I wasn’t really sure I wanted to let the masses know about what happened on our Race Day in Santo Domingo on February 1st, but I feel that I need to brag about my Heavenly Father.
For the Race, each team was given a list of famous sites to locate in Santo Domingo. With each site, the teams had to stay at the location for a specified amount of time before moving on to the next site. My team was hanging out at our last site at the Faro de Colon (or lighthouse). There were at least 2 other teams also at the lighthouse. My fellow teammate, Robyn, and I were in close proximity to about 4 or 5 other Racers when a young black man approached a couple of our guys, inquiring of the time. This man had 2 other friends that were a level below us, one aiming his camera at the man near us. As the man began to walk past Robyn, he noticed that she had her camera in her hand. In what seems like a blur, the man approached Robyn demanding her camera to which she replied “no”. Sitting a couple feet from Robyn, I didn’t know what was going on until the man produced a knife and was poking it into her side. Robyn surrendered her camera and then the man came after me. With the blade at my neck, he was reaching for my necklace that I had tried to conceal under my shirt. I didn’t know what to do. Thankfully, Noah then saw what was taking place and he pushed the man’s arm having the knife away from me. As the man was being propelled to the lower level, he yanked off my chain and took off running with his 2 companions. I was in disbelief and frightened – I just couldn’t believe what had happened! The 3 men took off with our things, but, thankfully, neither Robyn or I were hurt. I believe that the robbers hadn’t intended to hurt anyone, but I know that God was watching over us and shielding us from Satan’s attack. Reflecting back on the incident, I can see how it can be used as a reminder that we need to watch out for our teammates, be observant of our surroundings, and be on our guard at all times. I thank God wholeheartedly for this lesson in travel.
