let's review

Here is a little review of my long 6 week time off of soccer....

Week 1: Right after winning the Stratford tournament, got word from my coaches - no physical activity
Week 2: First trip to physio. Was introduced to stretching and icing 3 times a day and have been going to physio twice a week ever since.
Week 3: Tried practicing on it, and it hurt. Missed the game the next day.
Week 4: Tried practicing again, and it didn't hurt. Played the game on Wednesday and only lasted 10-15 minutes then had to come off and ice it.
Week 5: Bed rest - couldn't even stand or walk for long periods of time. Missed a game.
Week 6: Off to Braeside camp. Still no physical activity - only walking. Missed a game.
Week 7: Practice Monday and Wednesday at 70% - no pain!
             Game Friday night under the lights - no pain at all!!!

Physio said that this injury normally takes 1-3 weeks to heal if you’re doing the right things like stretching and icing and going to physio. Mine took 6 - there was major damage done!
A girl (who is also a soccer player) asked me, "How are you handling not being able to play? I would be crying every night."..... "Really, at this point," I replied, "there is nothing that you can do about it." (I didn't tell her that I broke down once....only once though.) And that's what I kept on re - enforcing on myself.

Before I left on my journey to London, I listened to this song and said this prayer:
"God I still thank you for the talent of playing soccer - along with the many opportunities that I've had along the way. I want to finish this season playing - to glorify and honor You. Prove to me tonight, God, that you will never fail me. Tonight is the night that my hip is going to have no pain. You are stronger than my hip. You are stronger than any treatment. Prove to me this is true - tonight is the night, God.

Friday night, under the lights, God proved to me that one thing does remain - He will never fail me. He showed me that He will remain in any situation no matter how long, 1-3 weeks or 6. Failing isn't in my vocab so why would it be in His?
We did loose that night. But after the game, I had no reason to be upset and complain - my hip wasn't hurting. I came off the field hugging my coaches, with a huge smile on my face. I was happier than any game we could ever win.

~amy

Alex

This past week I was braeside youth camp. This is my second year going. Although it was somewhat boring because I couldn't do any physical activity...the services were still awesome, and powerful.

One of the counselors I have known for three years now, was there. It was like we reunited. We were so happy to see each other and get caught up on the latest news. His name is Alex, and if you know him then you would agree that he's awesome. His personality, his kindness, and also how he knows how to make everything entertaining and fun, but is so passionate about God and centering everything he does around Him.
As we were packing up the van to leave, he and I walked over to the bookstore where his wife was, so I could say hi. It was great to see her again. The 10-15 minute conversation was pretty special. Of course it geared into soccer, after talking about my injury. From there we started talking about where I wanted to go with my life, what were my plans, (and he threw in the questions how old I was now, and what grade I was in). His shining personality and never giving up spirit inspired me, once again, to keep going through this soccer journey. He made that very, very clear. As I was walking away, we were getting the few last words in....

Alex: "I'll be watching you in the World Cup in 2015. You can play then right?"
Me: "Yup, I'll be 19!"
Alex: "Ok, I'll be watching. And then I can say, see that girl...ya, I counseled her"
Me: Ok! (smiling)

How can you ever give up when a counselor at a camp, who I only get to see once every year, believes so much in you? I can't think of a reason. Can you?

~amy

Alex Morgan & Abby Wambach

one week ago the women's World Cup 2011 concluded with Japan taking home victory; winning in a shootout. i was very disappointed as i had my hopes set on the US national team. i fell in love with a few players, and thought that they had the best chance of winning. but like i said before in an earlier blog post, expect the unexpected. Japan proved themselves this tournament. 2 of my favorite players on the US women's national soccer team are Abby Wambach, and Alex Morgan.

Abby Wambach is a 31. she is one of the best strikers in the world. in the finals of the world cup, she scored her 122 international goal, and of course with her head, which is like her famous goal.

my favorite thing about Abby Wambach is how humble she is. even though she is one of the best players in the world, she speaks so highly of her team mates. she is so quick to point out how they assisted her and that she couldn't have scored with out her team mates. that's impressive. i also love her attitude. the camera has caught her many times smiling on the field when the ball goes over or wide or the goalie saves it. she doesn't get mad or frustrated; she just accepts that this is soccer, and this is how the game goes. she appreciates the game so much. why not have a little fun during your favorite sport during the biggest soccer tournament in the world right?

                          

Alex Morgan is 22, she is the youngest player on the team, and also plays forward. i fell in love with Alex this World Cup, because i think that she really stepped up. she scored two fantastic goals in the tournament. even though she was only playing 15-20 minutes at a game; she gave it her all in those moments and took it all in (and scored). i feel like she is setting an example, even being the youngest on the team. the older girls look up to her because she has proven herself to be a strong player, no matter the size, age, or experience level. i think that this tournament was like the start of her future. she proved to her coaches that she can handle the pressure. from this tournament on Alex has an exciting future ahead of her, possibly starting the game soon.

           ~first person Alex hugged after her goal: Abby       ~right after goal

              Wambach

these two soccer players inspire me. i want to be humble like Abby Wambach, and enjoy the sport as much as she does. i want players to look to me to make a difference in the game when we need some impact on how were playing, just like Alex Morgan. i want to be an example, just like these two athletes have proven themselves worthy of being.

~amy

2015

DID YOU HEAR? the 2015 women's World Cup is in Canada!!! they announced yesterday that it is going to be a coast to coast tournament - so they will literally be playing in different provinces all across Canada.
in about 4 years from now (I'M GOING TO BE 19 :) ), i'll be somewhere else in Canada cheering for my favorite team at the time, and possibly laying eyes on some of these soccer players that i love and look up to!
if i'm not in the World Cup....i'll be volunteering....and if i'm not volunteering....i'll be watching :) I can not wait!!! The countdown starts now!

~amy

Shaun White ~ snowboarder

the other day i was reading the Olympic Diary. it is basically a look through the Olympics, with tons of great pictures. i did my research on Shaun White, and all i have to say is WOW! and wow again. i was reading his bio in awe. he is an amazing guy. his life has been jam packed with sports, not to mention some difficulties along the way. at only the age of one he endured two major surgeries correcting a heart defect. you would never think that, and never imagine that, knowing that he was playing soccer, surfing, and snowboarding at a young age. and i diffidently never would have thought that, looking at him today. but what a great story to share. he overcame so much and is on
top of the world now. 

Shaun started skiing at first. he lived in California. ya, no ski mountains there. but his family would take road trips to a mountain for the weekend. Shaun proved himself fearless, because that young, he was racing down the hills at full speed with his older brother Jesse. at age six his mom made him try snowboarding. thinking that it would slow him down, Shaun's mom told him to do exactly what his brother did. at the age of 7, he entered his first amateur contest - and won. he got a wild card to nationals and came just outside of top 10. his mom sent a homemade video to Burton. at that time they were creating a kid-sized snowboard line. they were impressed and offered him a deal, at the age of 7. with the support of Burton, he turned pro at 13. just stop and say wow. that is amazing. his first year of his teen years, and he was offered a deal of a life time. Shaun is now a professional. he is doing his favorite sport.

his life is pure bliss. and it only gets better from here. from then on Shaun entered many competitions and was winning all of them.

because Shaun is amazing at snowboarding, he has many skills at skate boarding. at the age of 9, he met Tony Hawk, and he helped Shaun turn pro by the age of 17.  in 2003 he became the first athlete ever to compete and medal in both the summer and winter Games in two different sports. the 2006 Olympics came along, and Shaun got gold. four years later came the 2010 Olympic Games, and he also got gold there. Shaun also has a talent as a businessman. he and his brother created their own line of t-shirts. and two video games - which are doing amazing!

Did I mention Shaun is only 24?! He hasn't even lived half of his life yet. He has been, seen and gone through so much, and his life is literally just getting started. Shaun inspires me to live one of my mottos - live with zero regrets. he is living his life to the fullest, and tackling every opportunity that comes his way.

Shaun didn't see any obstacles and nothing was stopping him, result: he turned pro at such a young age. he just focused on the end reward. with that in mind, it inspires me to go after my own dreams and goals. this young man with crazy hair is still going far. life is his to own right now. see you in 2014 - on the tv! :)

~ amy

the shirt

as a reminder of this blog....i got 'the shirt' made. 

this shirt is a reminder of one of my favorite soccer players and to play as strong as she does every game. it has been cool to watch Amy Rodriguez play in the world cup - to watch her give it her all, create plays, and react with her teammates.
so, as i wear this shirt to work out or to soccer practices, it is a reminder to give my best. this simple shirt reminds me of the video i watched when i first fell in love with this soccer player that seemed to be my older 'twin'.
ever since this injury of mine became this serious, all i have been doing is watching the US national women's soccer team prepare for the world cup - videos from YouTube of them working out, practicing, and interviews. although it makes me wish i could play soccer even more, it is encouraging and inspiring to see what they went through to get to the World Cup. so, i might need to get a few more shirts made (after watching and falling in love again with a few other athletes)....but first I have to paint my coaches garage since she is the one who paid for the shirt! :)

AND don't forget, the finals of the women's world cup is on Sunday! USA vs. Japan..... Go USA!!! :)
(i'm still waiting for my girl, Amy, to score a goal!!! maybe if i wear this shirt she will on Sunday?!)

~amy

any day now

im still laying on that physio bed, doing awkward stretches, and saying to myself  "ok, come on God; any day you want to heal this hip flexor of mine will be good with me - but please make it soon!"
i still have patience - which there really is no other solution because there is nothing i can do about it. here i am, halfway through soccer season, and having to take another week off of soccer. as my physio would say: "do you have any lazy friends? (umm ya, I could think of a few), pretend you are them and don't do anything for a week. don't even walk for a long time or stand for a long time."  loosing hope over hear....i was flipping through a notebook today and it just so happen said this verse:

Romans 8:28:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

so tonight, as i sit and watch my soccer game, and think to myself  "God any day now...", i find a new sense of hope as i think that God will work this into good.

it's coming amy....it's coming.....

~amy

the soccer ball

I asked someone going on the Africa mission’s trip from my church to keep her eyes out for a soccer ball that she could bring back for me. i didn't keep my hopes up just in case she forgot, or couldn't find it, or didn't have time....WRONG.....Sunday morning she handed me a bag, and there it was - a soccer ball that kids use in Africa....

i never thought that i would have so much feeling and emotion for a soccer ball. like it's just a soccer ball. because i play soccer, my heart goes out to these kids who are playing with something not even close to what we use here in North America. each girl on my team brings a soccer ball to practice, and then my coach brings some. when a ball is flat we just kick it to the side like it's no big deal and grab another ball. but here are kids playing with a ball like this, not complaining, but having hours of fun.
right now, it is currently sitting on my shelf next to my trophies from tournaments as a reminder that's it not all about winning; it's not about the fame and trophies - it's about what you put into those tournaments and how much you worked to earn the trophy. but, it's also about your attitude - how you act on and off the field, how you treat your teammates and coaches, how much you respect the ref and the other team, and your affects on how the other team is playing whether you are loosing or winning. now i look at this simple made soccer ball as inspiration to give it my all for the kids who play soccer with a ball that wouldn't even be considered an option here in Canada. i couldn't imagine bringing that ball to soccer practice, and asking my coach if we could scrimmage with it. or could you imagine a referee bringing that ball out to the field during a match in the world cup?
i never thought i would feel this way about a soccer ball. it is something so small that we take for granted.
now i just need a picture of me playing soccer with kids in Africa, and i'll be satisfied....someday :) .....

~amy

it could have been worse

these past 2 weeks have been brutal. for a girl like me, 2 weeks of no soccer or physical activity has me sitting here in agony. i still went to all of my soccer practices, but just stood on the sideline, hoping that this hip flexor of mine will co-operate soon so that i to can be practicing with my team mates. well 2 weeks later, 3 (soon to be 4) physio appointments, many minutes of icing and stretching.....i got the 'ok' to start running again - just running at 80% and then practicing this monday at 80% for my game on tuesday (where I can go full out). this past weekend has been hard to get running again, to get back to the cardio shape i want to be in, but it's working...the hip flexor is feeling fine, and i am looking forward for a practice and game, finally.

~above, me at physio. this machine feels like bugs are crawling all over you, but it warms up the muscles and feels good afterwards :)

but, in the midst of this situation, i changed my perspective. sure, i had to to take two weeks off, sure i couldn't practice, sure i wasn't fulfilling my goals for this summer, but it could have been worse. i could have done more then a strain. i could have had a game that i would have to miss. it is in the midst of this situation where i learn that God is in control. i challenged myself in this situation to change my perspective just like Bethany Hamilton did. i looked at it as an opportunity to give my body a break, and to challenge myself to eat better. God knows the goals i'm trying to achieve, He knows how serious and passionate I am about this sport, and He is there with me. so i give the thanks to my almighty Coach who had this situation under control all along.

women's world cup 2011

most people like the men's world cup more.  i have no clue why.  sure guys have abs, maybe (in some scenarios) are better at sports, physically. but being a girl myself, i love watching the games and being able to relate to how they are playing, and learning from these experienced role models that i'm watching.  i love the world cup tournament.  i think it's fascinating, and inspiring - that teams from around the world gather in one country and play as a team. they are playing the sport they love and are so passionate about with everything they've got for the chance of winning a title and trophy.

who am i cheering for? i don't really care who wins. Germany has a good chance, but i'm liking the USA team because of some of the athletes on the team: Amy Rodriguez (my girl), Lauren Cheney, Heather Mitts, Abby Wambach, ETC.  but of course, being a Canadian who couldn't cheer for their country. I mean, Christine SinClair, and Kaylyn Kyle are on the team.

Lauren Cheney is a forward on the U.S. National Team. she scored the first goal against Korea on Tuesday. and it was beautiful! even though Lauren is one of the younger players on the team, she is tough, and strong, and determined to make her coaches and team proud. she is focused on bringing her A - game everywhere so that her team will look to her a leader and role-model. this video shows how passionate and serious Lauren is about soccer. her love and passion for the sport gives her motivation and makes her determined to do everything with 110%.  by the way....love her shorts..... :)

Heather Mitts is a defender on the U.S. National Team. this video kind of reminds me of me. Heather tore her ACL and had to have time off.  now I only strained my hip flexor and had to take 2 weeks off, but we both agree that it sucked.  Heather had  to miss the World Cup - that's crazy.  that's disappointing.  my coach doesn't think it's a good idea to play my game on tuesday, and in shock i simply said no way i'm playing. i've been resting for 2 weeks and there's no way i'm missing a game after 3 practices.  but could you imagine missing the biggest tournament in the world?!  she learned a lot about herself during her time off, and learned that obstacles define who we are.  i love that Heather didn't give up, and after she recovered, got right back out there and was hungrier more then ever to play the sport she loves.  i also love that she speaks so highly of her teammates, and looks to them for advice and encouragement and motivation to work hard.

~amy