Kampung basketball

What does one do on a weekend when one would really rather be at Moora - but can't be?

I coach some kids in a Jakarta kampung called Kramat Jati.  I've always enjoyed coaching - teaching a few basketball fundamentals and seeing kids grow in skills and poise.

World Vision helped me find these guys.  There are some sort of social organisation - school, library, little mosque and an attendance list.  That stuff doesn't matter because we have a (seriously crappy) concrete court and two baskets that are roughly the right height, but too small and without markings.  I bought a dozen rubber balls (total cost $100) and we're off and running.

I've done 4 sessions now - from 7:30 to 9:00 am on a Sunday morning.  The girls in the photo are part of my core regulars and have been every week.  We're some way towards understanding that they have to listen, but there are only the most preliminary signs of any sort of skill acquisition.

Yesterday morning I explained that I will be going back to Australia this week and won't be back until early January.  After a short discussion my team gathered around and the oldest boy started to make a little speech - which turned into a prayer for my safe travel and return.  I'm not sure just who we were addressing because, as well as the mosque evidencing Islam, I have a (to be) point guard called Maria - which is usually a pretty strong sign of Catholicism.  Either way, I will board my Garuda flight on Thursday evening with increased confidence.