Last Bolivian Blog

Lastly, the oldest team that I coached with the basketball program, was a mix of guys and girls 15-18 years old. They wanted to go on a camping trip, so thats what we did. We loaded up all our stuff into a mini bus at 6 in the morning to make the 2 hour drive to our camp site. (kewiña) When we arrived, we got our stuff in our cabin and made our way straight to the rock wall. All the kids participated and made it to the top of at least one of the levels of the rock wall. My dad, cousin Julie, and myself participated as well.  We were all very impressed and humbled to see Fanny, one of the girls from the team, make her way to the top of each of the different levels. She was the only person that made it up the most challenging part of the wall. Her determination was very impressive to watch. Many times I thought she was stuck or was going to quit but she just kept going with seemingly in-exhaustive forearm strength. I´m convinced she has all that forearm strength from washing clothes by hand-but thats just my excuse I guess. 

After our morning rock wall activity, the kids prepared us lunch (silpancho). We had a little down time to rest in the afternoon before going out for a late afternoon hike. We made our way back just before dark. One group started preparing dinner, and others helped get a big camp fire going. We had fire roasted apples (healthier than s`mores:) as well as music and singing with the guitar. We finished off the night with a shortened version of the challenge obstacle course that we did with the other younger teams. 

The next morning we decided to have a team hike at 6 am in order to get to the top of the hill/mountain as the sun was coming up. Well, we awoke to rain and I was thinking we should just cancel the hike because it would be all muddy and dangerous with footing. As I was ready to go back to bed Fanny and Mayerlin told me, ¨come on coach, its not raining that hard.¨ That was all I needed to hear. We were up, some needed the additional help of a little cold water, but we all got up and were on our way. 

So on our climb, we totally missed the path and instead made our own through brush and not so pleasant climbing conditions. It was challenging and steep for awhile and it was fun to see the kids working together to help out their teammates and friends in some of the more difficult spots. We were living teamwork out on a more practical level and it was needed. Not only the physical help but the mental and emotional encouragement to continue on. We had some other twists and turns along the way, some positive, others more challenging, but we eventually all made it to the top. Instead of seeing the sun come up at the top we were hit with even harder rain and clouds. We spent some time reflecting on our climb and some things that they learned from it. Even though it was challenging along the way, they were all satisfied that they didn`t take the easy road of staying in bed. They felt a sense of accomplishment, an experience that they will always remember-probably more fondly now that its done:) I think this  experience has a lot to teach me, the kids who climbed, and to a degree you who are reading.

We got back from our cold hike to some warm breakfast (api), that the adults prepared, and we couldn`t have been more thankful for something hot. Afterwards, we packed our stuff together and made our way back to Cochabamba. The trip was great fun and an unforgettable way to finish off a very special year. I won`t soon forget the kids who made this last year such a success. To everyone who participated with, la escuela de basquét, I hope we can find a way to make it a possibility for you again next year. 

This blog ends my writing about my time in Bolivia. I hope to be able to update you soon on what I am looking to pursue next. 

On the mini-bus towards the camp site

My cousin Julie-climbing the rock wall

My dad climbing the rock wall

Cumbre-top

Fanny-champion of the rock wall

Scenery on our climb

Enjoying a rest

Our camp site sat above 11,000 feet (a beautiful view)

Mayerlin on our afternoon hike

Julie with some of the kids

sandwich 

Critical thinking activity

Fun challenge

End of the Year Activities/Family

Blog-End of Year Activities/Family

With the end of our basketball tournament, as well as the school year coming to a close, we decided to do something special with each of the teams participating (6) with our basketball program. We wanted to do something special for the kids, so they could finish the year in a fun way with motivation towards the future. At the same time, I also had the privilege of being able to receive the blessing of my parents arrival to Cochabamba, Bolivia to come visit me during the last two weeks of the year. With some help from family and friends, we planned out dynamic activities for each of the six participating teams (la escuela de basquét). 

My parents arrived just in time for all the fun or chaos.-(depends on your perspective I guess) We had one day together to see lots of places and have good conversations with many great people that I have been able to know over the last couple years. We met my Bolivian family for a nice dinner of quinoa and a vegetable meat mix, which was very tasty. I was able to show them a (apoyo escolar) help center for kids with education that I volunteered at last year, as well as meet the great staff that so selflessly gives of their time, talent, and love. We were able to go on a little tour of the grounds at santa vera cruz, another work site for me where I worked with a basketball team with Hermana Juana-(Religious sister who volunteered with the basketball school) As well as, take some time to be out in nature and walk a trail next to lago angostura (lake) to enjoy good conversation and the beauty of nature. 

On day two the activities began! With the help of my cousin Julie, we planned a challenge obstacle course where teams participated in various different challenges and fun activities. Our course was set up as followed....

Challenge 1-Ultimate Frisbee-two large laps around a designated course with your team-advancing only by throwing the frisbee.

Challenge 2-Human Knot-each teammate had a piece of small rope that they could not let go of-by use of communication and problem solving they had to try and form a knot over one of the pieces of rope.

Challenge 3-Basketball shooting contest-Each team had to make 5 shots from five different locations before they could move on to their next challenge.

Challenge 4-Hang 5-7 (depending on age group) nails over a stretched out piece of string-The nails had to be hanging/balancing all at the same time. This activity really tested patience, strategy, and a steady hand.

Challenge 5-Oreo Eating-Start with oreo laying on your forehead. Without using hands or physical help from a partner, move the oreo down your face to your mouth to eat. 

Challenge 6-Noodle Pass-Teams had to form a line with each participant holding a straw in their mouth. They could only use the straws to pass the noodle down their line and into a container. Once 10 noodles were passed down the line and into the bucket they were able to move onto the next challenge. 

Challenge 7-Rubber band shooting contest-knock down plastic cups off of a table by shooting rubber bands. 

We had at least one adult with each team to make sure they were completing each of the challenges correctly and were not cheating. Each team started at a different challenge. It was a race to see which team could finish all of the different challenges first. Ready, Set, Lets Go...

After the race, we had pizza, drinks, snacks, as well as some prizes for the kids. We finished with some words of appreciation to them for their participation, as well as words of encouragement for the future. We had to end with one more game of basketball-they insisted-so we stayed and finished with basketball games. This was more or less the schedule with the two groups that we had, 8-11 boys and girls and 12-14 boys and girls. We mixed two teams together so they could participate with other kids their age as well as to have a bigger group=more fun atmosphere. We had between 25-30 kids for each of the two groups.

So now this left just two more teams...As we were planning our activities with the kids I noticed, as I was riding in public transportation, bill boards with Nick Vujicic on them saying that he was coming to Cochabamba to give talks. I have heard some of Nick`s talks on youtube and have been encouraged by his messages. Nick was born without arms and legs. His story can teach us, among many things, that with faith, a positive attitude, and lots of resilience, the only limitations that we have are the ones that we place on ourselves. Anything is possible. Impossible turns into-Im possible. 

What an amazing opportunity to be able to finish the year. We went and listened to Nick talk about life, things that go beyond the game. We were able to get tickets to listen to him speak to an auditorium full of about 3 thousand, mostly middle and high school students. His message was powerful and encouraging to all who were present. I talked with the kids afterwards and they really enjoyed the experience. 

My parents and myself teaching some kids at the education help center some chess

My parents and myself in the community where the help center is located

My Bolivian family with my parents and I

Oreo Challenge

Noodle Pass

Human Knot

Nail Hanging

Rubber Band Shooting

Frisbee Course

My cousin Julie helping her team hail the nails

Me explaining the basketball shooting challenge

Basketball Team listening to Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic

Hermana Juana-Religious Sister Volunteer

Beyond the Game-Tournament-Part 2

Beyond the Game-Mas allá del Juego

Part 2

So for any of you who read my last blog, I am sorry for leaving you hanging for a bit:) My intentions were to write a second blog about how the tournament turned out...but obviously that didn’t happen until now. 

It was a cool moment, when we were setting up to get everything in place, teams started to stroll in behind their banners, to chants, and with lots of enthusiasm. The magnitude of the event started to hit me, and the reality that I was in charge and largely responsible for how it would turn out made me anxious. As we waited for the teams to arrive, we had an entertainer (shown here on the left) playing music, getting the participants engaged with dances, cheering competitions, and games. The kids really got into it and it was fun so see the enthusiasm and participation. The picture on the right shows a team getting into the different cheers and activities before we started the inauguration.

The picture to the left is of our inauguration with principals from a few of the participating schools as well as staff from fe y alegría (faith and happiness) organization that helped the basketball program throughout the year. On the right is my cousin Julie and another volunteer Charlene.

The pictures to the left shows a little of the environment that the volunteers worked in.  I don´t think they had too many dull moments. Whether there was some confusion with schedules, that we had primarily during the first half hour to hour when teams were having difficulty reading the brackets, or kids just wanting to hang out and play. The volunteers were very busy, and at times, put under some high stress situations, but they handled it with patience, kindness, and smiles as you can see from the pictures. 

It was interesting for me to see what it was that I envisioned in my head and what actually transpired. A good part of the first day, was pretty hectic with lots of unforeseen things taking place. It was kind of like treading water to stay afloat. We had to work really hard but in the end we didn’t drown-so that was good. After day one we had some good conversations about what we needed to do to make day two go more smoothly. (less like treading water and more like floating on a raft down a lazy river). I´m not sure we quite made it to floating down a lazy river on a raft, but day two ran much more smoothly. 

The kids started to understand the structure of the tournament and they were really buying into it. (beyond the game). They were participating in the workshops on social justice, family, self-esteem, taking care of the environment, team building, non violence, life goals/dreams/vision, and many more. All the facilitators that I got to talk to said the teams participated very well and that attendance was very steady throughout the day (good numbers/participation). This was definitely a concern of ours, because it can be hard to convince young kids (adults too) of the importance of doing things like we were presenting in our workshops. 

Another area that I was very pleasantly surprised about was the cheering/motivation category that we had for the kids. When teams were not playing, participating in a workshop, they had the option of watching a game and receiving points if their entire team was cheering and encouraging teams as they played. We even had some waves taking place in the stands. As one volunteer, who was helping referee told me, it reminded me of being back in high school sports. It was a great and fun atmosphere. 

So to keep this blog update readable in length. I will sum it up saying the event was a success. We had our difficulties throughout the two days, but with the persistent work of our volunteers and the spirit of our participants, lots of fun was had, life skills and lessons were learned, and I believe positive fruit will come from it today and in the future.

A special thanks to my cousin Julie for all her help individually that she gave and also for recruiting others from the Maryknoll language institute. Without the collaboration of all who helped this event, it would never have been the success that it was. 

The picture below (left) is of the championship team in the category 12-14. This team participated in the basketball school that I helped form. They were also the overall champion (best team) of all the 26 teams that participated. With their combined efforts in games, workshops, and cheering/motivating we celebrate them in their continued efforts to learn from the game but to go BEYOND IT.  

Another cool moment for me was when a team that I had been training during the year (outside of the basketball program) participated in the tournament and won the category of 15-18. The picture to the left, is me with part of this team (Buenas Nuevas). And the individual picture is of the team captan giving a little speech about how I trained them during the year and how their team wanted to give their trophy as a sign of appreciation to me for the work that I did with them throughout the year. It definitely goes beyond sports and touches something more important. Life!

Beyond the Game-Mas allá del Juego

Blog-Basketball Tournament-Beyond the game

 (Campeonato de Basquét-Mas allá del juego)

Part 1

During the last month or so, we have been planning a basketball tournament for schools  in the south zone of the city. We wanted to have a tournament to allow the kids who have been participating with the basketball school a chance to play against other kids their age, as well as, invite others into an experience of the basketball school being something ¨beyond the game.¨ The idea behind this basketball school, or program, is to not only learn a sport or sports, but to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Each practice, we take time to do a team building activity, watch a short video about a theme with a discussion afterward, or some other activity or reflexion to help stimulate personal growth. We have also emphasized putting that personal growth into practice in our lives socially, by doing community service work, as well as in the way we interact with those around us in our day to day lives. So one of the many challenges was...how do we create this type of atmosphere and combine it with a basketball tournament?

With some discussion on how we could promote this feeling and experience of ¨beyond the game¨ we came up with a very unique program that would combine the aspects that we felt most important to try and convey with the participating schools. Our plan was to have two ¨tournaments¨ taking place at the same time, one being strictly basketball, and the other being a combination of participating in workshops, cheering for other teams, as well as the basketball games themself. This was the championship of the best overall ¨team¨ and the one which we were promoting the most. We set up a system where teams were awarded points based on winning or losing a game (10 or 5 points respectively) attending a workshop, somewhere between 1-10 points depending on their participation and other criteria decided by the facilitatores of these workshops, as well as between 1-10 points for encouraging another team during their game (cheering). 

Each team was responsible for bringing a score sheet with them wherever they went. They were not allowed to participate in anything without being responsible to present their team sheet before any activity. This made for a very fun and dynamic two days. Teams were constantly playing in a game, cheering for another team, or participation in a workshop. Something which for me made this day special, was the fact that everything was done by volunteers. The tournament itself was also voluntary for the players. 

Although this may sound relatively normal from the perspective in the United States, it is a completely different reality and culture here. For example, some of the challenges include kids who usually have to work on Saturday to make money for their family, were allowed to participate. (at least the majority of them) Another challenge is getting adults/young adults to volunteer their time when they are usually doing something to better the situation of their family. (an example of a starting salary for a teacher is about 200 dollars a month) In Bolivia, there is a very strong cultural pressure of obligation. Yes, this means that most of the protests and marches take place because people pay a good fine if they don´t show up. This can be said for school meetings, clean-ups, hunger strikes, and more. It is a sad reality and one that makes any event or activity that we attempt to do very challenging because it is always purely voluntary. 

I am pointing out or being critical of a negative aspect of the culture here, but there are many things about the culture that I do enjoy. I have experienced such generousness from so many people. Hospitality is something that is very ingrained in culture. I would also say that there is much more time for people and relationships. Families still largely live together or close by, and its not uncommon to spend hours just hanging out. (frequently:) From my experience, there is a strong emphasis on the community rather than the individual and this makes life more connected. Anyways, I wanted to point out some of the positives but also honestly speak out about a negative side of culture here. The culture of obligation gets my blood boiling! 

Its important to realize that within every culture there are positives and negatives. But without thought and reflection we can be swept away by the negative aspects of our culture without much thought of another way to live. My tangeant was only to point out that it is pretty special that we were able to put this tournament together with between 25-30 volunteers between the two days as well as giving all the players the freedom to choose their priorities which is something I think is hugely important...So when it came time Friday to start the event, we really had no idea how it would turn out. We put in the groundwork for a special tournament and now it was time to wait and see what would happen...