Well, it is coming to that time again where life as I know it is changing. I have about 1-2 weeks left in Cape Town before I have to head back up North to Polokwane and Pretoria to finish up some unfinished business. This has been an amazing journey that is coming to a close. I have learned so much about myself and about people and about love and about God. I have had some major breakthroughs and some major disappointments. I have had some times where I wanted to pack it all up and come home. And I have had other times where I have been so in love with what I am doing, the people around me, and what God is doing through and around me, I didn't want to leave. Whether or not this mission/soccer trip has been a success or a failure, I know that God has worked through it and because of that, it will be a major success.
Since I came to Cape Town, my ministry changed or evolved in a way that is difficult to explain but I am going to try. This whole time I have been in South Africa, I have been struggling with this question: Am I a Christian that plays soccer?... Or... Am I Professional Soccer Player that is a Christian? Either way is fine because the important part is that I am a Christian and I am seeking after God and after what He wants for me. Basically, the real question that I have been praying about and asking God is, Where He wants me to be? Does He want me to be working with kids that are less fortunate, all the time and completely abandon my dream of playing at a professional level? Or does He want me to pursue being a professional and once I get signed, then I can start doing all the other stuff? My selfish side wants to never give up on my dream of playing at the highest level possible. I know that when I cannot go to a higher level, it will be time to hang the boots up. But right now, I know I can play at this level and I just need a shot. However, I am completely open to whatever God has for me. Wherever He leads, I will follow. I took a major gamble as far as ministry goes when I came down to Cape Town. I have not been able to be as involved in as many different stuff like I was in Polokwane because of the hectic training schedule. However, I will consider it completely worth it either way but especially if I make the team because I will have another full year here in South Afrika to follow what God has for me!
As far as scheduling goes right now, I get to play in a game this wednesday against, ironically, an American team. I know I have been saying that I will know for sure on whether I will make the team or not but the thing is, there is a thing called Afrika Time. This coach tells me he likes me and is impressed but he says that he needs to be 100%... Completely sure that it will be the best for his team and for me. Thus, I have been on trial for about 2 months which is a really long trial. I had a good talk with him this past week and asked him to assess what he is thinking with me. He told me that he will for sure, give me a decision on wednesday after watching and assessing me play in this game. If he decides to sign me, then I will coming back to Cape Town next year and playing a season here while being able to really get plugged into the different ministries going on here in Cape Town. Please pray for me that God's will be done... whatever it is. Thank you all for your love and support and prayers! I cannot wait to see you in a month!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
To be signed.. Or not to be Signed.. That is the ?
I have been in Cape Town for almost two months. Life, Ministry, and Soccer have been unbelievable. God has been at work and it is obvious. I have not only found out a lot about myself and God, but I have grown more than I could have ever possibly imagined! So first of all, I just need to throw out a big thank you for all of you who have been praying and supporting me in ways I don't even know. Thank You! Praise God!
Alright.. getting down to the nitty and gritty. I have been on trial with this team called Ikapa Sporting for a month now. I have been playing really well and have been holding my end of the bargain as far as being able to play at this level. I continue to grow as a player in skill, technique, fitness (if it is possible), psychologically, and tactically. The African game is completely different than anything I have ever experienced in the states. Well, actually for those of you few that were able to see the APU Vs Lindsey Wilson in the finals where APU got crushed... It is very similar to that as far as the skill and the speed in concerned. However, they lack the discipline in order to play like a team. Which is a little bit disappointing but this is Afrika! The team is split demographically which is awesome! There are white guys, colored guys, and black guys. The diversity is really cool and creates quite a cool atmosphere at training because each "color" brings different aspects to the table. (I will get into that in a bit). Anyways, the guys on the team have been super supportive and so encouraging! It is awesome because I have had the opportunity to talk about God, life, and soccer, and girls with a some of them. It has been really cool! As far as soccer goes, things are either coming to a close or they are getting ready to be kicked off. They have recently let go of a couple of players and need some players to finish the season but since they cannot move up into the promotion zone, they do not want to spend any more money. The guy that got me the trial with Ikapa is representing me to the club. They are in the middle of negotiations on whether or not the club will pick me up for the rest of the year which is a little more than a month. If I get picked up, I will be able to play the last month which will include a local cup as well. So I can feel I am close thanks to God. Pray for me and that whatever is supposed to happen will happen. As far as next year is concerned depends on how I do here if I get picked up. The coach likes me but the decision is ultimately not up to him. So assuming I get picked up and do well, they will look to sign me for the whole of next year! So hopin and prayin!
The culture here in Cape Town is completely different than anywhere else in South Africa. It is honestly a "trip" half the time. Cape Town is definitely the most diverse city in the country. There are 11 national languages. Here, you have whites, blacks, and coloreds. When Cape Town was first established back in... whenever... the whites settled next to the mountain and around towards the sea with the blacks settling more north in the cape flats. The whites and blacks started makin' babies and that is where the coloreds started comin' in. They are their own culture and they are definitely the ones with the coolest accents. Anyways, pulling it all back in with the team... the whites and blacks dont always like each other however what suprised me was the blacks are the common denominator when they don't like each other. Like I have said in previous blogs, this is the most racist place I have ever been. You can learn so much about other cultures by simply listening to what they have to say. I have had the opportunity to hang out with almost all of the guys off the field and talk with them and go surfing or do flips off high dives. I can only hope and pray that God shines through me and they wonder why I am different. I can only hope and pray that I will be ready to talk to them when they ask.
The church I am going to is really cool and completely different than anything I ever went to in Polokwane. I have made some amazing relationships through this church which is awesome. If I end up coming back next year, there is a plan to start this community house where "loving your neighbor" is the main objective. It will be a house where we support people in the community, we have community meals, and just love on people around us. There is a lot more that goes into it and if you want to know more, just leave me a comment... I am super excited about it if I get to be a part of it!
Last but not least, I will end this blog with a funny little story that happened to me on Valentines Day. I didn't have a date. Grant, my friend from Ikapa, had just broken up with his girl and didnt have a date. So he and I went out to get dinner to watch soccer on tv and play backgammon because not having a date on Vday isn't that great but that's okay. We had a great talk about where he is in life and how he doesn't want to become "religious" because he needs to get some stuff out of his system. Anyways, we ran into some Brazilian folks that he had met at another point. It was a girl and a guy and we assumed that they were together. We had a really good time with them just talking and playing backgammon and getting coffee. Well at the end of the night, they needed a lift home so we gave them a ride because it was on the way. I was in the back with the Brazilian guy just finding out about his favorite soccer teams and players. When all of a sudden, the car jerks a little bit and my friend Grant yells... "NO I LOVE A WOMAN'S BODY!" Well, sitting in the back, I didn't know what that was about... until after we dropped them off... I asked and he said that the girl was asking if he was gay because he wanted to go home with Grant and I because he thought we were "together" because it was Valentines Day and we were both wearing collared shirts. At the time, it was sooooooo awkward. I mean, what do you do? We decided to do something really manly like jump in the ocean... Ha ha... Now, looking back on it, the situation was quite funny because it was only after that I realized what it might have looked like...
Peace and Love to all of you! I love you!
Alright.. getting down to the nitty and gritty. I have been on trial with this team called Ikapa Sporting for a month now. I have been playing really well and have been holding my end of the bargain as far as being able to play at this level. I continue to grow as a player in skill, technique, fitness (if it is possible), psychologically, and tactically. The African game is completely different than anything I have ever experienced in the states. Well, actually for those of you few that were able to see the APU Vs Lindsey Wilson in the finals where APU got crushed... It is very similar to that as far as the skill and the speed in concerned. However, they lack the discipline in order to play like a team. Which is a little bit disappointing but this is Afrika! The team is split demographically which is awesome! There are white guys, colored guys, and black guys. The diversity is really cool and creates quite a cool atmosphere at training because each "color" brings different aspects to the table. (I will get into that in a bit). Anyways, the guys on the team have been super supportive and so encouraging! It is awesome because I have had the opportunity to talk about God, life, and soccer, and girls with a some of them. It has been really cool! As far as soccer goes, things are either coming to a close or they are getting ready to be kicked off. They have recently let go of a couple of players and need some players to finish the season but since they cannot move up into the promotion zone, they do not want to spend any more money. The guy that got me the trial with Ikapa is representing me to the club. They are in the middle of negotiations on whether or not the club will pick me up for the rest of the year which is a little more than a month. If I get picked up, I will be able to play the last month which will include a local cup as well. So I can feel I am close thanks to God. Pray for me and that whatever is supposed to happen will happen. As far as next year is concerned depends on how I do here if I get picked up. The coach likes me but the decision is ultimately not up to him. So assuming I get picked up and do well, they will look to sign me for the whole of next year! So hopin and prayin!
The culture here in Cape Town is completely different than anywhere else in South Africa. It is honestly a "trip" half the time. Cape Town is definitely the most diverse city in the country. There are 11 national languages. Here, you have whites, blacks, and coloreds. When Cape Town was first established back in... whenever... the whites settled next to the mountain and around towards the sea with the blacks settling more north in the cape flats. The whites and blacks started makin' babies and that is where the coloreds started comin' in. They are their own culture and they are definitely the ones with the coolest accents. Anyways, pulling it all back in with the team... the whites and blacks dont always like each other however what suprised me was the blacks are the common denominator when they don't like each other. Like I have said in previous blogs, this is the most racist place I have ever been. You can learn so much about other cultures by simply listening to what they have to say. I have had the opportunity to hang out with almost all of the guys off the field and talk with them and go surfing or do flips off high dives. I can only hope and pray that God shines through me and they wonder why I am different. I can only hope and pray that I will be ready to talk to them when they ask.
The church I am going to is really cool and completely different than anything I ever went to in Polokwane. I have made some amazing relationships through this church which is awesome. If I end up coming back next year, there is a plan to start this community house where "loving your neighbor" is the main objective. It will be a house where we support people in the community, we have community meals, and just love on people around us. There is a lot more that goes into it and if you want to know more, just leave me a comment... I am super excited about it if I get to be a part of it!
Last but not least, I will end this blog with a funny little story that happened to me on Valentines Day. I didn't have a date. Grant, my friend from Ikapa, had just broken up with his girl and didnt have a date. So he and I went out to get dinner to watch soccer on tv and play backgammon because not having a date on Vday isn't that great but that's okay. We had a great talk about where he is in life and how he doesn't want to become "religious" because he needs to get some stuff out of his system. Anyways, we ran into some Brazilian folks that he had met at another point. It was a girl and a guy and we assumed that they were together. We had a really good time with them just talking and playing backgammon and getting coffee. Well at the end of the night, they needed a lift home so we gave them a ride because it was on the way. I was in the back with the Brazilian guy just finding out about his favorite soccer teams and players. When all of a sudden, the car jerks a little bit and my friend Grant yells... "NO I LOVE A WOMAN'S BODY!" Well, sitting in the back, I didn't know what that was about... until after we dropped them off... I asked and he said that the girl was asking if he was gay because he wanted to go home with Grant and I because he thought we were "together" because it was Valentines Day and we were both wearing collared shirts. At the time, it was sooooooo awkward. I mean, what do you do? We decided to do something really manly like jump in the ocean... Ha ha... Now, looking back on it, the situation was quite funny because it was only after that I realized what it might have looked like...
Peace and Love to all of you! I love you!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Cape Town Sporting or Ikapa Sporting?
Well my brew (oh by the way, for those of you, like my sister, that don't know what brew means, it means Bro like Brother not beer), it is that time again... It is the time to sit back and reflect on what has happened the past month. It feels as though I have been here for a long time. I have met some awesome people, created some great relationships, and added on old ones. One thing is for certain, God is alive and present in Africa (and the US for that matter). He can use anything for His Glory including things like soccer, guitars, or even walks. He has given me the ride of a lifetime here in Africa. From going through a time of hardships and struggles to a time of healing to being renewed to actively living out what He has called me to, I invite you to sit back and enjoy the wild ride I call life...
I am still in Cape Town. My time here is either just beginning or it is coming quickly to an end. I have been given the go ahead from the head of Ambassadors here in Africa. However, I only have one tryout with one team. If I don't make it, I am heading back up to Polokwane to finish doing the ministry that was started three months ago. I have been on trial with a team called Ikapa Sporting (which also means Cape Town Sporting in Xhosa). Currently, there is a big tournament in Ghana involving almost all of the African Nations. It is coincidentally called The African Nations Cup. Well, since the tournament is going on, the leagues here in South Africa have been postponed for about a month. The teams are training and playing in the local Cups. My point is, they are going through a mini-preseason. I have been running double days with Ikapa and it is going great. Fitness has never been a problem for me and as a player, it is probably my biggest strength. Right now, it is paying off dividends because I am able to play at a high level and not become fatigued which leads to less mistakes and gives me a better chance of being noticed which could eventually lead to being signed. After this week of training, the coach told me before I left that "he likes what he sees and that if I stick with it and him, he will sign me." Praise God. Please be praying for me on this...
PSM- Professional Soccer Ministries. This is its own entity in Ambassadors in Sport. It is relational ministry which starts with the team that one is playing with then extends out to fans and all other ministries in the area. Considering this, I am excited about what is happening. I am beginning to get to know some of the guys on the team and have been invited out a bit to hang out or go to eat. This is a fantastic opportunity to share my faith with the professional players that I could be playing with. Whether I do it by telling them what I believe or by simply listening and loving them for who they are, I pray that God will shine through me. I know that I am here in Cape Town for a reason and this could be that reason.
Morgan Cathey, the guy I am staying with right now and current second string goalie (behind a world class goalie who has played all over the world) of Ajax Cape Town, is the best example of that. He has a bible study with his team once a week while doing different stuff with AIS and his church. His ministry is based in his team and God, through Morgan, continues to shine his light to the team. It was awesome to see 4 guys from his team at the last bible study (2 guys for the first time) along with me and Dana McGregor. We just had an awesome time of worship and prayer. It is so encouraging and it helps give me a vision of how to do it!
Okay, enough about soccer, I want to share the story of Leonard. While Jono (my digs (room)mate) and I were walking to church we decided to ask everyone we encountered along the way, if they would like to join us in going to church. The first guy we came across was a homeless man named Leonard. He decided that he would join. Along the walk, we found out a lot about this man. He has had a very tough life. We found out that his mother was a prostitute and his father abused him and his sister when they were growing up, at times he had to "sell himself" to be able to survive, he has been accused of murder, and now he now cleans windows for spare change to live. He came to church with us and we just sat next to him. After church, he said it was exactly what he needed and needed to hear. We brought him back to the apartment and let him shower and shave and cleaned his clothes. He ended up staying to eat and also watch the patriots dominate the chargers.. (sorry all you in San Diego, it was a good run).. He spent the night and left in the morning. We had some great talks with him and we prayed for him. At the end, it wasn't a miraculous conversion however, I believe that seeds were sown. Please pray for Leonard.
Last but not least, I want to challenge you, the reader, to step out of your comfort zone and bless someone in an unexpected way. Whether it is buying some bum a hamburger at MickeyD's or just simply listening to someone that is hurting. Step out of the boat and let God shine through you.
Preach the Gospel... And if necessary... Use Words!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Cape Town My Brew
Let's put it this way... Cape Town is the most beautiful city I have ever been to. Everything about it is beautiful ranging from the scenery to the sports to the houses and even the people (Don't get me started on the girls.. I am on a mission trip! ;-). I am going to talk about a couple of things in this one but I want to focus on what I am doing because I haven't written in a while and also I want to focus on the people of South Africa because they are without a doubt some of the most giving, chill, and happy people As A Whole I have ever been around. However, I don't want to make it too long so I will write that one tomorrow or something.. So let's get started...
I got to Cape Town about a week ago last night. I am staying with a guy named Morgan Cathey. If you do not know who he is, he was my college goalie for three years at APU. He is a guy that everyone needs to know because of his personality and his never ending smile. (Seriously, I think it is permanently imprinted on his face). But also because he is an incredible man of God and is absolutely on fire for God. He has an awesome wife, Cari, who is currently helping teach English in South Korea. Morgan is the second string goalie for Ajax Cape Town which currently sits on top of the PSL Standings.
Personally, I have 3 reasons for being down here in Cape Town. 1) There is an Ambassadors Conference, 2) Currently in Polokwane, there are no teams to play with so I figured I would try and get a trial with Morgan's team. However, since they have already filled up all of their foreign slots, this isn't possible. That means I am on Plan B which is any team in Cape Town I would be allowed to go on trial with... Saying that.. Be praying for me because as far as I know,(TIA = This Is Africa) I start on Monday... and finally 3) Get a needed vacation to recharge and find myself again.
So far, I have had many adventures some of which include hiking up in between Devil's Peak and Table Mountain, going to my first cricket match while getting really badly sun burned in the world's only "never ending game" (we were there for 8 and a half hours!), getting slammed in the ice cold water while body surfing in Camps Bay, going to a bible camp in Strandfontein which emphasized soccer and God, had several Braai's, and met some new amazing people.
The hike was unbelievable because of the way Cape Town is set up. I am staying in Newlands which is directly on the north side of Cape Town. With the mountains serving as a barrier, I was standing looking on both sides of the city (where I am staying and downtown) and also the ocean in the background along with Robben Island (where Mandela was held). Being up on top of the mountain really makes you think... Who am I... What can I really do... (Which then my next thought was "be Peter, and step out of the boat..")
Currently, I am at Noordhoek Bay with all the South African Leaders in AIS. It is an awesome time of refocusing, planning, and fellowship. We have a ton of free time which we spend playing guitar, swimming in the ocean, hiking, and playing soccer. In fact, we had an inter office (Cape Town vs Pretoria {I was on Pretoria}) and the Pretoria office won even with giving the Cape Town office a handicap of 2. It was played on the beach and it was a great time! Moving on, similar to a soccer ball, it is amazing how a guitar can be used as a tool for spreadin' the love. We (I think I am one of 6 Americans out of 30, other are from England, South Africa, and New Zealand) were hanging out on the patio when we noticed a couple that had just got married walking back from the beach. Chris Lockwood and I were thinking the same thing... Let's go serenade them! So we grabbed the guitar and got to sing "Sea Breeze" to the newlyweds... It was another "dana moment!"
All in all, my time in Cape Town has been awesome and I have met some incredible people of all races and denominations. I always think it is awesome when people ask what I am doing here and why I would ever come to South Africa from the US because it just allows me to let God talk through me and let Him work... We are in His-story!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
A day in reverse... My Brew
So considering that Africa is upside down and topsy turvy, I am going to do a blog inside out from night to day. So if you are an analytical thinker (like my sister), then you should probably go down the the bottom of this blog and read it going up but if you dare, I am working backwards just to mix things up a little bit.. because I am trying to trip you out... (Thanks Regina!)
Enjoy!
In closing, I want to add this little note about a soccer ball. It is amazing the opportunities that happen because of this little ball that you kick. God opens up doors that you never thought possible and opens your eyes up to the possibilities of Spreadin' the Love. The only way that the game of soccer means anything is if you make it eternal. It is a thrill knowing that God will use my passion for His Glory! It is an honor, and much of the thanks goes to you for all your support and prayer, to be able to do something that I love.
The trip back from the falls was a little bit less on the excitement part because we literally spent ourselves in the sun and in the water. We tried to stop for the "best pancakes in South Africa" but they were closed so we settled for some ice cream. While driving back, we almost stopped for some t-bone steaks but the bulls walking across the street were bigger than the car we were in so we decided against it! We got back and decided that we wanted to watch a movie altogether but needed some rest before we did. I took one step in my house and collapsed on my raft slash bed slash blowup couch. 2 hours later, we went over and watched the movie Phenomenon with John Travolta. Good flick except everyone fell asleep from an absolutely amazing adventuresome day. Later this week, we are planning on going to see lions and I am kind of wondering what will happen when we do that!
After the crazy fall, we headed up to the Braai. The Braai was a blast because we got to talk to several different people about what we are doing. I got to talk to Marco to an extent and found out that we have very similar passions. He studied in Cape Town and has a degree in Accounting/Finance. His passion is soccer and wants to use it to get places. He has a passion for God as well so I am going to try and get him into contact with AIS and let him get going. He is very driven and smart and has been a big encouragement to me (and a good friend to me and the girls!) It has been a blessing being around him and getting to know him.
Then the craziest thing I have ever personally witnessed happened. That Afrikaans man went up even farther. I followed and was trying to figure out what he was doing. He was trying to tell me that he needed to go about 10 feet across slime covered slide rock and as he was telling me, he lost his footing. Now imagine being another 20 yards higher than the 40 we were originally sliding at (so we are at 60 yards from the pool). He started sliding and there was no stopping. All we could do was watch and pray that he doesn't die. He started going down, sometimes on the wet rock but mostly on the dry slick rock. He hit a ramp and sailed about 3 feet from where Jo was, barely missing her, in the air. He landed in the pool but his momentum carried him through the pool and over another 4 foot ramp and an additional 15 yards. In the end, he landed in a pool on his back. His daughter was sitting next to me, unflinching, while I am freaking out thinking this guy is dead or has a broken back at the very least! As we were looking on, he kind of "came to," checked his limbs then yelled out "WOO" pumping his arms in the air. In total, his momentum carried him 75 yards and all together caught about 10 feet worth of air! The fact that this guy is still alive is proof that God exists!
On the road, we were traveling in two different cars and the one that we weren't in, got pulled over for being dumb. We didn't know how to get to where we were going, we just had a good idea of where it is. So that turned into an adventure all by itself. We finally got there and got out of the car and heard the rush of water. Then we saw the danger signs. A mischievous smile began to slowly creep up on my face. We saw an absolutely gorgeous, breath taking water fall. It was about 300 feet tall and hit many jagged rock on the way down. Then it slowly but surely ran down farther into a pool. But on the way down, it was a natural slide. We wasted no time getting to the slide (which we were told multiple times that people have died on... but that didn't stop us!) Right as we were getting ready an Afrikaans man jumped onto the slide and sailed down about 40-50 yards into the pool of cool water. We were all sliding within 10 minutes. It was great fun! (Side note- Gina and Jo jumped into a little pool and as they were swimming, a little skinny bright green tree snake popped up out of the water and wanted to have some fun himself! He slid on his belly down one of the slides while clearing the pool with many loud screams!) (extra side note- that snake is ridiculously venomous! Lookout!)
Ok, as I was saying, today started way too early... at 2 am.. but I already mentioned that in a semi confused slash exhausted state. Still, the morning came quick at 5 and 5:15 when my retarded alarms kept going off. Then the call came at 6:30. Marco came and picked us up for the adventure of a lifetime. After he picked us up, he went to pick up another one of his friends that was probably still sleeping (or smokin' a bowl.. sorry she was bit on the loopy side.. she really wasn't smoking.. but we don't really know) when we got there. So we waited in her house for a while... an hour and a half. As we were waiting, Jo being the perceptive person she is, noticed the goose running around in the house. So what do you do when a goose is running around a house... go pick it up! We took a couple of pics with it (which I will get up asap.. i am not lying about any of this) and put it down which was very good that we did at that time because it took 4 steps and took a giant... you know... on the carpet. The smell cleared the house in 5 minutes and we were on our way.
One more disclaimer... today was way random... and included everything except lions running in the streets... but there were some bulls running in the streets.. and goats. And a poisonous snake in the water! Speeding tickets! Another Braai! Sunburns! Beautiful scenery! Oh... and a guy almost dying (seriously.. keep reading).
Today started way too early... However, before I explain the day, I have to go back to two days ago. Gina and Jo came up to Polokwane to visit me because I was a lonesome puppy. Well, the first thing we did when they got here was go out and train (because unlike me, they have actually been signed! YAY FOR THEM!) While we were out training, a group of white people came out and started playing soccer. (Shocking). Well, considering everything that I am doing here and my purpose, I casually started up a conversation and found out they love soccer and are currently training with the team I used to train with. Gina and Jo talked to the girls for a while then we got a bit of a game going. Eventually they invited to the movies that night and we saw Balls of Fury (It cost 15 Rand {2 Dollars} and it was a brand new movie that just came out!... Oh wait...). We all really enjoyed each others company and really wanted to continue this new found relationship. Personally, it was great for me because I met two brothers, Marco and Dino, that love soccer and live right next to me and are solid christians! So Awesome!
Enjoy!
In closing, I want to add this little note about a soccer ball. It is amazing the opportunities that happen because of this little ball that you kick. God opens up doors that you never thought possible and opens your eyes up to the possibilities of Spreadin' the Love. The only way that the game of soccer means anything is if you make it eternal. It is a thrill knowing that God will use my passion for His Glory! It is an honor, and much of the thanks goes to you for all your support and prayer, to be able to do something that I love.
The trip back from the falls was a little bit less on the excitement part because we literally spent ourselves in the sun and in the water. We tried to stop for the "best pancakes in South Africa" but they were closed so we settled for some ice cream. While driving back, we almost stopped for some t-bone steaks but the bulls walking across the street were bigger than the car we were in so we decided against it! We got back and decided that we wanted to watch a movie altogether but needed some rest before we did. I took one step in my house and collapsed on my raft slash bed slash blowup couch. 2 hours later, we went over and watched the movie Phenomenon with John Travolta. Good flick except everyone fell asleep from an absolutely amazing adventuresome day. Later this week, we are planning on going to see lions and I am kind of wondering what will happen when we do that!
After the crazy fall, we headed up to the Braai. The Braai was a blast because we got to talk to several different people about what we are doing. I got to talk to Marco to an extent and found out that we have very similar passions. He studied in Cape Town and has a degree in Accounting/Finance. His passion is soccer and wants to use it to get places. He has a passion for God as well so I am going to try and get him into contact with AIS and let him get going. He is very driven and smart and has been a big encouragement to me (and a good friend to me and the girls!) It has been a blessing being around him and getting to know him.
Then the craziest thing I have ever personally witnessed happened. That Afrikaans man went up even farther. I followed and was trying to figure out what he was doing. He was trying to tell me that he needed to go about 10 feet across slime covered slide rock and as he was telling me, he lost his footing. Now imagine being another 20 yards higher than the 40 we were originally sliding at (so we are at 60 yards from the pool). He started sliding and there was no stopping. All we could do was watch and pray that he doesn't die. He started going down, sometimes on the wet rock but mostly on the dry slick rock. He hit a ramp and sailed about 3 feet from where Jo was, barely missing her, in the air. He landed in the pool but his momentum carried him through the pool and over another 4 foot ramp and an additional 15 yards. In the end, he landed in a pool on his back. His daughter was sitting next to me, unflinching, while I am freaking out thinking this guy is dead or has a broken back at the very least! As we were looking on, he kind of "came to," checked his limbs then yelled out "WOO" pumping his arms in the air. In total, his momentum carried him 75 yards and all together caught about 10 feet worth of air! The fact that this guy is still alive is proof that God exists!
On the road, we were traveling in two different cars and the one that we weren't in, got pulled over for being dumb. We didn't know how to get to where we were going, we just had a good idea of where it is. So that turned into an adventure all by itself. We finally got there and got out of the car and heard the rush of water. Then we saw the danger signs. A mischievous smile began to slowly creep up on my face. We saw an absolutely gorgeous, breath taking water fall. It was about 300 feet tall and hit many jagged rock on the way down. Then it slowly but surely ran down farther into a pool. But on the way down, it was a natural slide. We wasted no time getting to the slide (which we were told multiple times that people have died on... but that didn't stop us!) Right as we were getting ready an Afrikaans man jumped onto the slide and sailed down about 40-50 yards into the pool of cool water. We were all sliding within 10 minutes. It was great fun! (Side note- Gina and Jo jumped into a little pool and as they were swimming, a little skinny bright green tree snake popped up out of the water and wanted to have some fun himself! He slid on his belly down one of the slides while clearing the pool with many loud screams!) (extra side note- that snake is ridiculously venomous! Lookout!)
Ok, as I was saying, today started way too early... at 2 am.. but I already mentioned that in a semi confused slash exhausted state. Still, the morning came quick at 5 and 5:15 when my retarded alarms kept going off. Then the call came at 6:30. Marco came and picked us up for the adventure of a lifetime. After he picked us up, he went to pick up another one of his friends that was probably still sleeping (or smokin' a bowl.. sorry she was bit on the loopy side.. she really wasn't smoking.. but we don't really know) when we got there. So we waited in her house for a while... an hour and a half. As we were waiting, Jo being the perceptive person she is, noticed the goose running around in the house. So what do you do when a goose is running around a house... go pick it up! We took a couple of pics with it (which I will get up asap.. i am not lying about any of this) and put it down which was very good that we did at that time because it took 4 steps and took a giant... you know... on the carpet. The smell cleared the house in 5 minutes and we were on our way.
One more disclaimer... today was way random... and included everything except lions running in the streets... but there were some bulls running in the streets.. and goats. And a poisonous snake in the water! Speeding tickets! Another Braai! Sunburns! Beautiful scenery! Oh... and a guy almost dying (seriously.. keep reading).
Today started way too early... However, before I explain the day, I have to go back to two days ago. Gina and Jo came up to Polokwane to visit me because I was a lonesome puppy. Well, the first thing we did when they got here was go out and train (because unlike me, they have actually been signed! YAY FOR THEM!) While we were out training, a group of white people came out and started playing soccer. (Shocking). Well, considering everything that I am doing here and my purpose, I casually started up a conversation and found out they love soccer and are currently training with the team I used to train with. Gina and Jo talked to the girls for a while then we got a bit of a game going. Eventually they invited to the movies that night and we saw Balls of Fury (It cost 15 Rand {2 Dollars} and it was a brand new movie that just came out!... Oh wait...). We all really enjoyed each others company and really wanted to continue this new found relationship. Personally, it was great for me because I met two brothers, Marco and Dino, that love soccer and live right next to me and are solid christians! So Awesome!
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