School: Penn State Shenango
Position: Pitcher/Pitching Coach
2nd Year Kingsmen
“This trip has honestly been amazing. The people on this island are not just good people, but they are inspirational too. When we first got here, we met up with our translator. I don’t think me and him talked at all last year, once if anything. However, when I went up to say hi to him, he had remembered me dancing with the girls at the day care last year immediately, which amazed me and speaks to how much this team means to him. We visited the girls orphanage, and just seeing their faces light up when they see us walk in the door is indescribable. They have absolutely nothing but each other, yet they all enjoy every single second playing with us. When we were buying bracelets, I asked one of the girls to pick me out one, and she was so excited too pick me out one that she had made. Then we got to visit the boys orphanage, which holds a special place in my heart because of one kid, Anthony. He truly helped change my life last year with zero knowledge that he did. When I was looking for a sign last year that I wasn’t too far gone to be saved by Christ, he handed me a bracelet that said “JESUS LOVES YOU” on it, which confirmed to me last year I had to give my life to Christ.Although it was not for long, I got to see Anthony for a minute this year. He was doing so good in the boys orphanage. I would be lying to everyone if I said I didn’t break down crying when we got back, not because I was sad, but because I was so filled with joy too see him doing so well. God bless him. After we played our first game down here, I was able to share my story with the kids from the academy. I was able to share the message that no matter how much you run from the Lord, he will always be right behind you with his arms wide open waiting to receive you, all you have to do is just take that step. Because I’ve taken that step, at the end of this trip I will be getting baptized. I want to end this blog with that message for everyone out there. No matter which path you have taken in life, no matter how long you’ve been on that path, and no matter what you have done on that path, Jesus will be standing there with his arms wide open waiting to receive you. God bless.”
