Wow! So I feel every bit of 37. When we arrived at the sports complex, we decided to play a Gringo (that is what all the kids call white people) game of soccer. Big mistake1 When the first group of kids arrived, we were already sucking wind, drenched in sweat and running out of water. Daniel split the kids up into two groups of about 20. Half of the kids did crafts while the other half played soccer. Let me tell you - these kids can play. I quickly realized that goal-keeper was my best option. After four games, I was 3-1, but I had sucked down three Advil and at least a gallon of water.
The kids played sports just like my two boys at home. The passion, competitiveness, smiles, bickering, and laughing were all exactly the same.
At the end of the day, we all gathered to pray. Daniel asked for kids to volunteer and pray. To my amazement, both children who prayed, prayed for us. These are kids who just played soccer for over an hour. They are sweaty, hot and need a shower and a fresh change of clothes. The only problem is that all of the children have to go back to the dump and cool off with contaminated water that sometimes doesn't even turn on and refuel with the little bit that they have been given or what they found in the dump the night before.
Hug your children close to you. Thank God for what He has given us. Remember...all that we have can be gone tomorrow.
Mark
keep the updates coming...it's great to read your journey in real time...
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