Position: Outfielder/First Base
Hometown: Batavia, Ohio
Grad Year: 2027
Day one started off waking up at 9:30 am to go to the Walmart of the Dominican Republic “Jumbo”.
Jumbo was a great experience, coming into a new country not knowing what to expect. It was like every other grocery store except there’s different food and snack stuff like that. The produce area was a lot different however, with a lot of the fruit and vegetables out on tables. They had a large quantity of watermelon. Biggest watermelons I’ve ever seen. I spent 28 American dollars on a few monster energy drinks, 2 Dominican drinks, 2 packs of danimals, and pringles. 28 American dollars was around 1,757 pesos. I got 150 pesos in return as change. We then went back to the villa to change and head to the girls orphanage. That was truly a once in a lifetime experience. It was the most heart warming thing I’ve ever done. Seeing that it’s someone’s life is sad but also a lesson on to be great full for everything I have. We played kickball and volleyball. I bought a small bag and 2 bracelets all made by the girls. It was 15 American dollars. It was incredible seeing their school room, computer room, and all the above. Just being around them, and seeing how they live was so amazing. It was a very great day. I’ve been truly blessed to be here and experiencing another culture. To be around my second family, to be in the warm weather, to play the game I love, and more importantly to spread the word of Jesus. After the orphanage we came back to the villa and hung out. We played ping pong, turned some music on, jumped in the pool, threw frisbee, baseball, and just had fun. I truly couldn’t have had a better day.
