Buon giorno! I wish there was more time in our schedule to get to a computer and send off updates. Unfortunately, things have been a bit crazy. We had a great day in Florence! After a 3-hour bus ride, we toured the city on foot and hit many fantastic sites and saw some great things. It was blazing hot but at least it did not rain. It was nice to get away from Mestre for a day and regroup and get recharged for this week. It was also great to spend some time with some of the people from Italy who are helping to make this trip a success.
We got home late Saturday night, in time to get to bed and get some rest for Sunday. The team had the chance to sleep in an extra hour, which is always nice! Two of the players shared their testimonies, which was very encouraging as we asked them to share specifically about being on this trip. The coach gave a devotional, challenging us to endure different kinds of persecution, many of which we have experienced here. We also sang two songs in English at the service. There is absolutely NOTHING like worshiping in multiple languages simultaneously!
After Team Time we headed to Venice for one last visit as this week is too busy to get into Venice. People did some last-minute shopping before we needed to head back to the pizzeria or a meeting with some local coaches from the basketball club. One of the unique things about Venice is that they always have cruise ships coming in and out of the bay. What a fantastic sight to see them coming and going as the gondolas cruise by.
Monday morning we were up early as we had to head to the park and set everything up. Things were crazy as the first day of camp always is, but it was so encouraging to have the 65 kids there, geared up and ready to go. We ran camp from 9-12 noon and then took the kids over to the professional gymnasium across town for lunch and the afternoon. At 4 pm we took them back to the park in vans and continued with camp from 4:30 - 7 pm, at which time we headed back to the hotel for 20 minutes or the guys' game.
It was very busy being with the kids from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm, but it has been so great to love on the kids and spend time with them. Today was much of the same except for it was a little hotter, if that is possible. A heat wave has been announced for Italy for this week, so we have been trying to keep the kids hydrated and in the shade as much as possible. The coaches have done an exceptional job at that and we are excited for the rest of the week.
The guys won their game last night and a player shared his testimony at halftime after the drama by the church. It was a great game as the guys won, but the best part was the openness of the other team and just how friendly all of the players were. It is Tuesday night right now and the ladies will be playing in 30 minutes (8:30 pm) at the local park. It will be another great opportunity to minister through basketball as the ladies will display great sportsmanship and character.
In the afternoons we go to the professional gym for lunch and then spend time with the kids watching NBA videos, talking to them, and sending them through non-basketball stations where we can get to know them on a more intimate level. Today an assistant coach from the men's pro team in town came and spoke to the kids. Tomorrow through Friday we will have some pro players coming, which the kids should love. And the kids also love the pool, which half of the group got to experience today and the other half will experience tomorrow for 45 minutes.
Please continue to pray for us. We have 3 more days of camps and plenty of opportunities to share the Gospel with the kids and their families. Pray that we would be faithful in doing so.
Ciao!
