Greetings from El Salvador! Today was an interesting day, to say the least. While it was yet another wonderful day down South, we ran into some road blocks along the way. It all began this morning at six fifteen. Without going into any nasty details, let us just say Olivia had a run in with a stomach bug. A very angry stomach bug. Coach Hatch was on top of the situation, bed hair and all, as she requested aid from Coach Wyatt to deal with the tummy troubles. Later that day, the brave hero Ann Walton, suffered a similar fate as Olivia, decorating the sidewalk with her breakfast. The rest of the crew left the two wounded ambassadors in the safe hands of Kim Maner. We then headed on to a local university, where we learned new ways to play with toilet paper while at the same time getting to know some pretty groovy individuals. We visited two classes at the college, both of which were learning English. It was super fun getting to interact with them and learn more about their culture (PS they like video games too!!) After finishing up our college adventure we trecked onward towards a local mall. Everyone really enjoyed eating chocolate and gelato from a local shop. After perusing the mall's vast variety of shopping opportunities, we decided to take a trip on the carousel. Little did we know it would lead to nearly fatal injuries, with Evans suffering from a major nose bleed and Wade experiencing extreme dizziness from a spinning tea cup of doom. While we were gathering what was left of our dignity from the carousel, Laura Lee, Coach Wyatt, and Sidney decided to indulge themselves in some nutella yumminess from a nearby crepe stand called Crepe Lovers. It was delicious, or so I was told! Carousel induced injuries and nutella behind us, we headed back to check on Olivia and Ann Walton. Relieved to find Ann Walton had defeated her troubled tummy, we celebrated with a hearty meal. After lunch, Ann Walton joined the pack as we made our way to a rad market. Purchases included: multiple machetes, a few instruments, some head gear, and many MANY accessories. Best of all, after all the shopping was said and done, we were able to experience, for the first time this trip, a legit siesta (AKA a really good nap). After catching some quality z's, we suited up and prepared for our game this evening. Unforunately, Clint Hatch was unable to join us as he suffered from being too hot (with fever). With Olivia back in the group, we soon arrived at the Olympic training facility where our game was to take place. We had heard rumors that the team was talented, but little did we know they were the Dandy Dozen of El Salvador. The game was called with six minutes left, due to rain leaking through the roof (but really it was because of our twenty plus point deficit and their fear that a comeback was soon to be on the horizon). Laurel gave her testimony and we were touched to hear the coach of the El Salvador team thank us and insist more Americans come visit to share the good news of Christ through such activities as basketball. Facing fierce rain and slow moving pastry trucks, we were able to make it back to the Maner's house for a traditional El Salvador meal. Let me just say, IT WAS AMMMAAAZZZIIIIINNNNGGG!!! Pupusas (too awesome to be described), beans and rice, chicken, and chocolate cake were on the menu. After a quick meeting at the hotel, we are now getting ready to go to bed before our action-packed day of tournament basketball begins! Can someone say, LET'S GET READY TO RUUMMBLLLEE! But seriously, we got free t-shirts, so if all else fails we will be pretty darn ballin in our new get-ups. Can't wait to show you guys on Wednesday! Adios!

Written and Edited by: Emily 'Rocking' Russell and Maison 'Legit' Lowery

Last picture with the great kids at the El Salvadoran Orphanage. The kids were amazing, and we had a great time hanging out with them. These kids will probably never be adopted, so please pray that God will send people to help them and love them in a way where they feel like they matter!