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Xavier University Athletics
BLOG: Ashley Gomez Participates in Community Service Project in Brazil
07.22.18 | Women's Basketball
Hey Xavier Fans!
Yesterday was absolutely incredible. We left at 6:30 a.m. to drive an hour to a very under privileged community. We arrived around 7:45 a.m. to a center where there were over 300 children aged 6-18 years old. We then were briefed for the washing of the feet ceremony. This is modeling the story in the Bible of Jesus washing the disciples´ feet before He was crucified, found in John 13:1-17.
Through the Samaritan's Feet Foundation, we were able to provide each one of these children with a new pair of socks and a brand-new pair of rugby shoes. At this center, they like to teach the kids discipline and how to work in a team environment, and they do this through the sport of rugby, but most of the children play rugby, and other sports, barefoot. When we got to the center there were kids playing basketball, and of all the children playing, only one had a pair of tennis shoes, the rest were playing barefoot.
During the ceremony, we had translators sitting with us so that we were able to communicate with the children. It was so empowering to teach them about serving others and loving each other. After each child I asked if they would allow me to pray with them and none of them turned me down! It was amazing to be able to serve these children and teach them about Jesus´ love and grace.
In addition to the shoes, we also gave each child an eye exam and provided them with reading or vision glasses that were their prescription. This was funded through Mission Vision, which sent about 1,400 pairs of glasses for this trip. We spent all morning with these children and they definitely changed my heart today.
When we got back in the afternoon we had a practice and conditioning session to prepare for our games! Our first game will be played on Tuesday, July 24 at 1 p.m. EST against Mexico!
I'm o excited to explore more of this wonderful country and continue to serve others! And of course, bring home the Gold!!!
Tchau (goodbye) and Let´s Go X,
Ashley
Yesterday was absolutely incredible. We left at 6:30 a.m. to drive an hour to a very under privileged community. We arrived around 7:45 a.m. to a center where there were over 300 children aged 6-18 years old. We then were briefed for the washing of the feet ceremony. This is modeling the story in the Bible of Jesus washing the disciples´ feet before He was crucified, found in John 13:1-17.
Through the Samaritan's Feet Foundation, we were able to provide each one of these children with a new pair of socks and a brand-new pair of rugby shoes. At this center, they like to teach the kids discipline and how to work in a team environment, and they do this through the sport of rugby, but most of the children play rugby, and other sports, barefoot. When we got to the center there were kids playing basketball, and of all the children playing, only one had a pair of tennis shoes, the rest were playing barefoot.
During the ceremony, we had translators sitting with us so that we were able to communicate with the children. It was so empowering to teach them about serving others and loving each other. After each child I asked if they would allow me to pray with them and none of them turned me down! It was amazing to be able to serve these children and teach them about Jesus´ love and grace.
In addition to the shoes, we also gave each child an eye exam and provided them with reading or vision glasses that were their prescription. This was funded through Mission Vision, which sent about 1,400 pairs of glasses for this trip. We spent all morning with these children and they definitely changed my heart today.
When we got back in the afternoon we had a practice and conditioning session to prepare for our games! Our first game will be played on Tuesday, July 24 at 1 p.m. EST against Mexico!
I'm o excited to explore more of this wonderful country and continue to serve others! And of course, bring home the Gold!!!
Tchau (goodbye) and Let´s Go X,
Ashley
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