Last week I was blessed to be able to take a trip to Africa with my wife and daughter. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and this year the opportunity presented itself and I jumped right on it! On this amazing trip to Africa I saw many things that have changed my life.

Each year during the off season I take a vacation, this year my choice was Malawi, Africa which sits on the southeast region of Africa. Malawi is a very beautiful, peaceful place and at the same time very frustrating due to the previous government and corruption. This country in 2013 is living like it’s stuck in the 1900’s or worse when it comes to technology, production, development and sports.

The mind set of  those living in Malawi is so narrow that it’s sad.With interest rates of 40% being normal in Malawi, the ability to own a home seems like only a dream to many. On the positive side, going to the village of Zomba was amazing. Going into the classrooms with the children and playing in the field with the kids is something I will never forget.

As we arrived, all the kids ran up to us and started singing in their language, “the visitors are here, the visitors are here!”. During my trip, One World Futbol, a company who has committed to bringing the joy of soccer and play to the youth around the world, donated 11,000 balls to help the development of youth sports in the country. My host, Jack Brewer, introduced me to the President of Malawi, Dr. Joyce Banda, and we had economic development meetings with many of the ministers in the country.

As a result of this trip, I am thrilled to announce that my foundation will be partnering with the Jack Brewer Foundation and Joyce Banda Foundation to help the youth sports development of the country of Malawi! im very excited to expand my vision to a global stage and work with these great people and new friends.I’m very thankful to have participated in this trip. It was a great experience and I look forward to my next visit!