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DAY 7
Monday was supposed to be our sightseeing and tour of Santo Domingo, but weather forced us to reschedule and take our trip to Catalina Island instead. We left the hotel at 8:30 a.m. and headed to the resort city of La Romana.
 
Both teams planned to be together on the excursion and we loaded the boat around 9:30 a.m. Our tour guide Miguel was our snorkeling and dive expert for the day and made the trip with us from Juan Dolio.
 
This was a first-time experience for most of our team and everyone seemed excited.  We loaded the boat and made our way towards the island, not before stopping by a reef for some snorkeling. Instead of cliff jumping that day, our guide allowed us to jump from the top of the boat, which was about a 20- foot drop.
 
As we were preparing for the plunge, a small storm was brewing behind us and the waves were beginning to build. By time everyone made it in the water, the tide and waves made it too difficult to snorkel, and we treaded water more and we viewed the beautiful scenery below.
 
Don't worry folks, everyone, well most everyone, had life vests on and made it back to the boat safely, but not before the storm was upon us. Coach Rose and Coach Smith were the last two on the boat and made sure everyone was on safely. 
 
We made our way to the island and set anchor about 100 yards from shore. Small boats shuttled about 20 of us at a time to the island until we were all on dry land. The rest of the afternoon we snorkeled, relaxed on the beach, and enjoyed another Dominican cuisine for lunch.
 
Oh, and the highlight of the day was seeing our favorite manager Prince Regular learn how to swim for the first time. We made our way back to the hotel for dinner and finished the night with some card games and a few heated games of pool and ping pong. 
 




DAY 8
Where has the time gone? It seemed like we just arrived. The last full day of our trip began with our team visiting the Pasitos de Jesus once again. Coach Smith's family arrived on Saturday and they brought many gifts for the girls and wanted to deliver them in person.
 
The courtesy of the girls when receiving gifts was fascinating. They were patient. They didn't argue over who got what. They were appreciative. They also began to barter with one another and make trades based off each girl's interests.
 
 We got a tour of the living quarters, which was a testimony to us since each room was spotless and in order, each bed made, and every stuffed animal organized. The girls all have chores and they begin with a made bed and clean room each day. 
 
The girls entertained us again with some dancing and we joined along with the electric slide and the cha cha. Seeing the girls for the second time seemed like we had been friends for a lifetime. It was hard to leave.  We will never forget those smiles and laughs. They will be with us forever. 
 
After lunch, we finally got a tour of the city of Santo Domingo and a quick trip to the straw market for some shopping. Felipe, our SCORE missionary did a great job telling the history of the island. We made quick stops by the Olympic village that hosted the Pan Am games in 2003 and walked through the historic district of Santo Domingo.
 
 The tour of the city was a great way to wrap up our time on the island and learn of the culture and history of the Dominican people. A 45-minute ride back to the hotel was quiet.  A lot of guys dozing off and catching a quick nap.
 
A team dinner and then our last time together recapping the week and talking about what we learned and how this week has changed our lives. The week was non-stop, full of every emotion you can imagine.
 
We competed together. We shared our hearts together. We met the needs of young children and families together. We learned together. We laughed together. We cried together. It was a trip that will go down in the record books and hopefully a trip we will never forget. 
 
We can't thank the people enough who helped support us and made this trip possible. Our friends and families, our administration, SCORE International, and coaches who organized and planned a once and a lifetime opportunity!  We are grateful and we are blessed! 
 
Lee Men's Basketball Team