Revisiting Haiti

No, I'm not going back. Not yet at least. But I still want to continue to follow the progress of those who I met down in that amazing country and keep others posted on a few things that are still happening. First I recently started sponsoring a kid that I met down in Kenscoff. His name is Jeffery Pierre. In my opinion, he was hands down the friendliest kid we met at the NPH orphanage, taking time to talk to Rachel and I and seemed generally interested in being our friend. He also LOVED my hair, as you can see in the picture below (he's the one petting me). I hope to return to Haiti, if/when Rachel goes back, and visit him.

While spending time in Port-au-Prince, I had the chance to meet and talk with a guy named Bryn Mooser. I've mentioned him before on the blog, so my long time readers probably recognize the name. He and a friend have spent a large amount of time working in Haiti, shooting footage for their website and documentary that they were putting together. I recently was forwarded this video put together by Bryn and his friend, showing their attempt at the first Little League team in Haiti. The idea is a bit whacky in comparison to what Haitians really need, but its a good idea to give kids an outlet for fun, away from the horrors that fill their daily lives. Plus, its a beautifully crafted clip.

Bryn is a bit of a hipster from LA but he is doing good work in a place that needs it and that's all that anyone can ask: that people take initiative, go out, and try to make the world a better place.

Futbol in Central America

Wow. This is has been a crazy week. I’ve slept more in barns and hotels than my own bed. These are stories for the future though. Tonight, I thought I’d give everyone a little taste of what Central American soccer is like.

Last Saturday, Brenda, Emelie, Sam, and I head off to Estadio Mario Camposeco to take in a Xelaju MC soccer game. Xelaju played their rivals from Guatemala City, Comunicaciones. Since beer isn't sold in the stadium, we decide to pregame a little in the surrounding streets. We find what I think was about 32 ounce beers that costs a whole $2.50 American. Insane. Below, Brenda, Sam, and I toast to the good life.

Los Superchivos, as Xelaju is called, tied the game on a magnificent goal in the closing minutes. Final score: 2-2.

However, the game was not the point. The experience around the game is what made this night. Now, of all the soccer I’ve seen around the world, the Seattle Sounders give fans the best experience hands down. But this game was a close second. While the stadium is small (about 8000 “seats”… many people sit in aisles, on walls, etc.) the crowd is energetic, lively, and allowed to do basically whatever they want. The supporters section shoots off fireworks (BIG fireworks, not just smoke bombs) during play and opposing fans are kept in a police guarded cage. When the game’s officials leave the field, they have a swat team protecting them. The home fans sit on top of the barbed fence, swearing and throwing anything they can get their hands on at the away team.

The night was fantastic fun and I look forward to returning to many more games later this season. For now, I will leave you with a video of the opening kickoff fireworks.