Once we arrived at the zip-lining course, they rushed us through the registration, outfitted us, and gave us an orientation on the gear. Before we could catch our breath, we were on the first zip-line flying through the air over the large distance between two sides of the mountain at about 45fps. The guys had a great time walking up the mountain around waterfalls and across wood bridges but had even more fun coming down the mountain in a quick flight down a suspended cable.
After we finished the zip-line course, we quickly rode back up the mountain to change out vans and say a quick goodbye to Pedro and the people at Eagle's Nest. After some quick pictures, it was back in the van for the drive back down the mountain but this time we were headed a little closer to Guatemala City to the city of Antigua. Antigua is known for two things: short term Spanish classes and outdoor market shopping. We didn't have enough time for the language classes (or that much interest) so we quickly made our way into the markets for some negotiating and possibly, purchasing. We all had a great time trying to get coffee, jerseys, trinkets, bracelets and various souvenirs for the best price possible. Shopping and lunch had to be done quickly though, because a final game in Guatemala and a rematch with Prepa was schedule for the early evening.
We left Antigua after a little over 2.5 hours and headed for the Prepa campus for our big game. The guys knew what to expect out of Prepa at this game: new players that weren't there Monday, a larger crowd that would cheer loudly, and a group of referees that were extremely patriotic. The Prepa team did not disappoint. They entered to large cheers and even performed several chants while warming up. They began the game with the same spirit that they had shown in pre-game. However, we quickly began to build a lead and take control of the game. The guys showed, for the first time in Guatemala and possibly all summer, that they can play at a higher level as a team. The game started as a back and forth contest with our guys building a small lead. However, by halftime the lead grew to nearly 20 points. The second half began like the first half ended. We continued to build our lead and before Prepa could respond, we had built a near 40 point lead and put the game away. Everyone played hard and contributed in some way as we capped off the basketball portion of our trip with a 84-41 victory over basically, a version of the Guatemalan Junior National Team.
After the game, the guys were excited about their final meal and preparing for the return trip. Jaime had promised a special final meal and he delivered in a big way. Jaime set up reservations at a restaurant that overlooked all of Guatemala City and specialized in steaks and burgers. The guys ordered platter sized burgers and perfectly cooked steaks while enjoying the scenery and recapping the trip. It was a great experience to end the trip with and assured us of having full stomachs while finishing our packing and preparing for our early flight to Houston.
As we arrived at the Hotel Pan American, we quickly made our way to the rooms, packed our shopping bounty, and readied for a quick nap (since the wakeup call was set for 3:15am). The Hotel Pan American was built early in the 20th century and took its current name in 1942. So it was a very historical place and according to our guys, looked like something out of The Shining (historical motif in Guatemala comes across as creepy after midnight to Americans). A brief nap, lukewarm shower and Beverly Hillbilly style packing job later: we were on our way to the Guatemalan airport.
Flights were without incident, customs were uneventful (though a little more friendly than I'd like on the pat down), and before we were out of our haze of sleepiness, we arrived back in Jackson safely and sleepily. Thank you for all the prayer and support. Our team and basketball program are better for this entire experience and the constant support from our community only strengthens the relationship between our school and the people in Guatemala. God has proven Himself faithful throughout this process and hopefully we will be faithful with blessings and opportunities going forward.
Until next year,
Adios
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