The work continues in Zambia. Inspired by his teammate and long-time friend, Dodger reliever Shawn Tolleson and his wife Lynley made the trip to Zambia with the Kershaws. With pitchers and catchers reporting in less than 40 days, Clayton and Shawn are trying to keep up with their routines while in Zambia. Just before lunch Shawn and Clayton took to the dirt road in front of Hope’s Home to play catch. The Dodger duo began with a stretch, where two of the children, Peter and Brian were quickly outside to watch.
Kershaw shows orphanage resident Peter how to stretch before pitching.
Today, Team Kershaw was hard at work on various projects at the orphanage. The boys got an early start making mosaic stepping stones for a path from the house to the vegetable garden, digging a trench to place a cement block border around the play area of the back yard, and hanging wall decorations. Time was also spent with the children tutoring them in reading, and most importantly, getting to know them.
Shawn Tolleson mixes cement for stepping stones to the garden.
This afternoon we visited a school to play with more children, took a tour of the community surrounding Hope’s Home, and witnessed where several of the Hope’s Home children were rescued from. More from the Kershaw’s Challenge Blog:
“…we hopped back in the bus and headed to Matero compound- where Destiny School is located. Our big blue bus is a dead giveaway to the community that Americans have arrived & we are here to play! We had at least 50 kids chasing our bus down the road, and probably another 50 at the school gates waiting for our arrival. Word travels quickly around here. We stepped off the bus into a sea of big smiles, giggles, and children launching into our arms. There is no such thing as a stranger here, and it is wonderful!
Buseko Market is only a short 10 minute walk from the school, so we were going to take turns being led by the Zambian staff over there. Buseko is a dark and dreary place to see. It is eye-opening and often difficult to take in. People make homes out of tarps, and sleep 10 to a tent. We visited our dear friends there, who graciously opened up their home for us to see. The rainy season makes it especially difficult, since it is near impossible for them to keep dry. The adults often times sleep standing up to let the children lay on the mattress that is soaked on the floor.”
Lynley Tolleson creates a garden stepping stone with one of the children.
Follow the Kershaw’s Trip: http://www.kershawschallenge.com/
The Dodgers hosted local kids from the Holiday Park Little League and Glendale Youth Project for a Spring Training game and baseball clinic at Camelback Ranch-Glendale on March 19. Dodger outfielder Alex Castellanos, minor league catcher Matt Wallach and coach Manny Mota conducted the clinic for approximately 60 youngsters from a low-income area of Glendale. The clinic took place in the outfield of the main stadium after the day’s game. 
Pitching In The Community 