School daze

Friday was the first full day of "normal" for Hoops Sagrado. The students arrived at school at 9 a.m. ready to start their Spanish studies, or for some, their Quiche studies. There was definitely some eye-rolling and heavy sighs when they realized they would be in class till 1pm each day, but between the mid-class break and the settling in time, it really is closer to only three hours of studying.

There are two students working with each teacher and so far, things seemed to be going well. Those with no Spanish skills are learning some basics, including important phrases for basketball and those that have some Spanish under their belts already are expanding their vocabulary.

After classes and lunch with their families, the students spent their first full day in the basketball camps running the clinics and there is already a lot talk about who has the better teams. Because of our shortened time in Guatemala (only three weeks this year), the director's of each school chose the 20 students to participate in the basketball camps, which alleviates the angst that so many of our alumni will tell you comes with cutting children from the team.

Friday ended with a group meal at a local restaurant. Everyone had to get home early because some of the group (about 8 students) needed to be up at 2 a.m. to climb Santa Maria. The rest of the group will visit San Andres Xecul and Saturday will finish up with a Super Chivos game. We'll be sure to follow-up with photos and news from all of our Saturday adventures.