By the Way

I neglected to mention that yesterday (Badminton Guru day), I was asked to interview with one of the local television stations. The reporter asked me some questions about why I would take my personal time to come and help with a basketball camp, and to talk a little about my basketball philosophy. I found out today that I was on the news last night with a 1.5 million+ viewing area. It's nice to be a television celebrity.

The Badminton Guru

You know the drill by now wake up, breakfast, leave. We went and bought some water to mix the Gatorade (which was delicious today (Thanks Tom)), and then went to the gym to prepare. We had about the same number in both groups.
The little guys were great again. I worked a lot with the youngest crew there, and really enjoyed the spirit and positive attitudes of the kids (I think I've been hanging around with too many adults of late). I talked about what it means to be a real man during our devotional time with the guys.
The older guys were good also. Their skills seem to have improved quite a bit since yesterday. We played a three on three tournament that did get a little physical at times, but always ended with good attitudes. All of the guys played a huge game of knockout (my least favorite of basketball associated drills though it was from the 3 point line instead of the free throw line). Steve told me and Jon to jump in line so we did. (Jon, the little booger, got in line 4 guys behind me). I hit my first 2 shots, and the 4th. The rest were put backs. Jon was one guy behind me when he got put out. There were still about 20 guys left and I missed my 3 to the right and Jon, standing there, kicked my ball out of bounds, so I run and grab it and pull the 27 footer, dropping it right over the backboard, before the other guy makes it. I think todays shooting was more exhilarating than yesterday (though yesterday was pretty special). The guys erupted, none of them could believe I made the shot. Later there were 5 left and I was one of them, and Gary blows the whistle for us to end. I was playing the knockout game of my life and he ended it on a blown whistle; I was crushed (I might have actually won (oh well)).
Jon and I went back to the office to change shoes to get ready to leave, and one of the older coaches comes in. Just to be polite I ask how he's doing. He responds via Ira, and talks about the team and how the guys improving and all of that. He then begins talking about how he was a European champion in badminton. I offered him some Gatorade but he wasn't interested. I asked if I could shake his hand, and I did. I have shaken the hand of a European Badminton Champion; jealous aren't you (you can touch my hand if you ask nicely). He then went and got the medal and certificate he had received yesterday from some playing a while back. I was kind of surprised that it was so small (I've received bigger medals at sports camp), but I've never been as proud of any of my medals as this man was of his. He then proceeded to take us to his office, discussing the finer points of badmintoning. Ira was translating for us. He then turned on his computer (thanks Daewoo) to show us an instructional Chinese badminton video. That was after he froze Explorer trying to open the thing (people think I'm impatient with a computer, he twentytuple clicked and froze it). I wanted to make a suggestion but thought it best to sit patiently. I finally did offer to help and opened the video. It had awesome chinese spa music in the background, and I have never seen badminton techniques that could be mistaken for yoga (of course I've never seen badminton played in slow-mo). Then Ira gets a phone call and leaves; at this point coach wants to emphasize some of the points made in the video, and he didn't use any numbers or greetings or letters of the alphabet (which is the sum of my Russian speaking knowledge), so regardless I did a lot of nodding and have almost perfected the emotive grunt. This went on for almost 15 minutes, Ira came back and told us we needed to meet Aunt Cathy for a graduation party. I waited a few more minutes (we were actually hitting the bird now) and conjured the courage to tell him that we would love to stay and watch more of the video but we have a meeting we needed to get to. So I shook 'the hand' again and left.
We went to a restaurant to get some drinks and then Aunt Cathy told us we were going to take a taxi, but she said we had to tell the guy we were late for a meeting and needed to get there (the idea being it would be one crazy ride). Unfortunately, we had a very scrupulous taxi driver and it was not death defying or even remotely exciting (thanks for all of the prayers mom, steal all of my fun).
We arrived at the church for the pizza party for the kids from the camp, after getting some 2 liters (yeah they do have Pepsi). About 20 of the players showed up including one of my little guys. We had plenty of pizza and drinks for everyone and had a really good time. We played the push game and the kids really enjoy playing that especially with Greg and Jon (I'm not as good as they are (though I introduced the game).
I noticed a lady outside of the church and she was walking up and down in front of the building. I saw her twice as I was taking out the trashing a couple different times; I wanted to inviter her in but thought she is probably waiting on a ride or something. She was still there about 15 minutes later so I asked Ira to go and ask her if she would like a piece of pizza. She came over and I introduced myself while Ira got her some pizza. She asked if I was from the States and what kind of church this was. She then asked about the church having connections in France and I went to get Gary on that one and left him with the conversation but this was a very significant moment for me. It couldn't have been more obvious but I still questioned the validity of the situation: this woman was pacing the sidewalk in front of the church; it should have been obvious that she wanted in but I didn't see it at first. Finally I noticed and thought why didn't I invite her in the first place, she belongs in here. It was a wonderful and perspective changing moment and I am thankful for it.
I went back inside and talked to my little guy for a bit. He was very thankful for the energy I put into the camp and said that he is having a lot of fun and learning a lot. I also invited them to the church on Sunday. I invited some of the older guys to come on Sunday also and they invited me and Jon and the others to go to one of their street courts on Saturday to may be play some there. I said I would really like but I don't (and still don't) know the schedule.
I rode the van back with one of the guys and we talked about basketball. He wants to play ball at college but his shooting skill is keeping him out, so tomorrow Jon and I will give him some shooting drills and tips to help him out.
Jon and I made it back with 1/2 a pizza, and there's still a cold Sprite waiting in the fridge. Spakoima Noche.

The Pros

Today began with bacon, eggs, and cereal. We arrived a bit early at the meeting point so I had time to contemplate the impending chaos. We have the younger group in the morning and I was to lead warm-ups. We arrived 30 minutes early and began to set up though there were already a number of kids there. We ended up with about 40 about half and half boys and girls. I decided to be as crazy and enthusiastic as I could, so I did. Lots of fun but a draining investment.
Jon and I did a devo together with about 10 of the guys. We talked about the necessity of training for an athlete and how it is similar to the training of a Christian. They asked a few questions about America, and Jon was hairs away from being mortally wounded when a hurdle hurtled from its precarious perch above the place he was sitting; no serious injuries were reported.
The young group was great and I really look forward to being with them tomorrow. Cathy prepared lunch, so we ate and lounged for about an hour. I had planed to lift, but the room was closed because it it Trinity Day today (a holiday in the Ukraine (though I myself and not complete convinced of the theological existence of such a being based on sound textual evidence)). And the strength and conditioning coach wants to charge me 20 grievna a day to lift; I don't pay half of the that for huge facility in the States! I don't know if I will lift tomorrow or not; I don't feel like being nickel and dimed in a foreign country.
The older kids were good for the most part though they do their own thing a lot more than the younger kids, but many of them were there actively search after the knowledge that we offered about basketball. We did some one on one's, knockout championship, and some position group work. The girls are a great group because they listen a lot more out of respect for us than many of the older boys. There were quite a number of tall guys probably 15 taller than me and one that was definitely pushing 6'9''.
Afterward one of the guys asked if we would like to play some 5 on 5 full court. Jon and I were both really tired but didn't feel it was appropriate to decline since the coach from the college was going to be there watching. It turns our the guys we were playing with a professional players in the Ukraine. One guy (who I affectionately call Sticks) was 7'. Jon and I were on opposite teams. Every time I got the ball in the post area I had this intense urge to drive the ball right at Sticks, and did so successfully scoring my first points on a very my style drive and layup. I then put a 3 in Sticks eye off a screen, and later hit a pull-up 3. It was a lot of fun and I experienced some pride motivation that I never had before; it was a very Olympic feeling. I don't know how long we played but exhaustion got tired and went home and fatigue had gone to take a nap. I don't think I have ever sweat so much.
We walked to the restaurant where the others were getting ice cream and drinks, but as thirsty as I was I couldn't bring myself to pay 8 for a half liter of water when I could get 1.5 liters for 4. So I waited and eventually bought a bottle and downed it pretty quickly at the church where we had class. Ira and I were late for Greg's lesson with the youth group but we had a good time, talking afterwards and playing the push game of which Jon and Greg are disputed co-champions. (Rachel and I are not very good)
After class Steve, Rachel, Jon, Greg, Ira, Jane, Olga, and I went to TGIFriday's for dinner. The food was good though it took forever to get there. Jon didn't get his steak for 2 hours. We were all very tired and I wouldn't be surprised if all were asleep but me right now since it is now 1 o'clock. It's alright though, it's my duty and pleasure to listen to music and let you know what's up with these beautiful kids in the Ukraine.
Monday has been a pretty big day: single-handedly entertained 40 kids with a language barrier, screamed and yelled for 3 hours, and scored 8 on the Ukrainian Pros in a 25-35 minute game of ball. What more could there be?

Day Two with Old Helen

Day two: Eggs (4), apple, and cereal (especially delicious). We went to church this morning at nine (dievit). There were about 35 there. I sat in the back with my translator Ira; the songs were all familiar old school tunes but in Russian. I could pronounce some of the words but mostly sang like someone who doesn't know the lyrics to a song. There were two lessons given by Gary and the resident preacher's son Dima led singing.
Afterwards Jon, Rachel, Olga, Ira, and I went with Masha to her home for 'pancakes' with strawberries and rose jam. We then went to the airport to pick up Rachel's dad (Father's Day gift). We took him to his residence to crash and then went to Jane's (who is Greg's translator) house to have another study with the babushkas. Old Helen was there this time and told us an animated story of her trip to America. She is quite a character, and being a great-grandmother and ex-Soviet agent (more on this later (I hope)), she holds my utmost respect. Though at the end of Greg's lesson, she became very serious as she asked if she could ask a question. She was very hesitant and apologized in advance if her question was offensive. I'm looking a Gary preparing to hear a lengthy theological discussion, but Old Helen turns and looks straight at me and asks how long I have had my hair in dreadlocks. I am overcome by the uniformity of people across the globe. I smiled and said two (divat) months. She asked how you do them. We suggested in jest that she should do some to which she replied very seriously that she wouldn't mind. I told her the two people that helped my (thanks Kim and Tyler (I owe you much and then some)) spent 20+ hours on my hair and that since her hair was much longer it would take much longer. She also asked when I last washed my hair (some stereotypes are worldwide). We had hot tea and cakes. Jon was struggling to stay awake during the lesson (no offense Greg), but we persevered through two lectures (one in English the other in Russian). We then went to the market where we ate at the same buffet as the first night (though it was in a mall).
Kathy and I purchased groceries for breakfast and the lunch we will be providing for tomorrow; typical foodstuffs: ham, cheese, bread, juice, tomatoes, chips (bacon, chicken, sour cream and onion, and cheddar). We returned to the flats afterward with instructions about tomorrow. The shower, some music, some writing, and some sleeping, for tomorrow we ball.
P.s. Happy Father's Day dad.

Flight Over and Day One

All of the flights went relatively smoothly, though when I told Jon to take off his shoes, he grabbed the one out of his bag and Tom got busted for two bottles of shampoo in his carry on. In Chicago it was my turn for trying to smuggle a bottle of water they had given me on the first plane past security. The plane to Vienna was almost as colorful as the air hostess' garb. The flight was tolerable and dinner and breakfast where very good. We stood in the Vienna airport for a couple of hours seeing some interesting clothing and hair styles. There were two gentlemen with turbans and sweet beards and 'staches. The plane to Dneproptrosk was smaller but still okay. Fatigue had sat in by this flight, and was really the power that saw me through the lunch that was served. We landed at an old airport and stood in line at the customs stations for almost an hour. There was a handball team from Norway there going to compete in a tournament trying to qualify the world championships. All of our bags made it through. The translators and preacher was there to meet us (a very enthusiastic group) with hugs all around. We loaded the van and were shown to our flats. Tom, Greg, Jon, and I are in a two bed, two bath, and two kitchen flat on the eight floor of a very nice building. They are air conditioned with hot water and heated towel racks. They also have free internet. The power conversion was a little bit of a struggle but the jerry-rig is working. The time difference is eight hours and we are in our flat about to go to bed right now. We changed some money and went out for dinner. I learned a few words in Russian, and t
he numbers 0-10. We went to the grocery store afterward and bought some breakfast stuff. Jon and I got some cereal, milk, eggs, and apples. We went back to the flat showered (some of us), and went to bed after being awake for 30 hours.

Day one: we met our translators in the lobby at 9 after having breakfast, and met the whole group outside of the opera house. We the went to the gym; the coach met us there and let us shoot around for a while. He then showed us some of their facilities including a weight room that was really nice. We then went out for pizza that was pretty good. We then split up into groups to go visit the homes of some of the members to teach and listen to concerns and opinions. Aunt Kathy and I went to the home of some of the older ladies (the babushkas). We had some time before we were to meet them so we looked around the market. We walked through the meat market, and I found a power extension that worked. We met the ladies at the mall and went to the house. There we talked (I mean they) quite a bit about various things. The most interesting thing I was asked was what I thought about the Harry Potter series and th DaVinci Code. They maintained that since Jesus was not treated as a holy man the writer of the book is a satanist. I decided not to delve deeper into their opinion of a man thousands of miles away. After we talked, we met the rest of the group and ate. The waitress did not get Jon and I's orders correct, but we ate anyway. We the went to the Dnep river (largest river in the Ukraine) and walked along the bank. We got to the end of the walk and there was huge screen set up with lots of people milling about. We had heard that Paul McCartney was going to be in Kiev, but they were doing a huge promo and were going to show the concert live on the screen. We stayed a little while but there was a storm sitting on the other side of the river so we went back to the flat. Jon and I are sitting in the room watching the concert on the tv. I learned some more words and the Russian alphabet. I can now read words (though quite a few are in Ukrainian which has some different letters) in Russian; I also learned 20,30,40-100. I might try to investigate verbs tomorrow, but for now shower, more food, Paul, and bed.