“Be at the right place, at the right time, and do the right thing.” – Elton Hall

Recent storms in Guatemala caused mudslides, flooding & a massive sinkhole in Guatemala City (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/01/guatemala-sinkhole-is-mas_n_595877.html). Several thousand people have been displaced & many were killed in the flooding.

Two Guatemalan friends are coordinating a work trip for a group of Americans from Pennsylvania to go to Guatemala to help in the recovery efforts.  Thanks to the internet I was aware of the mudslides & flooding. When I received the email from my Guatemalan friends, I sent them a quick note (here is an excerpt):

“Ball Project: Would there be any use for soccer balls?

40 minutes later: Yes, amen, Gloria a Dios, perfecto!”

It may seem strange that in a time of crisis soccer balls can be of value. In times of disaster & the resulting recovery keeping children busy & giving adults some leisure activities can help everyone. While it may not solve their problems, a soccer ball can help build relationships & help rebuild community.

Ball Project has already sent $500 to help. $250 will be used to buy soccer balls for clinics for the children & for soccer matches with the adults. The balls will be left with local community leaders to aid in ongoing community & youth work. The other $250 will be used to buy relief supplies for the trip.

Thanks to all of the Ball Project friends & donors for allowing us to be in the right place, at the right time, able to quickly respond to do the right thing.

Even in the midst of disaster & recovery Ball Project can help children play.

If you would like to contribute to this project, feel free.