the coaches say it may take about 2 weeks before i finally get used to it. i still get headaches when i run around. we went to peru past weekend for a game. we played cienciano out of peru who i believe won la copa sudamerica a couple years ago. i made the traveling squad. the final roster is still not set, but it looks good for me. my touch has been good and i have been playing well, i just canīt run as much as i like to and i get a bit dizzy after about a half hour, but the coaches understand that. the game in peru was amazing. we get taken care of very well with food and lodging and stuff. the field was perfect, grass. the stadium was huge and 20,000 people came to this exhibition game. it was a good game. we lost 2-1. but the good news... i deputed with 5 minutes left in the game and got the first touch on the goal kick, my one and only professional touch at the moment! it was fun. the fans are fanatics. one section did not stop jumping and chanting all game long. and the kids just want you the players touch them. we are back in bolivia now. back to our 2 practices a day. this afternoon we are going to lift weights instead of another field session, which is nice.
i live with 6 other guys in a big apartment. they are good guys. some from parts of bolivia, one from mexico, a couple from argentina. the mexican speaks english, gracias a dios. they all claim either catholic or christian, their walks with Christ however seem a bit immature. it may just be the culture here, iīm not sure that many even know of another way of life. God and Christ are not spoken of much here, at all. a few of my roommates have expressed interest in doing my daily bible study with me. so it seems that God wanted me here to bring His word to some of these guys on a more daily basis. along with my seeking to develope the gifts He has given me more and more and doing what i love.
i miss all of you and hope things are well back in the states. one of my favorite things to do is think of and pray for my family and friends. i could use some prayer too. for the hearts of my new friends, that i remain faithful to do and read Godīs word everyday, that my health is good (along with the altitude iīve been fighting a flu), and that God use me and teach me what He wants while i am here.
con amor,
dylan martinez
