Bruehls Rule: Challenger Camp - Hosting Coaches from England

Last year we did a British Challenger Camp. There was an opportunity to host one of the coaches from the camp, but last year we did not seize that opportunity. This year I did not make that mistake again. I knew to really make this special we needed to host. I am so glad we did. It was such a one of a kind experience. The first coach was named Ryan, and he is from Cornwall, England. He was Blake's coach for the week at the Wylie Camp. He and Blake became the best of friends. We also found out that he and Kimberlyn had the same birthday - just 11 years apart, so we had an unbirthday party at Amazing Jakes knowing they would not be in the same country on their real birthday. He also attended Kimberlyn's 3v3 tournament in Forney. It was hot hot hot, and we did not win a single game - but he was there to support Kimberlyn and gave her great advice. Lets just say this was huge to have him there as he is not used to this kind of heat. Man, I don't even like it and I live here! I am kind of surprised we play soccer outside when it is above 100 degrees. Thank goodness for tons of water, fruit, and frog togs.
Then we got an email asking if we could host another coach as there was a Sachse Camp as well. I had no idea they were coming to Sachse. Even though we did not do this camp, we gladly accepted another coach b/c we really enjoyed Ryan. The nice thing is Ryan knew Michael who was coming and told us he was a nice guy. They actually crossed paths at the hotel and Ryan told Michael we were a great family. Ryan was extremely homesick. He really missed his girlfriend and family back in England. Michael said he could tell Ryan's spirits were lifted a little after being here. That really lifted my spirits. I hope that anyone who comes here will find their spirits lifted, even if it is just a little. Michael was pretty homesick as well. But we had a fabulous week. He really enjoyed us and we enjoyed him very much. He went to Kellar the following week. We are trying to meet up with him again before he leaves for England on Sunday. But not sure it will work out. I can tell you this, I really want to go to England and visit them. They can make sure we get the full English experience, and we truly feel like we made 2 great friends. It is amazing, even in such a short time span, that you can meet someone and your life changes for the better. God designed us for relationships. So here is a preview of our fun.

This is Ryan Moth from Cornwall, England. He was Blake's coach and best friend.

Checking out Facebook together. Showing Blake his time at Disney World.

Interesting fact: these 2 share a birthday. Both are December 13 11 years apart. Since they wont be in the same country on December 13, we are having an unbirthday party today at Amazing Jakes.
So happy Unbirthday Kimber, Ryan, my cousin Whitney, and Taylor Swift. 4 amazing people born this day.
My favorite part is Ryan has been talking smack about taking the kids down in laser tag. Then when we get to the ride he says in his British accent, "Ok I talked the big talk, what the bloody heck do I do here. ".

I don't know if you can see them on the screen. This was a game at Amazing Jakes. Jake was winning but then started checking his phone and Ryan took over big time. He probably would have won anyway with the way he took off at the end.

This was so funny. B/c Jake weighs so much more than Ryan - Jake and Kimber were getting lapped about 3 to 1 by Ryan and Blake. Kimber was demanding to be Ryan's partner next.

Laser Tag!

3v3 Quickfoot Tournament. It was hot hot hot. Here is Ryan kicking the ball with Blake. He also treated him to a snow cone.

Girls playing Charades

Ryan with the 3 girls who did the Challenger Camp. We did not win a single game - he said that made the camp look bad. Ha ha! 3v3 is a different game than the actual game.

Had a blast with Ryan this week. Coaching Blake, staying with us, Unbirthday party at Amazing Jakes, came to Kimbos tourney, but Just Dance to One Direction might take the cake!