VICTOR AND THE SPRING CAMP

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It was a quiet and chilly evening in February. A seasoned ear, though, could detect a multitude of huffs and puffs from all the shortened breaths. These shortened breaths belonged to about 15 young boys, aged 9-13. 

All of them were wearing their grey pants and orange shirts. While bent over, crouching or sitting on the floor, many of them were holding their capes in their hands and trying to wipe the sweat from their brows. Amidst them was our hero Victor, crouching and staring at the floor. He was huffing and puffing the loudest of them all. Despite having a bit of trouble catching his breath, his mind was still very active. Right about now, it was contemplating why he joined the team. This was his first year, and only a couple of practices in.  of hopefully many to come. 

Tonight, or rather today, was one of the most intense training days any of them has ever endured. With the baseball season right around the corner, the last grueling training sessions were being done. Today marked the beginning of their 7-day spring camp. A camp, Victor was going to remember forever. 

A Japanese coach was taking over the team. He flew in to coach the high school team, but was asked if he could take over the Little League team too. The players knew nothing of this. It was all revealed to them today, as the sad news of their current coach Steve Spilt retiring per the doctor's orders reached them. Poor Mr. Spilt sadly had a minor heart attack. With his already high blood pressure, this heart attack was enough of a scare to get him of the field.  

They did not manage to meet the coach stretched as he was, but today they experienced his welcoming training regime. If today was an indication, then Mr. Teishin, as was his name, was one of the stricter coaches. He had already retired for the day, and soon his tired players were going to as well. 

Slowly, the players managed to stand up straight and began the walk towards the locker room. A warm shower awaited them. In complete silence, they all wondered about their new coach. What was he like? They wondered what else this baseball season was going to serve them with. Many were having second thoughts. Victor caught himself having similar thoughts until he was reminded of a bible verse:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Some boys started to voice their concerns until they all entered the dormitory dining area. A feast was awaiting them. A welcoming gesture from their “perhaps” not such a bad coach after all. 

With satisfied bellies, the aching muscles were quickly forgotten. This season just might have some good things up its sleeve.

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Until next time!

SOURCES

1. Image created via canva.com.