Spiritual Formation | 3/10/2026 8:58:00 AM

Written by: Katie Brightwell
 
Intentionality: the conscious, proactive choice to nurture, build, and prioritize a connection, rather than letting it run on autopilot
 
Wow! I'm not quite sure I have the words to encapsulate the day we had today! Moments of any and all emotions — joy, freedom, love, etc.
 
The reason I started this with intentionality is because of the gift it is to be surrounded by people who can be so intentional. So, in the best way possible, I'm gonna try to explain the way this intentional group took on day 4 in El Salvador!
 
We started the day with a yummy breakfast and time with the Lord! As we left there, we were all encouraged and ready to take on whatever the day had planned!
 
In the last minute change of plans, we had the opportunity to paint the building of our host organization's home, Sports Impact International's building! This may sound simple and just a task, but it was so much more than that! We had the chance to connect with each other more, see each and every person's gifts in those moments, sing and laugh altogether, paint smiley faces, crosses, hearts, and so many other things on each other, learn about this skill, and most importantly — see the pure joy on our host organization's director, Humberto, face — he was smiling ear to ear! He and his organization has done so so much for us, and we finally had to chance to give back to them! The building that started as an old house was now repainted for the first time since it had been built up, what a gift!
 
We next had the blessing of a nice lunch to take a moment to relax and get refueled to take on the next half of the day!
 
We then had to opportunity to hear from Klotzy as we sat in on a coaches class for the SII coaches and staff! Little did we know that this would connect to our lives as players just as much as a coach's! We started with an exercise that reflected on every person's "why" for what they do. It was so powerful to hear the depth of why they do what they love! I think one of the most impactful things that Klotzy touched on was the percentages that Jesus spent his time on Earth. He spent time with the Father in prayer, in community, and out serving and healing. The truth is, it was one of the most unexpected answers! Jesus spent 70% of time with His Father, 20% in community, and 10% out serving on mission! It was the craziest realization that seeing that if Jesus, the perfect son of the one true king needs His Father that much, I cannot imagine how much we genuinely need our Heavenly Father!
 
After we all sat in awe for a moment, we moved on and headed outside for an activity! This activity consisted of 10 tennis balls, one being added each round, and we had to catch and throw in the same order each round until all 10 balls were back in the starter's hands! While this may seem silly, it showed us how much of our lives we live distracted. The biggest takeaway was the idea that we need to be open and willing to catch what the Lord is throwing at us and take the knowledge we gather and pass it on to the next person! It is just so powerful how something so small means something so much larger!
 
As we settled down after that fun activity, we broke down an iceberg and the depth it has versus what it shows. It represents a human. We show what we want people to see in a way, when in reality, there is so much more depth to what we may be doing! It is as easy as belief (bottom on the iceberg) determines thought, which forms attitude, and drives our behavior (tip of the iceberg)! It is such a simple picture, yet it has so much meaning!!
 
To end this class, we had a chance to reflect on what the Bible says about us! We did this through "I Am" statements! In Christ, I AM _________ (chosen, loved, freed, fearfully and wonderfully made, etc) SO MANY THINGS! The Lord declared countless number of times how He sees us and defines us as His children! It was an incredible moment that showed the deeper meaning of being a coach or a player or any occupation! We are serving— not for our self— but because the Lord has placed a calling on our hearts that we are told to step into boldly.
 
To finish the night, we had a super fun game of pickup basketball!!! Not being able to play gave me an opportunity to see the joy and laughter each and every person on the court felt! It was pure and genuine, and it sounded like the Lord was sitting there with us and just observing! What a blessing it is to serve such a God where His presence is always known!
 
After this fun and competitive game, we ended with a night of pupusas, a traditional El Salvadoran dish! How yummy were those!! It was a night of fun and laughter!
 
We ended the night with a debrief, full of vulnerability and great conversation! It just proved how much God was moving today through the people in El Salvador and our own group! He is just so so good and faithful!
 
To bring back the idea of intentionality, it is crazy this groups natural gift of just being intentional! It's the hard questions that build and build until people choose to share! It's truly awesome and the whole entire group shares this gift! The ability to serve and meet and be intentional with those they do meet! It's just amazing!
 
I truly don't have the words to describe the day that we had today! It was awesome! Thank you for reading and supporting us, we love you!!