...Not literally. The light in my room is still out. BUT I had a light bulb "ah hah!" moment yesterday. In fact, it was better than your best light bulb "ah hah!" moment!
I was supposed to start running my coaching program (where I use generic football drills to emphasize messages to the kids about trust, unity, teamwork etc.) but in typical Limbe/Africa fashion my first big moment was not the romanticized experience I was hoping for. Then on Tuesday I was supposed to run my program with the older group of kids again and no one showed up. Having already learned that getting demoralized here at the first or even the second set back will inevitably lead to a full nervous breakdown I kept fighting to get my chance.
Wednesday August 15 2012 was the day it all came together. I woke up to pouring rain which cut off just in time to have the sun shine down on this magical practice. The kids showed up and I started warm up. Which I moved into a simple passing drill where I emphasize trust and patience. Having Coach Lucas (the local AVFAL director) there was a huge help because he was able and willing to translate my explanations and ensure the message was getting across.
One drill led to another where I emphasized ball control and self control. Lucas once again explained my points and the looks on the kids faces told it all.
We ended with a Fair Play Game where the kids govern themselves in the game and I point out instances of both good and bad sportsmanship. For example, if you knock a player over while challenging for the ball you better turn around and help that player up. Because as I told the kids that day, we come to practice to get better not just as individuals but as a team. And at the end of the day we are all on the same team. The youngest and smallest player there acted as my referee and he LOVED having a whistle in his mouth. Not to mention the candy wrappers he found on the ground and used as red and yellow cards.
At the end of this magical 2 and a half hours I took a step back, took a deep breath, took in some sun and smiled and for the first time since I got here thought to myself with confidence that I was able, more than willing and actually accomplishing the goals I set out to. I used a simple football drill to teach a group of young Cameroonian football players about trust and patience.
I was proud to have been able to accomplish one of my goals here and it gave me confidence to move forward and accomplish all of my goals here!
The longer I am in Limbe (4 weeks on Saturday!!!) the closer October 13 seems and I am determined to get on that plane in 2 months and look back on my time here with pride when I tell myself that I positively affected the lives of the amazing kids I have met here.
I am still counting down the days until my departure date but NOT out of excitment of leaving. I am coutning down the days because I am trying desperately to accomplish all of the things I have set out to in my short time here. 3 months has seemed like forever, but at the end of the day it will be over in the blink of an eye. I better get off the internet and make the absolute most of my time here.
Loving this place. EXCEPT for the Nigerian television shows. They are bizarre and very loud and depressing and on EVERYWHERE. Besides that though, all is well.
I send my love to you all.
Josh
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