Combine nine basketballs...

Well today at Mansion of Light we moved a lot of dirt and painted. But you've heard a lot about Mansion of Light, so I asked Dale Gentry to write about the team doing a basketball camp at Cinco Esquinas. So, here it is!

Combine nine basketballs, six EBC “coaches,” and a growing group of excited Costa Rican children, and what do you have? The mission trip basketball camp at Cinco Esquinas.
On Wednesday, we had the largest group of the week, and the sunniest and hottest day so far. Twenty-five children – ages 5 through 14 – showed up, much to our delight. Even though Ticos (Costa Ricans) are well-versed in soccer, basketball seems new to them. But they are catching on quickly.
The camp started on Monday morning with our two planned sessions, and seven children in attendance. Frankly, we expected more. But we enthusiastically worked with them on fundamentals, and afterward went on a “basketball parade” through the neighborhood, led by Jorge – one of the older boys. Jorge took us on a tour of the homes of all his friends, arriving on most occasions ahead of our translator, Marlena, and enthusiastically telling them about the Gringos holding the basketball camp. Even a rain shower couldn’t dampen his enthusiasm. There’s no question he’s a basketball “evangelist,” and a natural leader. We dribbled down the street, demonstrating some skills, drawing curious stares from the sparse houses, and understanding little of what was said.
The parade proved successful. We arrived Tuesday morning to find all of our first campers returning plus two new children in the younger group, and four new ones in the older group. On Wednesday, the numbers doubled again.
Our goals for the week are to get to know the children, teach them the fundamentals, encourage enthusiastically, and do it all with the love of Christ. We are also working toward a “game” night Friday, when parents are invited and we will feed everyone hot dogs and I’m sure a lot of Costa Rican side dishes.
Wednesday was the first day to play two-on-two, three-on-three and four-on-four. If we’d thought about it, we wouldn’t have been surprised when the first group was asked to throw the ball in and attempt to score. They immediately threw the first pass back toward halfcourt and then into the backcourt to set up a play (just like in soccer). We also noticed immediately that they were unselfish passers, gladly looking to give the ball to other teammates – but very hesitant to shoot. Tomorrow, we will attempt our first full-court action … which should be very interesting.
Basketball team members are John Huskey, Ashley Eldridge, Jennifer Griggs, Grant Harbin, Greg Schloesser and Dale Gentry.

So, that's what they've been up to. I hope to add pictures of the basketball team tomorrow.
Until then!
-Steven Hussung