Play For Hope

Day 14! 

This morning we got to see the coaches again for one final time before we have to head out tomorrow.  It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to see them again.  Elvis, Santa, Regis, Christian and Robert each spoke individually about the training that they learned from us and the impact that it is already having on their teams.  Also, they were all so incredibly grateful that we came from America to be with them for a couple of weeks.  It amazes me how grateful they are for the small things in life.  I feel that, because of what some of these people in Rwanda have been through, their eyes are more open to love.  They see a better picture of truth and are able to wholeheartedly recognize it, and be thankful for it.  I think many times in America, even myself, I overlook things in life that are happening right before my eyes that I should be on my knees worshiping Him for.   Before we left, they all lifted their hands and prayed over us.  It was a very special time, because I had no clue what each individual was saying, and yet, I could feel the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit with us in that room.  I could feel the hearts of the coaches thanking the Lord for us and praying over our lives.  Their was so much passion and worship in the room at that time for our Savior.  I don't think that I will ever forget that moment.  Here, a room full of men sacrificing everything they have and laying it all at the feet of Jesus so that they are able to invest into the hearts and souls of athletes, and they are lifting us up in prayer.  I felt as if I didn't deserve it.  I felt as if we should be the ones praying over them and all that they are doing and sacrificing daily.  They are incredible men of God and I pray that God continues using each and every one of them in a very real and powerful way to each and every individual they come into contact with.  

After our final time with the coaches this morning, we headed out to run some errands and grab some lunch before we had to head out to our team for the day.  As we were waiting at the office to head up to another field, we saw about 15 ambulances racing up the hill, and about 3 military vehicles racing down the hill.  We were not sure what had happened, but we knew that something must be going on.  Later in the day we discovered that two of the large buses had collided and that there were about 40 people injured because of it.  Hopefully nothing was too serious and that they will all be ok.  

After this we headed out for our final team, which was Tonto's team called Hope For Life.  Tonto has a really cool story as he has been working for an organization which gets children off the streets and into a house where they farm rabbits to live and sustain themselves.  It is just really neat to hear about some of the children being able to get out of their life on the streets and start a new life for themselves, a life full of hope!  He had a out 30 girls there that Jena and I talked with.  There was no hidden or quiet area for us to talk with them here, so we just set them a little outside of the field.  The girls were very receptive though and had a lot of good questions for us.  They are so sweet!  Tonto is doing a great job with these girls!  This is I believe one of the newest of the teams, and they already have team captains and different lines of authority for people to go to in areas of conflict and whatnot.  Before we left, we gathered all the children, girls and boys together and Christian spoke to them a little encouraging them in the Lord.  They sang a song of worship to get started.  I just love the culture here how everyone is not afraid to dance and clap and get involved when they are singing for the Lord!  Everyone is very expressive here.  It is great!  

After this we were headed back home.  I cannot believe that our trip is almost over!  It has gone by so quickly it seems.  This has been such an incredible, eye-opening experience for me.  I pray that I will never forget the people here and that I will be able to return soon.  I have such a heart for this culture!  I want to encourage them to be able to reach all of their amazing dreams and goals in life!  And also, I pray that all of these children would come to know how much they are loved by God!