We arrived in Xela around mid-afternoon and checked into our hotel, Hotel Cuesta Real. After a short time or rest and unpacking, we regrouped and made our way to a local sports complex for a kids clinic. Our local contact, Marlon, met up with us at the gym and helped us get the kids organized for the clinic. We spent about an hour and half playing basketball, doing drills and having conversations of encouragement with the 30 kids from Marlon's ministry that attended the clinic. Our guys had a great time watching the kids play and interacting with them through sports. Hollis was able to share a short testimony of how God is good in all circumstances and that hard work is beneficial to you as a person but also brings glory to God.
After leaving the sports complex, we drove across town to another smaller gym to play some quick pick-up games with a few of the leaders in Marlon's ministry. Most of the hour was spent playing basketball and shooting around in the small local gym but the last half hour a few of the guys got to encourage the leaders by talking to them about how sports can be an effective ministry tool. Tim and Josep did a great job talking to the guys about how athletics has impacted their lives and how they see it as an invaluable tool in their lives to reach others for Christ.
There is always one competitive game to gear up for and this day was no different. After leaving Marlon's group, we headed to a local league facility to play against the local club team and some of their junior team. Our guys did a great job playing hard and the old guys (Horner, Schutt, Josep and Tim) were even able to play for part of the game. Horner shared after the game about how considering Christ is something all people should do and that He has a plan for their lives.
The night ended with some out of character festivities. The Guatemalan soccer league championship was being held in Xela last night. John A. and I were able to sneak off and catch the firs half from the first row at midfield. We made sure to identify who the home team was and cheer for them throughout our visit. The supporters were going crazy the entire match and we were told later that the match was akin to what the NBA Finals are like in America. Very.Cool.Experience. Later, after dinner, a few other of the guys were able to walk over to the stadium and catch the final few minutes as Xela made a comeback to claim their second straight title.
An eventful day ended with the short drive back to the hotel and everyone quietly retiring to their room. The wake-up call was earlier than usual this morning with the drive to Solala starting around 7:45 but energy was high because the guys knew that a trip to the Eagle's Nest children's home and Lake Atitlan were next on the schedule.
We have had amazing traveling experiences and have been well received at every stop. Continue praying for openness, sensitivity, and opportunities. We all agree that the trip has flown by and we can't believe it is already Friday afternoon. Beautiful views, light shopping and a few more basketball games are all that stand between us and the end of the trip. Pray we make the most of it!
Adios from Lake Atitlan
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