Mid-Week............

We have now settled in to our apartment and life here in Fairbanks. It is a little different than Pickens, Gilroy or Anchorage. However, that is what makes this trip so interesting. We have experienced three unique types of lifestyle while on this trip so far.

We have not faired too well on the field lately. In fact, we have really played poorly the last two days here in Fairbanks. Too many walks, hits, hit batters and errors. Offensively, not enough walks, hits, hit batters or reached by error. We are in a phase right now that hopefully we will snap out of soon.

I know it has to be tough on our guys as well. They are on their third week of sleep away from their normal bed and are on their third host family as well. The guys are frustrated on the field as well, but hopefully they realize they are experiencing something unique in Alaska and AIA.

A'lot is expected of our players and Chris Beck does a great job of staying consistent with them in terms of the overall experience. He just finished his "LSD" session that last about 8 days. It really got the guys to thinking about their choices in life and what will happen when they get back on campus in a month or two. Peer pressure will hit them square in the nose. We start a new session today with Mike who is with Campus Crusade from UNC. He has worked with the Tarheel baseball team and should provide a great discipleship session.

Speaking of college baseball.........here's to the Dawgs taking the CWS. I know Joe B will be rooting for his beloved team.

The fam is doing great. Kirkland and Kaylee played with the Beck kids on the field with some of the other players. It was fun to watch them have so much fun and realize that baseball is just that......a game. Sometimes we get so caught up in our work, I know I do. I am really blessed to call my "work" coaching baseball for a living. I came into this summer experience knowing I am blessed, but also wanting to find more of what I can do in terms of helping others. Chris has said several times....."be strong, stand for truth and live for eternity."

Well, it's 11:43am local time and time for family. We will have about two hours before I leave for discipleship and then off to the stadium for some early work, bp and the game.

By the way, Tammy is on the phone and just told someone we are on a four game losing streak....ouch....that one stings a little.

For those praying for our trip, here you go:

Pray for our 23 players as they learn the Word, the game and life in general.

Tobias, Frank, Cody, Dave, Kevin, Nick, Quinn, Jonathan, Ryan T, Caleb, Kendall, Ryan E, Brint, Jason, Mitch, Tim, Eric, Alex, Brett, Derek, Shawn, Todd, Jeremy