It also helps to know how to be praying for all of you. We continue to be grateful for this opportunity for the team and pray that God will use it to shape each of the young men that's a part of it!
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