Athletes in Action News and Commentary

Game 3

Game number 3 was played today, and we came out with another victory! We also had an opportunity to do a clinic today with a variety of ages (7-16). Our main focus was defense for the older kids during this clinic, and we were lucky enough to do a detailed demonstration. Before our game we had the chance of a lifetime..we got to meet the mayor! Unfortunately, he spoke no english. After our game this evening, the entire team was bombarded by our new fans. We are definitely celebrities here and most of us could get used to this lifestyle (just in a different location). They wanted our autographs, pictures taken with us, and they even chased after our bus on foot. However, the most exciting part of today was Trisha and Ashley sharing their testimonies. The team will agree that after hearing each others' testimonies that we have a bunch of warriors here. Everyone has a story. It's so amazing to hear everyone's and get to relate in such different ways. God is definitely doing some work here!   

Random fact:

61,000 people are air born at one time.

First 2 games

Oi! ("Hello" in Portuguese) Our first game was played last night against the Brazilian junior national team; unfortunately we lost. We did have the opportunity to eat dinner with them, and it was such an awesome experience! Some of the girls spoke english so we got to ask them questions about their daily lifestyle. Most of them were between 18-20 and will probably be on their Olympic team. Tonight we played the Brazil Athletes in Action women's team and came out with a victory. The plan so far is to play 5 more games.

We have also done 2 camps with some of the local kids that are associated with the Brazil Athletes in Action. Most of our team will agree that working with the kids has been the greatest part. They're so full of life and excited every time they see us. The language barrier can be trouble sometimes, but we have some excellent translators. Most of the team has picked up on a few important Portuguese phrases which helps a lot. "Boa balla" (good job) "Mea cansada" (I'm tired) That one has been used quite a few times. Amanda and Rosie have been the first to give their testimony to the kids, and they did such a great job! Before the camps, we usually get in our groups to discuss the Bible and work on our testimonies.

We haven't had any bug/snake encounters, thank goodness! We know it's because all of our friends and family have been praying for our safety. Also, when we return home, we are making a rule that no one is to feed us rice and beans for a long time. Another thing, we all greatly appreciate the US and the privilege of getting to flush our toilet paper.

Random fact:

Onions, tomatoes, and potatoes all taste the same. The only reason we think they taste different is because our sense of smell alters it.  

Arrived Safely in Brazil!!

Hi Everyone!!

We arrived safely in Brazil this morning and just got settled in our hotel. We had a nice lunch and will be meeting with the Brazil staff later this evening. Starting tomorrow we will be off and running with a full day of a clinic in the afternoon and a game in the evening. Stay tuned for more updates....

Brazil Team :o) 

Training Camp Part 1

Hello friends and family!! Everyone made it safe with no lost luggage! A definite feat in travel nowadays. The team consists of: Director Shannon Kaney, Manager Debra Lester, Trainer Larnie Boquiren, Administrator Donna Newman, Coach Sandy Thomas, Asst. Coach Tracy Guerrette, Ambra Dunn, Trisha Seilhamer, Laura Duncan, Megan Cherry, Amanda Tewksbury, Jill Glessner, Ashley Lax, Rosie Brown, Tegan Atallah, and Brittany Carnago. We've been very busy bees these past couple of days with practices, team times, and principle courses. God has definitely been giving everyone tons of strength and energy to retain all of the information we've been taught on and off the court. 

During our team times and principle courses, we've learned different ways to incorporate God into basketball and figured out what some road blocks could be. Jill Glessner says, "God is my audience and I need to not play for coaches and teammates. A great story was told in practice today by Asst. Coach Tracy. It really spoke to my heart that God should be our one and only judge." Our motivation is playing for God and He is the only one who can determine our self worth. 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God unto excellence." 

One of the most fun activities we've done so far (other than being fed by some amazing families who have graciously opened their homes to us) has been the ropes course. A lot of girls stepped out of their comfort zone when it came to going down a 40 ft high zip line or swinging from a swing 25 ft off of the ground. It's only been 3 days and everyone feels like they have learned so much and can't wait to it in share in Brazil. There is a bit of a bug/snake phobia on the team, and apparently there are huge cockroaches with wings in Brazil. But it's nothing that God can't protect us from! 

One tradition this team has started has been random fact of the day. We'll update you on a few..

1) Faith Hill is adopted.

2) Sloths can sleep up to 20 hours a day.

3) Piranhas will only bite you if you have an open wound.

The Final Count Down!

The AIA WBB Brazil Team will arrive next week on June 4th for training camp in Xenia, OH! Please come back and read more updates about our team!

Shannon

AIA WBB Brazil Team Director