I’m learning about the Dominican way of life and understanding the language better.

We didn’t have sports camps today, Sunday, but we are getting set up for a busy day tomorrow.

On Saturday, we loaded up our equipment and supplies and moved away from the camp, Campamento Canaan in Salcedo.

We are now living in Navarette. The guys are staying at “Casas Por Cristo,” and the ladies are staying in various homes in this mountain villa.

Tomorrow, we will divide our group of 33 into three groups, and each group will host a sports camp. The camps will be separated among three leaders: Dan Weaver, Jason Goen and Donna Sullivan.

Sullivan called a meeting tonight and has given instructions to each group.

We are expecting at least 175 Dominican kids at each of the three sports camps.

“I think it’s going to be pretty hectic tomorrow; we have a lot of kids coming,” said staff member Avery Gengelbach, of Seymour. “It’ll be a busy day. We usually start at 10 a.m., go for two hours, take lunch, and go for another two hours.”

I’m learning that we are on “Dominican time” while we are here. For example, church was to start at 10 a.m. but didn’t start until 10:30 a.m.

I’m told this is common.

We’ll be on their time until we board the plane back to the United States.

The rules we were given at the camp still apply: Don’t drink the water. Only drink from 5-gallon jugs brought in from “Internacional Agua.” Don’t flush toilet paper. There will be no hot water. The electricity in water will be shut off occasionally (Salcedo did it more frequently). Wear sunscreen and bug spray. Do drink water from the special jugs often to stay hydrated.

Now that we’re on the road often, I’ve not seen any stop signs; but I’ve seen many yield signs.

I wonder how I’d drive in a busy town; would I be able to dodge many vehicles cutting, not stopping, in front of me?

Also, I’ve seen more small motorcycles here than I’ve ever seen previously. They are everywhere in the small village towns.

These camps wouldn’t be possible without so many donors.

Sullivan also recognized Steve Wire, executive director of IBCA (Indiana Basketball Coaches Association), whom she serves with on the board of directors, for donating 12 leather and 12 rubber basketballs.

The leather balls retail for around $60 each.

Also, “Soles for Souls,’’ organized by Love Lockman of Seymour, has donated more than 300 shoes.

Seymour donors also have helped with the purchase of 1,000 T-shirts, wristbands, etc.

The Domincan people are definitely seeing Hoosier Hospitality, and they are sharing in our love for basketball.

Today, Seymour Christian Church members shared testimonies to the Domincan people, young and old.

The relationships are being built, and tomorrow we’ll teach more basketball and volleyball to very eager children.

During his time in the Dominican Republic, Lenny Hauersperger will be sharing his experiences in a column for The Tribune. This is the second article in a five-part series.