Gods perfect timing I've really begun to truly understand this concept. I know God his plan, but sometimes we get impatient with Him and think we can do it in our strength. Or maybe we begin to think God your taking too long, so I'm gonna go ahead and do this my own way. When you do this you risk missing out and your true blessing from God! God loves me so much, I know this and the best part is He listens when I talk!
So my trip to Wichita was a little crazy I had to go from Jacksonville, to Chicago have a 3 hour layover then fly into Wichita. Before leaving Chicago on the plane thee most craziest thing happened or at least I witnessed it! This old man 3 rows ahead of me starts gasping for air and yelling apparently he was having a stroke. The flight attendant is trained for these situations, she yells to the passengers to help put the man on the ground, the passengers comply and one is a nurse begins to do CPR. They shout he has no pulse, the paramedics are on the way but there is no time to wait, they continue giving CPR for about 5 minutes maybe more and still no pulse they shocked him, and he came back to life literally! It was crazy he was in shock, and was going crazy and yelling random slurs of words. The paramedics finally arrived and later announced that he indeed did have a stroke and that the ladies who helped him had saved his life. It was crazy to me while they were giving CPR I prayed to God to bring him back to life please, and no less than when I finished he began to breathe. God listens!!! I love it, I'm in love with God like a child is with Toys R Us haha.
Anyways that was scary, but eventually we took off and I arrived here in Wichita, Kansas for my trial. Small town but boyyyy it gets hot up here. I spoke with a few people and they said the weather get easily into the 100s in the summer, and that it gets ice cold in the winters with a ton of snow! Anyways I came up here to trial for the Wichita Wings it's a two day trial. Basically all the ones who do well on Saturday get invited back to Sunday. And from there they choose 5-8 players to be invited to training camp and from there they sign about 4 players approx. So before heading to trial this weekend, I had prayed to God to please give me grace and favor this weekend over the coaches, and of course that His perfect will may be done over me! So the next morning I had arranged with the team and hotel for a shuttle to pick me up Saturday morning to take me to the arena, unfortunately they weren't able to and I had to call a cab last minute. The cab arrives quickly we begin talking and I notice he has an I love Jesus sticker, I ask him if he's a Christian, and he is. God is everywhere, and when you begin to seek him you begin to see how he puts people in your life. From there I go to the tryout and excel above the competition at least most of it. I get recognition from the coaches, and they ask me about where I've played before etc. I obviously don't have a ride to the hotel, but get this the GM offers to take me to the hotel and reimburse me for the taxi cost if I make the final cut, AND the head coach offers to pick me up the next morning to take me to training, and finally they offer to take me to the airport as well. I'm the only one who got this type of treatment, if that is not the grace, and blessing of God, and Him giving me favor to the coaches above all the players then I don't know what is!
So Saturday was obviously great, Sunday morning I woke up at 6AM to be able to get some prayer time, shower, get ready, and grab breakfast, turns out the coach called the hotel and they notified me letting me know that he would be coming at 745AM no biggie, I just decided to hang out and watch TV. Once the coach arrived, I met his wife he took me over to the arena and showed me the team locker room, the office, etc etc. It was nice to be in the arena before anyone I stretched out and just warmed up on my own, had some shots on goal, basically got comfortable. So Sundays plan was too cut the majority of players and invite back about 5-9 players to training camp which is basically preseason on October 15th. We were told before practice, that today we were going to be allowed to play a lot more than yesterday and that they wanted to see if we had would it takes to play the fast paced game that is indoor soccer. From there we had some drills that we did for about 45 mins I'd guess then hopped into playing full side 5v5. The game of indoor is different it's a mixture of hockey, basketball, and obviously soccer. I'd explain it, but it takes too long and yeah I'm being a lazy blogger. Google MISL rules, there you can see what it's all about. So anyways I felt I performed pretty good, could've maybe directed the team a little better with my communication skills, but at times I got frustrated. Either way I kept playing at a high level and competing. Once training was done, he called out a couple names that were invited back. My name was not called. Right after though, Head Coach Lebaron asked to speak with me one on one. He said Sammie (assistant coach), and himself were really impressed with my abilities and wanted to offer me a 3 year rookie contract offer. I almost wanted to hug him on the spot just cause I felt like I've come such a long way from struggling on the field, off the field, and even with myself, and to get another opportunity just like the Jax Destroyers offered me, I felt humbled again. I immediately thanked God in my mind and was jumping for joy on the inside. I was just so happy. After that Mr. Hartman the owner of the arena and team, came and said hello to me, and basically welcomed me to the franchise and said you looked good out there, again I was just humbled. God blessed me with this talent and I want to give Him as much glory as possible regardless of what people tell me. From there the GM John took me to the office and spoke to me about the contract. For obvious reasons I won't be disclosing any details of my contract. But from there I told them to give me a week to discuss it with my parents, and have a final decision. They said it was fine, and from there I had to rush to catch my flight. Again being blessed by God with good people being put around me, John (GM) gave me a lift to the hotel, and airport such a great guy by the little I know him, well spoken man.
So now....I just landed in Atlanta I'm on a 1 hour layover from Wichita and flying from here to Miami. It's been almost a month since I been home (feels like more), and I'm not going back home to rest unfortunately instead I'm going back to take care of my fathers business as him and my mom have left to Colombia for a week, and my brother asked me to do him the favor so that he can travel to Puerto Rico. Of course I accepted to do this, I know he'd do the same for me. So I arrive in Miami in a few hours, and can't wait to see my brothers. While in town I'm lucky enough to be going to see the Barcelona vs Chivas game in Miami courtesy of my older brother! Thank you brotha! I feel jubilant right now, and could go on and on with all the people to thank, who have supported me, believed in me, and even those who doubted me, thank you all for pushing me! I'm boarding now my flight to Miami I'm blessed what a weekend. Give God the Glory. Will update you guys when I've made a decision on my contract!
God Bless
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
GOD, and the end of this season
Been getting real close to God and His love as of late. I'm beginning to understand His word a lot more. I feel so late, and so shocked at how far off course I am. I'm working to getting as close to God as possible, some call it radical, but I call it crazy to think otherwise! Were talking about GOD!! See I think the word God is thrown around so lightly that people don't really get the significance of it. But honestly God has the power to just blow wind on those people we idolize, strive to be like, desire to be, and says I can blow wind on them and they'll fall weary. Like I'm starting to see things from Gods point of view. Think about what God thinks, for example. He sees you choose sin (whatever it may be) and say you know what God I'm not ready to give this (sin) up for you, I enjoy it to much. Right there God is thinking what!? So wait up you'd rather do drugs, hurt yourself, have temporary satisfaction, instead of be like and with me?!?! I created the Earth and all the ocean, plants, does this not surprise you my divine power!? God is just confused looking at us, and saying how can you choose sin, and not want to be with me, apart of me! I offer you eternal life, the most the world offers is temporary satisfaction!!...........Sorry if it sounds like I'm yelling I just finally think I have grasped what God really wants, and really begin to look and think about things in a way that's like woah, that's God. I'm gonna quit this rant, but do think about it. Just run to God, give your all to Him He is more than worth it I promise!
On another note a soccer update, today is the last game of the season versus Bradenton we've tied them once at home and lost twice away. This is the last game of the season and it's at home, time to win! I gotta say I've been blessed this summer regardless of this last result. I've made new friends, have had a new experience, have had some of the best conversations ever late at night with my awesome host mother. Our convos would carry on till 1AM sometimes. I've had the pleasure of eating 5 star meals from my host father, and have had the pleasure of getting along with all their kids. But back to the topic of soccer. I have to really thank everyone in the organization, and everyone who has really offered a helping hand. I'm amazed at the support, and unity this community has to help people out. I want to wish my fellow teammates nothing but the best, and hope that God may guide each one of you in your next step in life. Kareem I hope to see you playing pro this season, your a good friend, but a better person wish you nothing but the best. There are to many people to thank, and wish best of luck. So I wish everyone the best of luck, and success in your next step in life!
As for myself I have begun with the help of some great people to attempt to get back into the professional ranks. And now more than ever, I have no doubt that God will take me there. I have no doubt. I have the support of so many people, and I've seen God take my desires, and game to new levels. I'm working hard, and there is still a long way to go but I know the time is coming! God is good! I actually had a dream last night of playing first division in Norway. The colors of the team were like that of the flag, lol I thought it'd be funny to put that in there. Well that's it for me. I got to shower and get to my pregame meal. If you grasp anything from this post, it's to look around you, and be thankful. Then look up and be fearful, but happy cause God loves you. Thanks for reading.
God Bless!
On another note a soccer update, today is the last game of the season versus Bradenton we've tied them once at home and lost twice away. This is the last game of the season and it's at home, time to win! I gotta say I've been blessed this summer regardless of this last result. I've made new friends, have had a new experience, have had some of the best conversations ever late at night with my awesome host mother. Our convos would carry on till 1AM sometimes. I've had the pleasure of eating 5 star meals from my host father, and have had the pleasure of getting along with all their kids. But back to the topic of soccer. I have to really thank everyone in the organization, and everyone who has really offered a helping hand. I'm amazed at the support, and unity this community has to help people out. I want to wish my fellow teammates nothing but the best, and hope that God may guide each one of you in your next step in life. Kareem I hope to see you playing pro this season, your a good friend, but a better person wish you nothing but the best. There are to many people to thank, and wish best of luck. So I wish everyone the best of luck, and success in your next step in life!
As for myself I have begun with the help of some great people to attempt to get back into the professional ranks. And now more than ever, I have no doubt that God will take me there. I have no doubt. I have the support of so many people, and I've seen God take my desires, and game to new levels. I'm working hard, and there is still a long way to go but I know the time is coming! God is good! I actually had a dream last night of playing first division in Norway. The colors of the team were like that of the flag, lol I thought it'd be funny to put that in there. Well that's it for me. I got to shower and get to my pregame meal. If you grasp anything from this post, it's to look around you, and be thankful. Then look up and be fearful, but happy cause God loves you. Thanks for reading.
God Bless!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Late...
My dream is soccer. Help me not to get sidetracked. But it's tough we live in a world that demands something out of yourself at a certain age. I'm not there, I try doing things on the side, but I shouldn't be there. My goal, dream, profession is soccer. Can't I just be happy with what that brings? Why can't I learn to admire the struggle for the reward will be greater once achieved. God is love, He is my life, doesn't that provide enough for me? God you are my provider, but times are hard, I won't lose faith...But I do hope your working behind the scenes of my life, I know I'm not worthy but please help. I'm asking for aide. Distractions, society, things life tell you to do, have, it's late I don't need to be awake right now. Time for bed. Decisions, possibilities, hopes, rest in Your hands, not mine.
God Bless
God Bless
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Jax Destroyers
Maybe it's too early to be writing up a season report since there is four games left, but then again maybe my time is up in Jacksonville? Keep reading..
A season that has been filled with highs and lows, excitement, disappointment, potential, and failure. It's been a learning experience and one that I won't soon forget. I have been apart of the some of the most unluckiest and bizarre situations in football this season. I have also been apart of a great family who I care like they're my own now. I've made mistakes up here, have had success, needless to say this season has been all over the place. BUT if I could wrap the season up so far in four words I'd say they would have to be "what could have been". Because I mean the team we had was just wonderful, I'm talking about talented players, but just sometimes things don't click...Anyways the Jacksonville Destroyers as a franchise is somewhere I would like to play, even next year (if I'm not playing pro). They have a lot to offer, they have a great fan base, and it's truly a blessing to be playing here. Still though, I feel a lot of things could have been handled, gotten done, and been done better. But then again it is a first year franchise so there will be mistakes but you do hope for less than more. Anyways I don't think to many people who read this care so much about the franchise in it self. So in recent developments this past weekend we lost 5-1 to IMG, then won 2-1 versus Ft. Lauderdale. We have had injuries, players leave, and other players just quit this season heading into the Ft. Lauderdale game we saw something most likely unheard of in FL PDL teams at least. Our coach and former professional who was still relatively young under 30 Eric Dutt told us he'd be taking the pitch with us versus Ft. Lauderdale in order to give the team the best chance to win. He definitely looked nervous at first, but as the game went on he got more comfortable with himself and to be honest surprised all of the guys with playing a good game. So after an uplifting motivating 2-1 win, the next day we hear coach Eric Dutt has been fired by management. Now mind you we have had a terrible season results wise, but with 12 days left in a season to let a guy go it just didn't seem right especially after he put himself out there and we got a win you know?
So that was tough to see and nobody was really sure of who the next head coach was going to be, so a lot of guys began to say there packing up and leaving before or after this weekend and not going to complete the season. In the mix of all this "drama" so to speak, I began doing my own searching with the help of some people. I ended up speaking with the head coach of the playoff bound Orlando Kraze. The coach put it to me very simple after him seeing me play before and looking for a left back. He said "You have a place to stay already, and training is at 8AM tomorrow hope you can make it." As a soccer player when a coach is giving you that much confidence and desire to be somewhere it's always really comforting. So with that I wanted to give it some thought and see what was going to happen with my already team here in Jacksonville before making a final decision.
We proceeded to our training ground at the specified time with our director and new head coach Aidan Davidson. Aidan was the former GK coach, who had left the team earlier this year, and now was coming back as head coach with 12 days left. I'd be lying if I said the team was not disappointed to see Eric leave, but by the same token I don't think anyone was upset that Aidan was our new head coach. Mainly because he played 20 years of soccer at the professional level, in the premiership over in England. So his resume with that alone, speaks for itself. And the man obviously has knowledge of football. So now I was in a predicament, on whether to leave to a playoff team for the ending of this season, or finish out what I came to do this summer with Jacksonville. After a lot of thought, speaking with family, friends and peoples who opinion matter most to me. I gotta say I got my most important conversation from Josh the assistant coach, him and I talk a lot about a range of topics but the two big ones are always God and soccer. So after speaking with everyone and thinking things through my decision was to stay with Jax. I was upset with myself, because the night before the meeting I had sat down with God prayed and worshipped and felt this sort of unsure feeling of where to go. My mind was set on Kraze, but with God when you have an unsure feeling then what your thinking is more often than not wrong. I mention this because I want to publicly say that I struggle submitting myself with sometimes Gods decisions for me. I thank God He put people in my life like family, and friends to help me with my decision, but in the end I care about what God has next for me. So if you ever struggle with decision making, let God have control and SUBMIT yourself to Him. He will guide you better than anyone can.
So with that my decision is to stay with the team, complete this season and see where I go from there. In other news Allie and I have been making huge pushes to get my name out there and get possible trials. Allie as always one of the biggest helps in my soccer career, and we are doing everything possible to have something come my way. I will keep everyone updated on trials that I might have or go to, as the time comes. For now we got a new head coach 11 days left in the season it's time to work hard, and finish strong. So follow the team on our website @ WWW.JAXDESTROYERS.COM and on Twitter at @JaxDestroyers . That's it for me today, I'm blessed with so many great people around me from the Pitman family which I'm staying with to the coaches God has put in my path. This summer has been a good one in my eyes personally I believe and it's not done yet, time to go out with a bang! Never stop chasing...accept that failure, struggle, and not the best conditions will be given to you but as I've always said on this blog. "Las cosas con mas sacrificio dan las mas grandes recompensas". The things with the biggest sacrifice, will always have the best rewards. For those of you going through hard times as well, remember blessings in disguise.
God Bless
A season that has been filled with highs and lows, excitement, disappointment, potential, and failure. It's been a learning experience and one that I won't soon forget. I have been apart of the some of the most unluckiest and bizarre situations in football this season. I have also been apart of a great family who I care like they're my own now. I've made mistakes up here, have had success, needless to say this season has been all over the place. BUT if I could wrap the season up so far in four words I'd say they would have to be "what could have been". Because I mean the team we had was just wonderful, I'm talking about talented players, but just sometimes things don't click...Anyways the Jacksonville Destroyers as a franchise is somewhere I would like to play, even next year (if I'm not playing pro). They have a lot to offer, they have a great fan base, and it's truly a blessing to be playing here. Still though, I feel a lot of things could have been handled, gotten done, and been done better. But then again it is a first year franchise so there will be mistakes but you do hope for less than more. Anyways I don't think to many people who read this care so much about the franchise in it self. So in recent developments this past weekend we lost 5-1 to IMG, then won 2-1 versus Ft. Lauderdale. We have had injuries, players leave, and other players just quit this season heading into the Ft. Lauderdale game we saw something most likely unheard of in FL PDL teams at least. Our coach and former professional who was still relatively young under 30 Eric Dutt told us he'd be taking the pitch with us versus Ft. Lauderdale in order to give the team the best chance to win. He definitely looked nervous at first, but as the game went on he got more comfortable with himself and to be honest surprised all of the guys with playing a good game. So after an uplifting motivating 2-1 win, the next day we hear coach Eric Dutt has been fired by management. Now mind you we have had a terrible season results wise, but with 12 days left in a season to let a guy go it just didn't seem right especially after he put himself out there and we got a win you know?
So that was tough to see and nobody was really sure of who the next head coach was going to be, so a lot of guys began to say there packing up and leaving before or after this weekend and not going to complete the season. In the mix of all this "drama" so to speak, I began doing my own searching with the help of some people. I ended up speaking with the head coach of the playoff bound Orlando Kraze. The coach put it to me very simple after him seeing me play before and looking for a left back. He said "You have a place to stay already, and training is at 8AM tomorrow hope you can make it." As a soccer player when a coach is giving you that much confidence and desire to be somewhere it's always really comforting. So with that I wanted to give it some thought and see what was going to happen with my already team here in Jacksonville before making a final decision.
We proceeded to our training ground at the specified time with our director and new head coach Aidan Davidson. Aidan was the former GK coach, who had left the team earlier this year, and now was coming back as head coach with 12 days left. I'd be lying if I said the team was not disappointed to see Eric leave, but by the same token I don't think anyone was upset that Aidan was our new head coach. Mainly because he played 20 years of soccer at the professional level, in the premiership over in England. So his resume with that alone, speaks for itself. And the man obviously has knowledge of football. So now I was in a predicament, on whether to leave to a playoff team for the ending of this season, or finish out what I came to do this summer with Jacksonville. After a lot of thought, speaking with family, friends and peoples who opinion matter most to me. I gotta say I got my most important conversation from Josh the assistant coach, him and I talk a lot about a range of topics but the two big ones are always God and soccer. So after speaking with everyone and thinking things through my decision was to stay with Jax. I was upset with myself, because the night before the meeting I had sat down with God prayed and worshipped and felt this sort of unsure feeling of where to go. My mind was set on Kraze, but with God when you have an unsure feeling then what your thinking is more often than not wrong. I mention this because I want to publicly say that I struggle submitting myself with sometimes Gods decisions for me. I thank God He put people in my life like family, and friends to help me with my decision, but in the end I care about what God has next for me. So if you ever struggle with decision making, let God have control and SUBMIT yourself to Him. He will guide you better than anyone can.
So with that my decision is to stay with the team, complete this season and see where I go from there. In other news Allie and I have been making huge pushes to get my name out there and get possible trials. Allie as always one of the biggest helps in my soccer career, and we are doing everything possible to have something come my way. I will keep everyone updated on trials that I might have or go to, as the time comes. For now we got a new head coach 11 days left in the season it's time to work hard, and finish strong. So follow the team on our website @ WWW.JAXDESTROYERS.COM and on Twitter at @JaxDestroyers . That's it for me today, I'm blessed with so many great people around me from the Pitman family which I'm staying with to the coaches God has put in my path. This summer has been a good one in my eyes personally I believe and it's not done yet, time to go out with a bang! Never stop chasing...accept that failure, struggle, and not the best conditions will be given to you but as I've always said on this blog. "Las cosas con mas sacrificio dan las mas grandes recompensas". The things with the biggest sacrifice, will always have the best rewards. For those of you going through hard times as well, remember blessings in disguise.
God Bless
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