BIKIDZAYA – REPORT 3
September 15, 2023
BIKIDZAYA – REPORT 5
September 17, 2023
Habari za jioni (Good evening in Swahili),
(We will be referring to American soccer by the prober name of football during this correspondence)
Good evening, friends, and families, what a day we had! Today we had a football match scheduled against the Black Lions. As our van pulled in, we could see that this was not going to be an easy match. The area surrounding the match was filled with spectators from the village across the river to the north of the river. The Black Lions are a team that our previous travel team, in 2021, led by Burt Matthews and Steve Littlefield sort of stumbled across. After a long day of traveling from various villages they noticed a football match off to the side of the dirt road that they were traveling. It was quickly decided that they needed to go meet this team of middle-aged women playing football. (I was not with the team during this initial meeting but, I know it left such an impression that Grant Victor Cares committed to sponsoring the team, purchasing new uniforms and other equipment and have committed to meeting with the Black Lions every year since). Football is a way the community comes together after a hard day of work, or a hard day at school, either playing on the pitch or cheering on their favorite team. Football is life, not only in Kenya but all over the world. We quickly met the Black Lions then took our positions on the field, to begin our match. Everyone, played with heart, and smiles. I personally, scored a goal for the Black Lions while attempting to block one of their attempted goals. Rhet, and Cory ran the entire field doing their very best to keep the match close. Chelsey had two saves during the second half. Judah scored on a penalty kick. Unfortunately, we lost by one goal, yet we won new friends and strengthened existing relationships. (Have I mentioned many of the Black Lion players were either playing bare foot or in sandals?) The shared respect, and mutual love found me more than once chocking on my emotions. My heart is so very full; God is great; through him all things are possible.
After the match we all climbed back into the van to head to the Sean Michels school. This is a school that specializes in physically challenged children. The children met us at the entrance of the school and sang us the rest of the way down the road into the school. Close your eyes and imagine children in wheelchairs being pushed by other children with different disabilities through sand, nearly a quarter of a mile, the entire time smiling and singing. This makes me reflect that any issue I have is so small, so insignificant, that I should just smile and hold the joy I have in my heart. After touring the school Judah and I played some man in the middle with the soccer ball we brought for the children. There were several nutmegs scored on both sides. Before we knew it, once again it was time to leave.
Every place we visit we deliver simple but exciting gifts. On the soccer pitch, after the game, we handed out over 200 pencils and suckers. We gave each of the Black Lions members a solar lamp for their home and provided some money for them to purchase some lunch. At the Sean Michels School we donated school supplies, medical supplies, and a little “sweet” (pencil and sucker) for each of the kids. Their gratitude is always so impressive. Thank you to those that helped provide these important supplies. Of the almost 6,000 pencils and suckers that were prepared, we have handed out over half of them so far.
Today, we felt the absence of our “Big Burt” as he travels home, we wish you safe travels, Burt; know you are missed, and we will all do our very best to fill your shoes. (It will take all of us working as a team.)
Judah – “today was a fun day, we got up around 6AM and went into the bus. We played football with the Black Lions. After losing the game by one point we got into the bus and went to the Sean Michels School. Even with a local crazy guy yelling at us we had a fun time with the children. We then stopped by a local shop and grabbed some snacks them went home to the Kamoti house.”
Chelsey – “I have never previously played an ounce of soccer in my life, but I was ready to win the big fight. A little out of shape, but we all hung in there. Even though we didn’t win, we worked as a team and had so much fun with the Black Lions. Next we got to experience the Sean Michels School, for physically challenged children. Each day here I fall more in love with this place, and the children. Grateful for the amazing blessings that have been given for me to be able to experience these moments. With your help we are making a difference.”
Steve and Nancy – “Well, I have never seen a soccer game quite like today’s game. Pure delight it was so fun to watch the Black Lions play our team. We tried hard! I never expect the wave of emotion that comes over me at the Sean Michels School every time I go there; but it’s real. Seeing their children sing and smile for us makes my hear swell with appreciation for all we have and for how so many have helped accomplish so much here.”
Rhet and Ellerie – Today we played soccer with the Black Lions. We found out that we are out of shape and need to practice our soccer skills. We also got to visit the Sean Michels School and that was Ellerie’s highlight of the day. It is so amazing how they get by with so little yet have so much joy.
Cory and Lauren – One of the highlights for me today was during my shower in the outside bathroom, there is a small hole in the wall overlooking a small ravine. During, my shower the call to prayer came over the loudspeaker from the local Mosque. It was amazing and made me reflect on just how far from home we are. I look forward to attending church tomorrow in a local village church. P.S. the food here has been absolutely amazing, tonight we even were treated to a local staple of ugali. Lauren loved it!
Authored by Christopher Rawson
