Hearing God, and new country in January :)

It's truly an incredible sight and feeling, that you get when you see God working and moving in your life. Yeah I've been lost on the blogging part, but been working for the kingdom of God ohhhh Lordyyy how great it's been going. Ok first off lets start with the biggest change although nothing big at all lol. I changed rooms, I'm now in another room with just one other guy although it's much better and a lot more quieter and relaxing, this kid is probably labeled as a misfit, or a bandit. He's always loud and messing around, but really in the room he's quiet and very calm he loves to sleep. He's a forward a greattttt player, although his attitude is what might hold him back from going far. Anyways Marlon and I talked a lot he knows about me, and I now know more about him. For example he's an only child and most of his salary he sends back home to his family, his mom and dad are very poor. Anyways he had been seeing me now for a couple days praying and reading my book about God and one day while a group of 4 of us went out including him we got into a conversation about God, and I told him I don't see you pray do you pray? And he said well a bit, but I really don't know how to pray. So I told him tonight we'll pray together, now remember I would need to pray in portugese for him to understand and God knows that I can't speak real good portugese but nonetheless came the time and I told him so let's pray. Now my worship music on itunes probably consists of 60+ songs, I chose a random song from my list, and well God knows what he is doing and the name of the song was.....Teach me how to pray. Now people will say, oh coincidence, but people with faith and that know how God works know that this was clearly him being in control of the situation, I know longer feared about paying in portugese I just let the Lord flow through me and so he did. It was super nice, and we've been praying every now and then together but I do talk to him very often about God. And he is interested in it, and he loves falling asleep to the music of God as do I. So now since it's just us two I put some worship music on and fall asleep. Now as many of you know by now 10% of my salary I always find a way to give it back to God through the church. charity, or someone in need, whatever God puts into my heart. Well this month he told me to give it to him, and not tell him what to do with it but let him decide. Yesterday I gave him the money, and although he insisted he didn;t need I told him, I'm not giving you money God told me to do this, this is God giving it to you thank Him. And he told me thank you, and today told me that he is going to send the money to his parents ; that was exactly what I prayed for. Amazing how good God is.

Yesterday was also an amazing as God spoke to me directly in prayer, and in the natural (real life). After our last training session of the day, I went to shower and as always when I shower I pray to God give Him thanks, and glory for a good training session etc. Anyways God spoke to me about forgiveness as I prayed, there was this kid, who really betrayed me twice, and he was my best friend. It hurts a lot when someone does it to us, yet we do it to God everyday like nothing, and still he forgives us day after day, that's cause His love for us is unconditional no matter what He will love us. So as I continued to pray and listen to Gods voice, my girlfriend and brothers girlfriend also have a bit of bad tension I guess you can say, so I'm praying for that too be done with too. And I'm sure soon enough that tension will be gone. God didn't stop talking to me there though, later on i found out that in one of the rooms, our goalkeeper of the U20s is a leader of a bible study Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Anyways I asked if I could go to it, and he said of course. It was amazing he has such a fire and passion for the word of God and to grow spiritually. So the bible study for those who don't know is something like he prays, then random people get up and read bible verses. Now if anyone has ever picked up a bible you knowwww how big it is, and how many verses there are. Anyways one kid gets up, and I don't remember what verse but it went something like this..... God speaks to us saying if I sent my only son down to Earth to suffer, and die for your sins, for you to be forgiven, then why can't you forgive someone on the Earth for something they did wrong. Anyways I already sent a message to this kid and am awaiting a response, if he answers back before I wrap the blog up then I'll post it.


Now on to soccer stuff I know most of you aren't interested in my endeavors spiritually with God, but it's my blog so too bad if you don't like it. So yeah now back to soccer, I only have 8 more weeks in Brazil then it's off to play somewhere new and begin my career. When my agent came we spoke and he said that my plan was always to come to Brazil and TRAIN for 6 months not play in a league here or anything, it was to get better stronger and faster and learn to play the best soccer in the world. Let's face it there is no better soccer than Brazil there really isn't, you can debate other countries but Brazil will always be known as the best. So I'm going home likely around December 11th or 12th and will be leaving in January. Where too?! Well that hasn't been decided yet but I will be playing in one of the following countries come January....Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, or Portugal. Obviously to me Portugal is most appealing cause it's in Europe where the highest level of club soccer is played, and paid. But it's not what I want instead I'll leave it in Gods hands to decide where it is that I go. Also Argentina would be pretty amazing as that's where my girlfriend is from and she could visit me a lot more often and who knows maybe move to Argentina with me!! <333. Also Argentina has really good soccer, so obviously pretty appealing as well. So all in all I'm super excited to finish my training very strong in Brazil, go back home spend some much needed time with my family, and head out to somewhere new. I hope everyone is doing well back home, and is doing great with all their endeavors. Blessings to all.

God Bless :)

Understandinnnn'

So as I've gotten further into reading this book I already feel that about 40 pages in I've learned a lot, and have heard God talk to me. Then I heard God speak to me again when I started praying about my soccer career. It hit me, I'm truly in a place where all there is to do is play soccer, and the internet literally. Now I prayed to God saying it gets hard you know cause it's get mad boring over here a lot. Then He told me where else can I send you to get better at soccer and grow with me....I kinda let that sink in and observed my life in Brazil. Okay soccer wise a good place for me to get better stronger learn, it's Brazil the best soccer in the world. Why so boring how shall I fill up my time? Then I heard this, where in the world can I send you where you can receive good soccer, while also getting closer to me, then I noticed God made them put the rule of the internet going out at 11:00PM for I can dedicate my nights to working out and to God, if not I would be stuck on facebook or poker etc. Then I thought about going out? There's nothing to do here? But if they was something to do to keep me distracted would I ever really sit down and read a book? I just see that God has put me in this enviorment to not only grow soccer wise as a player, but also as human in getting closer to God. I have never felt this close to God as I've mentioned, and I now know how to live my life with God. So he's setting me up with this foundation for when I do go to somewhere more distraction filled, wherever that may be.

On the soccer aspect when I spoke with Luiz Muzzi he told me so far everything was going according to plan. By the way I can't play this year cause the registration deadline closed on Sept. 15th although Edu my coach did tell me that he would've put me in some games to play with but I wasn't registered. I asked Muzzi why I never got registered up, and he said the plan was to not expose me to playing till January, but as soon as January gets here that I can expect to be playing on a team, maybe here in Brazil or maybe somewhere else around the world. I obviously want to go play in Europe maybe somewhere like Portugal, but honestly I leave that in Gods hands and let his will be done. So soccer wise I'm excited for January but until then I'm definintly working hard. I've kept a good routine of working out at night on my own, and I've also began eating from the salad bar, also beans, and other foods that I don't like but I know I need to eat, so I've been mixing all my food up and eating. Lastly I've also been drinking my creatine, so my soccer life feels pretty complete, and progressing all glory to God. So my next step in my career will be in January I'm excited to see what's going to happen. I wish I could fast forward there, but it's the journey along the way that makes it a rewarding feat when you've accomplished stuff.

So yeah soccer wise, life wise everything seems perfect I can't be happier with the way things are going, I just hope I get moved to somewhere new in January not that I don't like Brazil but I need a change of scenerary I think something like Europe! Haha we'll see if God feels I'm ready to go out there. I'd like to give my two cents on the US U20 Mens National Team, and there recent faring at the 2009 FIFA World Cup in Egypt. I gotta admit, I was pretty upset to never be considered to play on this team especially after the year I put up in the academy, nonetheless they had a very good team going, and I think they were cocky, and too laid back and got their butts handed to them. It sucks cause I really wanted too see them succeed especially have two friends on the team Bryan Arguez, and Gale (last name too long) lol. But oh well, I think their defense was weak besides Gale and their right back Williams I think his name was he was a fast player with a fro. Also I think their goalie was outstanding, the midfield was okay, and up top they lacked playmakers I like Tony Taylor but they need people who are willing to come receive the ball and lay it off or turn a man with it like Jozy Altidore but whatever that world cup has come and gone. Maybe I can look forward to the U23 World Cup who knows...

Lastly there is a sick movie coming out in the states in fall it's Lebron James documentary on his life, I read online he cried when he saw the movie air for the first time, so it must be pretty cool it drops this fall, when I get back home I'm defenitly going to be seeing it, name of the movie is more than a game. Oh and incase anyone wants the book I been reading it's called "Discerning the voice of God" it's a really really good book, everyone should check it out, it's definitly helped me out. Alright I'm out got gym pretty soon. Blessings all.

God Bless

NineTeeeen.

19th birthday has come and gone. It began nicely, waking up to beautiful emails from my, mother, father, girlfriend, and older brother. These emails made me feel super happy, until the last one from my brother ; it was written with such honesty and purity, it completely overwhelmed me, half way through the email I gave in. I gave in to something I hadn't in probably some years, I gave into crying. Tears streamed down my face, as I finished reading what my brother wrote it was as if he took what was in his heart and put it on paper, and it's as if those words broke me, not in a bad way but in a way that I can't even put into words my self. Tears of joy continued to roll down my face, as I responded to his email, it was so touching. It was also my mother's birthday and I wrote her birthday email as well.

The morning was pretty normal, standard stuff breakfast, showering, praying etc. I met with Luiz Muzzi later on and he gave me gifts that my parents sent with him. I got all these great cards from family, and friends. I also received my beautiful pair of cleats, and a book I think the name of it is "Discerning God's voice". I've now read the first 30 pages and I'm pretty hooked it's really a great book, and well written I'm enjoying reading some every night. Anyways the day progressed and we had a "palestra" with Nike. For those who don't know Desportivo Brasil signed a 3 year contract with Nike so they're the new sponsors starting in January. They spoke about Nike's past and there plan with us the uniforms etc, the coolest part was that we get to try cleats for them like test their new cleats out so that's pretty neat! Later on we had training, where I felt I had one of my best training sessions so far, I did very good leading my team to victory in a half filed game. After had dinner relaxed in my room, then had a via internet birthday celebration with my family. They even got a little cake and sang to me happy birthday and I blew wind at my webcam to act as if I were blowing out the candles, it was really a fun time. Then they were headed out to dinner for my mom, and I headed out to dinner with 5 friends from here we went to a really good pizza buffet, where I ate probably 9 pizzas but had 6 different type of pizzas and when the bill came, my good friend Bruno Andrade paid my part of the bill ; he insisted. Anyways after that we took a cab ride back home, and just relaxed. I prayed began reading my book, and fell asleep it was a great birthday in which surpassed my expectations. This blog is kind of short, I wanted to leave this blog specifically for my birthday, I will soon be posting up another blog on the future of my career. Big steps coming up soon. So next post all soccer related! Thank you all for your birthday wishes as well. I'm pretty beat right now so yeah end. Here some pics of the night.






God Bless :)

Been a while..

Well this weekend, was not anything to special I pretty much did personal workouts, prayed, ate, and played poker. Lol yeah not too much was happening, although they've now given us a new curfew it used to be at 11:00PM now our new curfew is NO CURFEW! Now for some people this was super exciting as for me, mehh don't really care I don't like to go out over here too much these guys get very drunk and come back at 4-5AM not really the best 'soccer lifestyle" I've pretty much let liquor go since I left Miami, just cause I refuse to put it in my body anymore, along with soda.

Well we 3 games left in the "first phase" of the season we were in 4th we need two wins out of our last 3 games. This weekend we had a game on the road against SEV Horlandia something like that, well whatever important thing is we came out of there with the result a 2-0 victory. Juan who again was the only one on the roster out of the three Americans over here including myself, didn't see playing time, as the starting wing backs have recovered from injuries. We have another game this upcoming week, and hopefully we can clinch a birth into the next phase.

Starting tomorrow I'm going to be on a diet, I've profusely nagged the our gym trainer that I need more muscle and he's decided to put me on a special diet to gain some mas and strength, along with that I'm going to be put on creatine beginning tomorrow as well. So I'm pretty excited about that too, along with and some good hours and hard work in the gym I think I should finally begin to gain some muscle. Also I been doing extra work in the room as always, some push ups, sit ups, working with an elastic band I have for strength etc. I been drinking a ton of water, it is so sickly hot over here, in the states your heading into winter over here were approaching summer, and boy has it hit already I begin to sweat if I take a step outside it sucks!

Uhm what else, oh! About a week ago (the following is one of the few reasons I elect not to go out) at the "plaza" where everyone hangs out at, and talks crap meets up with people there was a fight. One of the younger kids from the U15s allegedly hooked up with some chick who had a boyfriend, obviously the boyfriend wasn't too happy and approached the young kid with about 20 of his friends, he swung a punch and fractured his nose I believe Juan (American) in an attempt to protect him, went out to break the fight but the Brazilians weren't having it, and they kicked Juan in his leg and then the fight seemingly broke up and everyone parted. I mean first of all, the kid is dumb for doing something to get himself in this situation, but this is the reason I don't go out much I mean I'm here to play soccer, and yeah although it's good to go out etc, I'd rather not just cause there's so many people out there in a "third" world country who just have no morals and you don't know how there going to react in situations, like imagine if it were an older kid and the fight escalated and guns were shot, I'd rather not take a chance. I know it's a far fetchd' idea, but better to be safe than sorry. That's why when I go out, I just go out to eat, or to the supermarket, etc.


My birthday is fastly approaching I will turn 19 years old, on October 1st this Thursday, pretty dopeeeee. Luiz Muzzi will be arriving the day before my birthday to bring me some stuff that my parents sent with him, and also I guess for I don't pass my birthday alone. It is going to be my first birthday in that I celebrate alone. My birthday falls on the same day as my moms so it sucks were used to blowing out our candles together. But were going to have a skype birthday celebration, so it'll be a virtual birthday party, how fun!! Lol my mom is going to be turning the big 25 yup she's that young ;) well not really but she looks 25 so that's what matters!

Also my prayer life with God has become so strong I'm almost at the verge of tears!! I'm excited about that because I've only cried once with my dad when he almost broke down when he saw me (long story, and too private) and also when I was younger and accepted Jesus in my life as my Lord and Savior. So it's exciting, it sucks cause I pray alone, when you pray with others you feel that good spiritual energy of the holy spirit so much more, but I still get that feeling praying alone, and I hear God talk back to me it's so strong I love it. So yeah after this blog I'll work out a bit, shower, pray and fall into a great sleep :). You guys won't see this blog till tomorrow morning cause I'm writing this as the internet is already out, but yeah till the next one probably on my birthday....

God Bless!

Life is for living not living up tight

As of late I have never felt closer to God, I have never felt more sure about anything than I'm sure of my life, and what my goal purpose is. I'm not saying oh I found out what I need to do in life, and then God is going to take me away but for now, I know what my mission is I've once again felt Gods connection, and can hear him speak to me, I know I may sound crazy, or a fanatic, as people claim, but I'm just a kid, who knows that God has an everlasting love for us, and gave his only child to suffer on earth for us, while peasants killed Him. It's incredible how we can go through each day not even saying thanks to God for the food we have, the water, the shelter, and family. I can't relate to you people out there with split families or dad's that left you but what I can tell you is that God is willing to take you in no matter what. Just go to him. Ugh I know I sound like I'm trying to convert people to Gods ways, but it's just- it's just a feeling that feels so perfect inside it makes you feel peace of mind, and keep things in perspective. I get angered pretty easily but I just ask God for patience, and I ask Him to take over my life, to be in control and let things fall together in his power. I see through eyes of faith now, I don't see through these blinded eyes of the world that seek money, fame, and cars, for happiness. Yes those things are nice, but it's so much nicer when you can find God, and be at peace of mind. I wake up everyday at 6:30 training is at 9:00. The reason I wake up at that time is to pray and thank God for the day, if anyone knows me they know I love to sleep in, but it's just you need to find time and dedicate it to God, and before I go to sleep I pray to him as well, in fact I pray while out on the soccer field, in the gym, while eating I talk to him in my mind. I'm obsessed I guess. It doesn't make me a different person, or weird don't judge me for what I believe in, I'm just inviting you guys to find God his love is not like any you can find. I understand by doing this post I may lose some fans cause people will disagree with me on the topic of God, but hey if you take this the wrong way I'm sorry I'm not trying to challenge your God or say mine is better, I'm just trying to let you guys understand that the reason I succeed is God. Trust me I know myself better than anyone, and I know that I'm not that good of a soccer player to be here in Brazil getting paid to paly and do what I love, it's a dream that I'm living but only because God has this idea of me going around the world playing soccer, and telling people about God. God is trying to show the world that he can take anyone a kid from Miami who prior to this past year wasn't able to make the A team on his club, but by me staying humble and always giving God the credit for when I did good, he's using me as an example to the world. And I say the world cause people all over the United States know my name, people in Mexico, people in Colombia, and now people in Brazil, I'm not sure where God will take me next, but I do know he's going to take me to bigger and better places. Some people may think "Wow your cocky" but believe me I'm not, I just have FAITH that God is going to take me as an example to the world, and people may also think you know if your wrong your going to look stupid right? Well Jesus was a man like you and I, and he would call a crowd of as many people as he could to tell them, hey this guy is blind I'm going to make him see right now. He would've looked stupid if he wasn't able to but he knew that God was going to let him down. Just as in the same way I invite all of you, all of you who have stuck with me and supported me, and kept on reading my blogs and leaving comments on it thank you, and I now invite you to continue my journey with me around the world, as I give God glory as I progress and as I go around the world. I pray you guys may all be as blessed as I am and if not don't worry have faith, for David killed Goliath with stones. We can conquer anything we set our minds too, if we just believe and have faith in our God. We all live in question in what are purpose is down here, don't seek answers just let God take control of your life, and live life to the fullest each and everyday I'll leave you guys with a quote.

"Life is living, not for living up tight" - Jay Z


God Bless

Believe & Faith

Hey back again, well lately I've really been putting in some serious praying time waking up extra early to pray, and praying no matter how sleepy or tired I am at night before bed. So yeah I've felt really energetic and rejuvenated as of late. I just figured I got to be thankful for all the great things I have and not dwell on negative thoughts. So I've been having a positive mindset about everything, I guess you can say I live in a different world then you all, cause I don't believe in "reality" in the way others do. People think just cause something looks impossible in the human flesh, it can't happen, but I believe I have a God who can choose things to change at His will. I love Usain Bolt he's the fastest man on the face of the Earth, and he's 6 foot 5 inches. People always told him "Yeah your fast, but you'll never be the fastest your too tall." Oh really? He has crushed the world record in this specialty the 100m and with each growing year he continues to beat his previous record standing at 6 foot 5 inches proving all the doubters wrong. Gotta love that. I love his confidence as well, when he races he's not worried about the people he's racing against he's just worried if he will beat HIS world record again! In my mind to be successful you must first have confidence in yourself, secondly give it all you have, and lastly never give up. You can't ever give up, never ever no matter what to be great you will go through trials and tribulations, which is why I love runners like Usain Bolt beating the odds, he's not suppose to be the fastest man in the world he's "too tall" yet he is, and you can't doubt him anymore. People have said and will continue to say I won't be good enough to make it and that I'm not good enough to make it, I look at them back and smile and say I know your right. Why get into an argument with someone about if your good enough or not? Just go out and prove it to all of them who talk crap behind your back saying your too slow, your not strong enough, your not tall enough. I'm not gonna sit there and tell them okay let's go race see who's faster, just let them hate. People love to see the bad in others and judge them, which is why I have my opinions on people, but I only share them if it's asked of me. I don't go around snickering about others or saying stuff that's just going to bring someone down. Anyways I don't know what the reason for this post is to be quite honest, I guess I just felt like venting a bit.

Tomorrow we have a practice game at 10AM and I'm on the roster thanks to the Lord :). Don't know if I will be getting playing time but nonetheless it's a start, and I will be waiting for the second they call me to go out there and show them what I got. So yeah before I keep on rambling about pointless stuff that you guys don't want to read, I think I'm going to just end this here. I'm going to go to bed it's only 8PM, but I'm tired and am not in the mood to talk to people really. I miss my family so dearly, and can't wait to get back home and fly out on vacation with them and just be secluded from everything. There is a gym there so you better believe I'm going to be working out, and running on that sand. Ok enough enough enough, God Bless all of you, may you guys have blessed days and never stop having faith for God's grace won't take you where God's grace won't protect you.


God Bless

Been a while

Well I have not been playing poker on PokerStars I banned myself for 60 days en route to do what I said I would. Although I have been playing on another site but only cause I have been receiving money from someone who is "staking" me. Staking means they pay for you to play you give them part of your profits. So yeah, been doing that but I can't play on PokerStars for 60 days and I plan on not playing poker, besides where I'm being staked at. So I'm somewhat sticking to not playing but I'm being offered something nice of playing esentially for free so kind, of need to take advantage of that.

But yeah besides that I've gone out, and been just messing around more I guess, I mean there isn't much we can do here but yeah, we try to make the most of it. Anyways this weekend we won 4-0 as we completely dominated the game were going back into training in about an hour from now. I believe we have gym, then after a physical/technical training session. I've also recently made a purchase I bought the new Nike vapors below is a picture of them. Also would like to give a special congratulations to my girlfriend who finally got her first job at, Banana Republic! Also congrats to my brother who just got hooked up and bought a 2010 BMW 528i in blackkk.....must be nice. Lol but yeah things back at home seem good, things over here are shaping out well just got to keep on with having faith in God. Well I miss my family and girlfriend very much their support is so crucial in making this work for me, and I couldn't be happier with how much support I get everyday from my brothers, parents, and girlfriend. I'm going to leave you guys with some pictures

God Bless


My cleats
My brothers new car
My wonderful girlfriend and I
My friends here in Brasil chilling under the ocean ;)
And my moms and pops their mad cute haha.