And the games continue...

Here we are at the games not knowing what God had in store for us. We show up, all three of us being first-timers to any sort of international games, without any agenda, any credentials to get into any area where the athletes would be, or any idea what we were doing. Day 1 goes by and we get the chance to talk to a couple people we see around town that are wearing gear from another country. We also just got to know Guadalajara a little bit and meet the other members of Athletes in Action (AIA) that are here from other parts of the world to work at the games. These other staff have been to numerous other international events including Olympics, World Cups, University Games, etc.... seasoned veterans. Day 2 we meet a man named Cristobal from Guatemala who is one of these veterans and works with AIA. He had decided, minutes after he got to our room, that we needed to get at least a day pass but eventually we would get our credential.

That morning, we went down to the Acredidation Office where there are TONS of people waiting. Not Cristobal... He went to the front of the line, got us in and we had our credentials within an hour and a half. Here's a little perspective... The Chaplans that we are with have been going through a process of getting their credentials for weeks sending in paperwork and pictures through the mail. Us "Joe Shmoes" just got ours in an hour and a half. Thank you Jesus!! Now, with these passes, we can go into the Villa where all the athletes are staying, eating, and hanging out. The dorms are there with a pool, gym, restaurants and a chapel and it's beautiful!!!!

We talked to a Jamaican shotgun shooter (one of the sports in these games) and his coach yesterday and were able to share with them what we do and talk to them about Jesus. The coach was really interested. We met a lot of people from Columbia and were able to talk to them as well. It's incredible seeing all these different countries being represented in one place. It's like nothing I've ever seen before.

I'm excited to share more and more stories with you guys as the days go on! Please keep praying for our team and for all the athletes here. Another prayer request... we just got news that Sountern Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras have all been getting rain for 10 days straight and are going through some major, dangerous flooding. The rain isn't supposed to stop for another 3 days. Pray that it does sooner and for safety for all the people there.