I am sweating. I have been and will be covered in sweat since and until I leave Israel. It’s hot and humid. Air conditioning is strange, mostly when walking in and out of rooms.
Arrived Israel Monday morning pre 5 am. We waited for co-coach Asif Muhammed to get through security. Israel is not shy about racial profiling. Then group train ride up the coast to Acco, where we’re hosting ultimate camp for Israeli, Arab-Israeli, and Palestinian kids. The kids arrive tomorrow morning.
The last three days have been staff meetings and preparations for camp. Meeting local coaches from the communities that will be coming, talking about our plans, talking about ultimate, breakout sessions, more meetings. Mass food here is better than in Prague, and there is hummus at every meal.
Yesterday I finally had enough free time to play some badminton and some basketball, and to remember we are here to play, to teach, and to teach play. It has been mostly work. Today we went to the pool, same thing with a little break from the norm. I’m reading an escapist spy story, which helps…
The team of coaches is amazing, and our leaders are tireless. All our best laid plans will be thrown into chaos tomorrow when 140 kids show up. But our ratio is good, and for a team of about 12 boys I will have 3 co-coaches. The plan: drink more water. It has been going so nonstop there has not been much time to process, and I don’t imagine time to spend writing blog posts after tonight until the kids are gone which will be days.
For now, sleep is needed to conquer the tickle in my throat. Missing Seattle. Missing lazy free time. Once the kids get here, energy will come from somewhere.
love to all
