University of Houston Athletics
Houston FCA Ministers in Dominican Republic
7/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
| DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TRIP JUNE 16-23, 2015 | |
|---|---|
| Mandy Nolan | Track & Field |
| Dominique Brisco | Track & Field |
| Maureen Redmond | Track & Field |
| Tori Williams | Track & Field |
| Kelli Hardnett | Track & Field |
| A'Nease Linnear | Track & Field |
| Marisa Guzman | Volleyball |
| Sarah Afflerbaugh | Volleyball |
| Olivia O'Dell | Volleyball |
| Mark Crump | Track & Field Director for Operations |
| Jordan Washington | FCA Staff |
Photo Gallery
HOUSTON - While most student-athletes are enjoying their summer break, others are hard at work giving back to the community and more.
From June 16-23, a group of 10 University of Houston student-athletes took the mission of "Building Champions for Life" to heart and traveled to a the Dominican Republic on a mission trip in partnership with the Athletic International Missions to help share and spread their passion for sports to kids less fortunate.
As they crammed their way into a stuffed Safari vehicle, The UH Fellowship of Christian Athletes group journeyed through the rolling green hills and rocky roads of the Dominican Republic looking to bring kids fun and joy through sports-themed camps.
"It was an awesome opportunity to go to a different country and help out those in need, experience God and share the Gospel," FCA director Jordan Washington said.
Washington, along with seven UH track and field and three volleyball student-athletes, answered the challenge to step out of their comfort zone and experience life outside of the United States.
Volleyball student-athlete Olivia O'Dell was glad that she got the opportunity to go on her first mission trip and first trip outside of the country.
"I've never been on a mission trip before, and I've always wanted to go on one," said O'Dell. "This one just kind of fell into my lap."
The student-athletes visited multiple sites throughout the week and were tasked with conducting sports camps for the community of Sousa. Camps featured track and field, baseball, volleyball, and basketball. Children came from all over to play and have fun. During the weeklong trip, over 20,000 hot dogs were served, and the group ministered to more than 7,000 kids.
"I honestly didn't know what to expect," said junior sprinter Kelli Hardnett. "I'm so used to itineraries and having everything planned, but going down there, it was upside down because we didn't go by the plan; we had to learn how to go with the flow."
From the moment they arrived the UH student-athletes were met with unconditional love and saw nothing but passion for sports. Kids of every age, parents included, ran to them with open arms. The locals didn't see them as just more Americans, but as people that could be loved for coming and sharing their lives with them.
The trip placed the student-athletes in situations unknown to them. From seeing kids walking around barefoot on the rocks that layered the roads to the tiny houses that the children called homes, the impact of these sights deeply moved the group and has given them fresh eyes and a new perspective to life.
"They didn't care who you were or how old you were; they would run up to you and grab onto you," said volleyball outside hitter Sarah Afferbaugh. "I had maybe one step in the gates and had three girls on me. They just wanted to be loved."
The Houston student-athletes experienced first-hand how impoverished the Dominican Republic truly is. Sophomore thrower A'Nease Linnear is accustomed to using her arms for throwing things long distances but became a human basketball goal in order to help the kids enjoy a lively game of basketball. Sophomore sprinter Tori Williams gave one of her track jerseys to a girl during a camp session and, instead of claiming it as her own, the girl shared it with the line of kids waiting to practice their sprints, each taking it off and putting it on when it was their turn.
Every day, people gripe and complain about little things in life, most often taking for granted everything they have. Water, food, clothes and even plumbing are some of the things that we count on, but in countries like the Dominican, they're not always easy to come by.
"Seeing those kids out there doing things that they love, that I love, and realizing how I have had all these opportunities growing up," said Mark Crump, track and field director for operations. "Those kids were out there playing baseball with tree branches, or filling up socks with rocks to throw as a baseball. It just gives you a whole new perspective on life."
The Dominicans will use anything they can get their hands on in order to have a good time. In the track and field camps, instead of using batons for relay races, the kids used water bottles. The kids didn't let anything stop them from having a great time doing things they loved to do.
"We were running (a track camp) on a baseball field, while another group was playing baseball," said Hardnett. "We had to dodge rocks and a cow; there was even a goat out there!"
The Dominican culture left an imprint on the Houston student-athletes. For Crump, there was a lasting and emotional bond built with a young boy named Rasheed that moved him deeply.
Crump saw that Rasheed had been wearing the same clothes for three straight days and found out that his family's home had recently caught fire. Despite his dire circumstances, Rasheed still came to Mark's camps eager to learn and have fun. Crump decided to help him out by giving him 100 dollars of his own money, not knowing that Rasheed's family lived on 200 dollars a month. On the very last day, Crump asked Rasheed if he had used the money and the young boy said no because he had thought Mark had just given him paper. The look on Rasheed's face when Mark found a coach who could exchange currency warmed his heart.
Life isn't the same for the 10 UH student-athletes. There is a new meaning to how they go about doing the things they do; playing their respective sport and appreciating the little things they have.
"We are grateful that we have these opportunities," said Hardnett. "It makes me much more grateful that I am here in college getting my education paid for. It tells me that we shouldn't be complaining in practice, because not everyone has it as easy as we do."
"It makes me realize how much I do have and how much I should appreciate it," added junior volleyball defensive specialist Marisa Guzman.
Collectively, the group of Cougars described the experience as amazing and life-changing. When asked if they would like to return back to the Dominican, each member of the group gave a resounding 'yes.'
There is a bond and a community that has been built and cemented with this trip. Each student-athlete has gotten to know each other more and has plans to keep supporting one another throughout the upcoming season.
FCA Director Kevin Washington and his wife Jordan echoed the same point about being able to build a tight-knit community through FCA with UH student-athletes.
"It makes me excited to see them develop a sense of community," said Jordan. "Too often, people will go through life trying to do things on their own, and you can't do that. Student-athletes need to realize that it's not just me here in college; it is me and others trying to live life the same way I am. We are not alone in this."
Coaches' jobs are to coach skill, but Kevin and Jordan Washington are at the University of Houston to coach the heart.
FCA meets on Monday nights in the Alumni Center's Leadership Academy.
2015 HOUSTON FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
With Tom Herman set to lead Houston in 2015, purchase your 2015 Houston Football season tickets now and secure your seat in TDECU Stadium at UHCougars.com/2015. Guarantee your place for a slate of seven home games including SEC opponent Vanderbilt. Join Coach Herman and secure your 2015 season tickets now.
--UHCougars.com--
