What a blessing this morning has been. While the entire walk to the boys institute threatened rain, there was none. It wasn't until after we began playing soccer with the boys (this time only with Rodrigo y Fabrizio) that the rain came. Which honestly, was a lot of fun. And as Javi told me, "It's a dream for the kids to play soccer in the rain. They love it."
Javi had also pulled me aside before the game started. He said that we should win this game and give them our prize (for fun we played for the bottle of Coca Cola we always drink at the end of our games) as an example of grace. Immediately my mind saw 2 thoughts about this. The first being that we have never won against the boys because, yes, they are that good. Second, how will they respond to losing?
But the competitive part of me agreed and as we began I asked the Father if He would help us win if we were supposed to. Next thing I know, Sarah blocked not one, not two, but several goals! Sin cuenta, which sounds like cincuenta, if you will. One means "without count," while the other means "50." Either way, a lot of goals. Sarah is not athletic--this is quite the feat!
At one point, I had stolen the ball and just barely missed scoring. The kick too, was with my right foot. Rodrigo (dos) ran up to me to give me a giant hug and said "Good try!" I was shellshocked. Never before had one of these boys shown such innocent affection. It was adorable, and he felt like a little brother in that moment.
We ended up winning, although it was a close match. Sure enough too, the boys did not like losing. Javi tried consoling the boys but Fabrizio just walked ahead. Rodrigo however remained by Javi's side, so Sarah and I prayed for the conversation as we walked behind. There is always hope.
And another thing, before we left, I was able to teach Rodrigo a fancy little handshake. More than just a "pound it", but with a little explosion thrown in. Very Jack Black-ish.
That is a beautiful thing, what about the Coke and a smile?
ReplyDeleteMost awesome! I love it! And I'm with your dad on this one... How did they like the Coke even though they lost???
ReplyDeletethat's what i'm trying to say. they were too upset for us to explain and give the coke to them (which just turned out to be a drink called Suitty). only Javi had another chance when walking with Rodrigo back to the institute. they drank it, but not with the knowledge of what we were trying to express.
ReplyDeletelosing is hard on the folks on the bottom side of society, the good thing of trying to win it is kinda of like a hope in the air, a kinda pride. the ability to lose well is hard for kids who sometime feel like losers. It is a fine line, I do think it is good for them to lose every now and then. If they work really hard to win next time that is good, if they quit if they get behind, Pray hard and try hard as in don't try to lose or at least look like your trying to lose, wink wink.
ReplyDeleteoh i don't have to try hard to lose. it comes naturally with soccer.
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