Day Eight--Successful Tournament!

This morning's tournament went really well. The FOCUS team played pitcher and catcher, umped and coached and the kids made up the teams. We had two teams of eight and one of nine that played for first, second and third place. The Portuguese kids took to the game during the week and played very well.



Medals were given out for placing and trophies were presented for Best Attitude, Most Improved, Best All-around Player and Best Hitter. We had lots of smaller prizes--balls, balls & bats with gum/candy inside, baseball caps, etc. Everyone got several things.



The team performed three skits, two funny and one evangelistic. Melody gave a testimony which Gil translated. We also had wordless books (with the explanation inside) to hand out. The head P.E. teacher presented our fearless leader, Pastor Dan with a medal from the school and gave all the team members lanyards and some publications from the school.



We took a picture of the entire group. It's sad to think we will likely never see the kids again, but it looks like Chris & Catrina may run some wiffle ball games in the future. It could be the start of a youth group in Arruda!

For our last meal at the school cafeteria, we took some homemade American cookies to share with the ladies who prepared our meals. They especially liked the peanut butter cookies with the big kiss in the middle.

Dinner was at a restaurant in town and was it ever good! It came in courses and we had a stack of three plates, and silverware for each course. We had appetizers of olives, cheeses and bread; then salad and a fish/cheese/potato dish (yum!); then pork, rice, French fries and some fruit for the main course. It was fun to eat there since we had Gil to explain how/why things were done.

We did see some of the kids again! Tonight was the end of the year party at the school and we were invited. There was folk music playing and people were eating sardines on bread and beverages were available for purchase. Part of "The Sound of Music" was performed by students (including three of our ballplayers) and other students played guitars and sang. Some high school students practiced their English with our teens.

Thanks so much for praying!