Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Lessons I learned from Soccer


So, The boys to the left are my heroes. I love them and there's really nothing anyone can do to change that fact. They are smart and witty, full of energy and crazy, frustrating and annoying, full of love and servants at heart. These are my boys, God gave them to me and I think they are keepers. I will defend them to the death because they are mine. They have moms and most of them have dads but that doesn't change a thing. They are my family.
During the last soccer season I learned a lot about their personalities and mine. I learned that young people learn what they see modeled and NOT what they hear preached. I learned that they are very observant and know how I'm feeling or what I'm thinking. I learned that they want to feel loved, valued, and needed, just like me. I learned that we all like to be talked to and not at. I learned that these young men have respect and value strong leadership. They have hearts, and they are survivors. Each of their stories are unique and heartwarming or heartbreaking.
I learned that I don't like to cook over open flames but that I could if I had to. It was really hot that day and my North American blood was boiling out there. Again, I realized just how spoiled I truly am. The women I work with are amazing. I love them a lot! They cook like this and wash their family's clothing on a washboard, use torn up rags to clean their houses, sweep their dirt floors, and smile while they do it because they are able to.
I tell them all the time how blessed I am to have them in my life.
Yes, some days I get so "homesick" it's terrible. I miss my parents and my sisters, and especially my nieces and nephews. I miss my USA church family and friends. At the end of the day though I wouldn't change my life. God has blessed me abundantly and I'm so grateful to have 2 countries that I call home.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you, Bonnie. I echo your thoughts but you say it so much better than I.

    Pastor Lynne
    Ministerio Mateo 5:16

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