School: USC Sumter
Position: Pitcher
1st Year Kingsmen Player
“The Dominican Republic has truly been one of the greatest experiences in my life. The impact we get to make on people and the impact they make on us is something that truly comes from God. We got the chance to visit a boys’ and girls’ orphanage which was the most amazing part of the trip. To see how happy the kids were when we arrived was truly inspiring. It was also a pleasure to see how happy our guys were to be there as we were able to see the Joy and Generosity these kids have with the circumstances they are living in. It really changes your life. It shows that no matter what you go through in life, there is always something to be Joyful about. On the 12th, we went to play a village team where the game of baseball was just a game again, no real consequences of what happens on the baseball field, just the love for the game. The best part was being in the dugout with the kids from the village and getting to know them for the little time you have with them. The smiles the kids have on their face is pure joy and is something everyone should experience. During our time here we got to experience going to a Dominican church where the service was entirely in Spanish. Even though the language barrier was there, it did not hinder us as a team to feel the Holy Spirit working in that church. When the opportunity presented itself to play with this team, I didn’t think I would be able to. I am so thankful for the people who made this possible and for my family who sacrifices their finances to give me an opportunity to do what I love. I think that gratefulness is a big word, and that if the kids down here can be grateful, why can’t I? The Lord has done something special with this group of guys and from not knowing if I was going to be able to play to having the greatest spiritual movements in my life has been a blessing. So I end with this: don’t let your circumstances define your joyfulness. Take every step trusting in the Lord, and He will get you where you need to be.”
