Youth Experience Sponsorship

Aidan’s Baseball Experience in the Dominican Republic.

“I have been so overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation since this whole trip began but especially since Aidan’s return. It’s hard to explain what he was like when he hopped into my car after the long flight home. He wasn’t “different” exactly but the most “him” I have ever seen. I know that must sound strange but it was like sitting with Aidan x’s 10. The most alert, most awake, most happy I have seen him in a long time. So completely in his body and spilling over with excitement to tell me how impacted he was with this experience. Just a few of the things he said that made my heart soar…”I realized that I needed to leave my phone behind every day so that I didn’t miss anything. I saw everything and the DR is amazing.” “ The big city areas and the hotels were not my favorite part. The little villages were my favorite. They have absolutely nothing and they are the happiest people you will ever meet.” Listening to him talk to the kids and teens from the DR in his room on WhatsApp is everything. They don’t understand each others language but they are like family now.

Aidan got to bring food and supplies to Pedro’s hometown and he was overwhelmed with an older man that he met. The man had nothing and lived in a crooked shed but was still caring for his blind sister and he was all smiles meeting Aidan. He hugged Aidan after Aidan gave him food and said the man would not let him go from his embrace. He gave Aidan a cross made out of wood and my son is wearing it still. Honestly the whole trip was eye opening and changed my son’s heart forever.

Pedro really loved Aidan as well and has extended an invitation for Aidan to return to the DR to play baseball at his academy for the rest of the Summer. He too saw something in Aidan that I was hoping for. It is an incredible opportunity for Aidan and so friends and family are rallying to pay for him to go back.
Pedro just told us to send him on a plane and Aidan is welcome for as long as he wants. Without your help getting him there last week he would have never had this opportunity. I will forever be grateful to you for trusting in us. Pedro is convinced that after a month Aidan will be speaking fluent Spanish and pitching 92 mph. Hahaha. I think after a month at his academy being of service and working hard playing ball he will be changed forever.

I will never be able to thank you enough. I promise we will pay it forward. I also promise we will send you video and testimonials for anything and everything you need. I will let Aidan tell you himself.”

~Elizabeth , Parent of Sponsorship Recipient