Oct. 11, 2004

My introduction into the world of European basketball happened two days after I arrived in Prague. Sparta was playing in a weekend tournament, two games on Saturday and one on Sunday. Kind of like pulling off a band-aid when you think you are ready...rip it off and let's go. I started off a little shaky, a little unsure that I was quite ready. The language was unfamiliar, the people different and the color of my jersey was not the Baylor green I had worn for four years. I was hesitant to go about my normal loud and crazy ways on the bench and on the floor. I sat on the edge of my seat pondering if I should just sit quietly...but the overwhelming urge to get excited took over. And then it just hit me, why not? I started to shout, "Good pass," "Great shot," and the classic, drawn out, "NICE!" By the end of the second game, I had the whole team catching on to my lingo.

Three pre-season games down, about 11 or so practices later, and a slightly greater knowledge of Czech hoop talk, it hit me. Same game, different country, different team, but still a "team." One which sees ups and downs, the good and bad days, great games and the ones you would rather not remember. Through a team relationships are created simply because you share a love of a sport. There is still that familiar uncertainty when you walk into a locker room for the first time and the nervous jitters just before you hit the practice floor. There is a shared love for pulling on that jersey and for the after game celebrations. Even though everything may be different, the feelings never change even though the scenery happens to be on the opposite of the world.

It has been such a blessing to join the ladies of BLC Sparta Praha. They translate, laugh with me and at me, teach me Czech and can hoop. My vocabulary has quadrupled since I have begun practicing with the team. They are patient with me when the word doesn't come out right and they share in my exuberance when I spit out a sentence. They take the time to draw up the plays and explain every drill. They smile and answer every question I have, when I feel I have more questions than answers. Maybe they know what it's like to journey to some place beyond what you know, beyond your comfort zone. Maybe they know what it is like to feel completely clueless while standing on the sideline hurriedly tying to garner the concept of a drill or an offense. Maybe they know what it is like to be the new kid in town. Either way, familiar with these feelings or not, they just get it. They get the "team" thing.

Even though everyday presents a new challenge, I can't wait to head to the gym and find myself in familiar territory; with a team, playing a simple game...HEZKÝ! (It means nice for those who don't speak Czech!)

Still playing for HIM,

Jessika