Soccer

       A snicker, an amused smile, another pathetic attempt to pass. To learn the game requires not taking oneself to seriously. Every fumbled opportunity inspires growth. Often it’s in the laughing and the joy that relationships springs up, not in the fantastic bicycle kick to win the match. Standing there doubled over with amusement one sees the embarrassment of the mistake as insipid compared to the new love for one’s friends.

Kick, slip, crash another missed goal. To learn the game means embracing pain. It seems that one always chokes at that critical moment right before a goal, basket, touchdown, a moment of advancing toward victory. Then, laying there on the flat of the back one realizes the missed goal’s importance pales in comparison to the decision that now arises. What next? That’s the real moment of truth in that moment whether one chooses to get up, run faster, try harder, and leave the shame of the fall behind. 

A cross, a leap, a perfect header to the back of the net. To learn the game demands dedication. After the score is tallied it’s back to position with all the passion of the first minute of play. The goal grows dim in the vastness of the challenge. One’s team, not oneself dictates each move. Alone the game cannot continue. 

Life in the Kingdom, like soccer, follows this pattern. Open up your heart to  learn and grow. Embrace the struggles to develop endurance. Give yourself fully to the Kingdom and its’ people and work together. 

A few of the kids I play with regularly holding the dog (Flash) who seems to have adopted me as "her person"

Yay for Rainspiders!

These things look creeper but really aren't dangerous. They super fast though and are really good at startling people.

The pile of sponsor gifts from the container that we had to record, sort, and put away. Finished now... until the next container. BRING IT ON!

The Holidays

     My first experience of the Holidays away from home brought many emotions. Homesickness, and sadness were indeed among my feelings, however, I also felt our Father growing joy, compassion, and contentment in my heart. This Christmas I was not overhelmed with parties, church services, and decorations, instead I spent it wrapping gifts for orphans and praying over each child. I helped deliver presents to each house an enjoy seeing all the smiling faces over one outfit and a toy.

After Christmas Eve and delivering gifts opening my package from home held even more significance. I felt loved and cared for because of some gummy bears and pickles. The rest of the Holiday season my team and I spent playing games, eating cookies, and drinking tea and coffee. It was not the Christmasy feeling I have grown accustom to in the States, but it was beautiful just the same. It was a time to remember our Father's gift to us and see the blessings all around us.

Now, the holidays are ending and the school year will be starting. Tuesday marks the first day of the first term of the year. My prayer is that this coming year will be filled with building strong relationships in Christ, and growing as community.