Hello Everyone!!!
Throughout this trip, God has provided us with many opportunities to show his love to the sports community here in Guatemala City, and yesterday (Thursday, 6/3/2010) was no exception. The day started out at Si Deportes where Will did a sports psychology presentation for some of the staff members. In his presentation he talked about developing a positive attitude, goal setting, stages of team development, and enhancing team cohesion. Perhaps one of the most interesting parts of the morning was when the staff begin to tell us how they wanted to instill Christian values in there students and how they didn't want to run a program that did not include God.
Our afternoon and evening "appointments" was by far one of my favorite parts of the day (no offense, Will 
). That afternoon we went to the national soccer federation offices and FIFA training center. There we met with Patty and Dr. Chang (physiotherapist and team physician for the Guatemala women's national soccer team, respectively). Patty asked us if we would be willing to look at a couple of injured athletes and give her our opinion in regards to rehab/treatment options. We spent the next couple of hours doing evaluations on athletes and showing Patty some additional rehab exercises that she could use in order to help her athletes fully recover. I left the training facility feeling privileged, blessed, and extremely grateful. Privilege, that God had given me this opportunity; blessed, that I was able to help Patty with her athletes; and grateful for the facilities, rehab tools, and the extensive medical network that I have access to in Charlotte. I didn't think that the day could get any better. That is, until we went back to Si Deportes.
After a quick dinner, we arrived back a Si Deportes for an assembly with the athletes. We each shared our personal testimony as to how we got to this current point in our lives. Because some the instructors told us earlier that day that some of the athletes/students came from single parent homes, I knew I could connect with them on that level, because I came from a single parent home also. I wanted to let them know that just because you come from a single parent home does not mean that you cannot accomplish your goals. I also wanted to share with them a few of my "failures" to let them know that setbacks are common, and they will happen, but you can't let them discourage you from pursuing what you are passionate about. The most memorable moment of the evening and, in my opinion the entire trip, was when we sat down to eat dinner with the athletes. Although some of us (myself included) are not fluent in spanish, the meal was filled with lots of laughter!! I had to opportunity to meet Melba (who will be participating in the junior olympics) and Mandia (a tennis player). Mandia somehow convinced us to join her in an impromptu dance party. It was so rewarding to see the smiles on the girls faces as we took turns dancing with them. It was AMAZING!! As we walked back to our van to head back to the hotel, I couldn't help but be in awe as to how God lined everything up for us. I don't think that anyone would look at a volcano eruption as being a blessing, but the truth is that if Pacaya had not erupted then events of today would not have happened .
Eternally Grateful,
Alda Burston, MEd, LAT, ATC (UNC Charlotte)