Nov. 29, 2008
BELIZE CITY, Belize -
Greetings to everyone back home. This is Michelle Henderson giving today's (Friday) report from Belize.
Last year at this time, I woke up at 4 a.m. to do some shopping for the day-after-Thanksgiving sales. So this year, waking up at 8 a.m. was almost like sleeping in. After another wonderful breakfast full of fresh fruit, bacon and ham, we were off to our morning workout. Today was our last day of team weights and conditioning with strength and conditioning coach Chris Carter. After weights and conditioning, the team took part in our last practice until Jan. 8! Having our last team practice in 87-degree weather was quite a change for everyone. In January, we will be thinking of this warm weather while we are practicing in Horton Field House because it is too cold to go outside.
After practice, many people went to Brodie's and enjoyed deli sandwiches. For everyone out there that doesn't know, Brodies is our everyday stop. Brodie's is like Wal-Mart to Belizeans; they sell everything from blank CDs to Kit-Kats. Then, some people went shopping at local markets, while others took much-deserved naps.
As usual, we loaded up the bus around 5 p.m. and we were on our way to the field. As the games went underway, the Belizeans brought their "A" game Friday. The first game was a battle between the two teams. In the end, the Redbirds came out on top with some late-inning rallies. The second game was also a battle between the teams. Once again, the `Birds came out on top, winning 3-1.
After the game, both teams went above the workout center and had some much-needed dinner. Everyone from both teams mingled in the dining hall. We learned that the oldest player on the team was 45, while the youngest was 15. This really showed that the Belizeans have a love for the sport and their country.
While talking with one of their players, I learned that some of the players on the team do not even have hot water in their homes. They have to boil their water, and then put cold water in the pot to make it warm. Being so close to our holiday season, this was an eye-opener for our team. Everyone has expressed a sense of being thankful for the everyday things that we have been taking for granted.
At the end of the night, Coach Fischer presented their coach with 21 Easton bats, balls, an equipment bag and a net. During the course of our day, we learned that they do not even have screens to use for batting practice. The Belizean Softball Federation president, Patrick Henry, really put the whole trip in prospective when he spoke about how the games benefited both teams by preparing us for our upcoming seasons.
On our way back to Hotel Mopan, we learned that tomorrow (Saturday) we get to go to San Pedro Island, the largest caye in Belize. We are leaving bright and early, and everyone is looking forward to a day of shopping and relaxation. This will be our last chance to enjoy the beauty of Belize before we head back to Normal, Ill., Sunday. So goodnight to everybody back at home; stay warm! Go Redbirds!
Michelle Henderson #18
