This past month I finally got the opportunity to coach a soccer summer camp for the first time. Having gotten through the virtual and in-person training sessions, I felt well prepared going into it; nonetheless I was nervous. As opposed to my prior coaching experience in Mexico earlier this year, where I had complete freedom to run the soccer program according to my own preferences and create my own style of training, this time was a lot more structured, and I was required to follow a specific practice curriculum. Furthermore, since I am now working for an academy, a significant part of the work involves handling safety and administrative procedures aside from the on-field coaching sessions. I got to work with a group of ten children from 6 to 10 years old, and although it was tough I certainly enjoyed it. There are areas I must continue to improve upon, such as keeping the kids active and engaged more consistently, delivering and emphasizing coaching points, among others; nevertheless, I am sure with more sessions I will keep getting better. Managing a group of little boys and girls and creating a fun playing atmosphere was certainly challenging yet an excellent learning experience. Seeing the kids developing their skills and sportsmanship as the days went by and completing the camp was highly rewarding, therefore I am looking forward to carrying on coaching in the near future.

Another event that was indeed profound for me this past month was a one-day retreat at my local church of St. Joseph. The first half of it consisted of reading scripture as a group, discussing, reflecting, and later observing a one-hour long Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. Whereas the second half involved another group discussion regarding AA and learning more about the program, helping with some cleaning at a sober-living house, spending time in silence at the shrine, then having a final one-on-one talk with the director of the retreat about discernment, service, and hearing God’s calling. Leaving church at the end of the day I felt so grateful I took the chance to join the retreat, as I often refuse to even bother going to events of this kind. In fact, this was my first time attending one, and I thought it was a truly meaningful experience. It put me out of my comfort zone, it led me to learn more about myself, it provided me with a space to share my faith, it allowed me to gain a wider perspective on what it means to serve others, and it helped me to listen to God and be receptive to the opportunities He continually gives me to develop spiritual maturity.

Although every activity in the retreat was unique and purposeful, sitting in the AA meeting was a moment that unexpectedly touched me in a profound way. Discovering such a wonderful fellowship, where people of all ages and backgrounds simply offer their testimonies of addiction, release their emotions, listen and uplift each other on their sobriety journeys, was truly captivating. I found it highly therapeutic, as I was able to resonate with many of the stories and personal insights that were shared. I saw myself having gone (and currently going) through the same kinds of struggles as everyone, whether decades into sobriety or on day one, and it was inspiring to find out how others navigate their lives as an alcoholic. Furthermore, I realized since every member of the community essentially fights the same battle against addiction, AA meetings create a safe space to simply talk and get things off one’s chest without feeling judged, thereby getting relief and healing. Taking part in them is an amazing way to not only serve others but also learn from others’ experiences and have a support group to rely on.

Joining a couple of meetings ever since going to observe one and learning more about AA was humbling and quite cathartic. I felt in a welcoming, safe and encouraging environment, I got to meet some friendly people, and I am looking forward to going to more meetings and being part of the community when I’m back home from travelling.