Our first week of camp has just come to a close. Hard to believe the first week is nearing an end already. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday we had 9 campers each day for 2 1/2 hours. It was an intense time of drills, mixed with fun games and competitions, all of which were sprinkled with the love of Christ. One of the unique things about only have 9 kids at camp is that each kid gets that many more touches on the basketball. It also allows the coaches to get to know each of the kids better.

Tuesday and Thursday morning we ran a clinic for one of the main teams in town. We took those kids through many of the same drills and played many of the same fun games. The main objective for this week, according to our basketball hosts in Mestre, was to really develop the skills of these core groups of players.

We were supposed to be in Venice and Lido on Thursday, but at the last possible minute they called and said that it would probably not be a good idea for us to come because of our main purpose in being here. Disappointing, but Scripture tells us that we can expect that to happen as we follow Christ. By the same token, we are thrilled to still be working in Mestre and look forward to the 150 kids that are signed up for camp next week in one of the big parks in the city.

We have spent our evenings to a number of different things. We have spent a few evenings in Venice, including Thursday night when we had dinner there and did not leave the city until 10:45 pm. It was such a beautiful evening and the sunset did not disappoint.

The men played their first game on Wednesday night against a collection of All-Stars from the area and ended up losing by 2 points. It was a very well-played game and lots of fun. We look forward to the ladies playing at 6:30 pm tonight and the guys playing at 8:30 pm.

We have had gracious hosts while here, especially as the schedule has had to change so often. We just try to roll with it and enjoy any and every challenge that comes our way. We look forward to how the Lord will use us in the coming hours and days. Thanks so much for your commitment to pray for and lift up our team in different ways! We need it.

Tomorrow, Saturday, we head to Florence for the day to enjoy the birthplace of the Renaissance. The team is very much looking forward to some time together away from the court.

P.S. There has been plenty of pizza and pasta to go around ... and it is excellent!

Ciao!