RVA and African Cup of Nations

Well this week has been an amazing week for me. I've finally got my job title and I am officially the "Technical Director of Academies." Basically that means that I oversee the process and structures that we putting in place for two academies that we are developing over the next year or two. They are called Hope Academy and Elite Academy. If you want to know more about them sometime you can give me a shout.

I also got the chance to go with the Evans family, which Mrs. Evans is from my hometown of Bluefield, West Virginia, to pick their son up at Rift Valley Academy. I have had several friends attend that school, including one of my closest friends from Covenant. It was weird being on a campus that had been talked about so much among my friends and how special that place is to them. I kept trying to imagine what it would look like if Ben, Owen, or Ryland were back on campus hanging out with their friends and playing on that pitch. I was able to meet up with Ben's little bro Seth. It was my second time being with him and I really hope that we can meet up more times in the future.

Kicker's Clinics is definitely one of the greatest things that I experience here. Seeing these young players love the game, be creative, and just play beautiful soccer is amazing! I'm currently writing a report for NCS's website that will hopefully be posted tomorrow afternoon. You can check it out on www.nairobicitystars.com.

I was also able to attend the Harambe Stars game yesterday. The Harambe Stars are the Kenyan national football team. It was the African Cup of Nations, which is a big deal in Africa. They were playing Angola and the game was a do or die situation. If Kenya won, they would have a chance to get out of their group, but if they lost, their chances of moving on would be pretty slim. Heading into the stadium one of my boys from Kicker's followed me and somehow the guards let him go in with me. I got him a seat in the VIP section and then hit the field in my bright orange photographer bib. I had the best seat in the house and I was so blessed to be in the places that I was in when big things happened. I was front row of Jamal's tying goal and then was literally inches away from Inter Milan forward, Macdonald Mariga's red card celebration.

It was a great week for me and I am very happy with the progress that we are making in the office as well as in the programs that we have running at NCS. The Petra Boys drew today after going ahead 2 nil and then losing the lead four minutes later by conceding two goals.

Spiritually, I am doing ok. I have been in search of a theme restoration. I've been looking at the word and how God continues to bring His sinful people back to Him. Whether it's the Israelites after they've left Egypt or Habakkuk pleading for God to bring justice to His people. Today I heard part 7 of a sermon series by Matt Chandler on the book Habakkuk and I think Matt nailed restoration for me and how it not only worked in the OT times, but also with me. In Hebrews 12:3-11 it talks about God disciplining His children. So many times we, and this is also for me, fall into the patterns of this world and God has to discipline us. And it hurts, it's painful. BUT it yields righteousness and has rewards later.

I don't know what you are going through right now, but God is teaching me how discipline = restoration. In the moment it's hard, sometimes you can't see the light, but He will give you what you need and not only bring restoration, but will complete the work He started in you. I have to keep telling myself this as I am away from Olivia, away from my family, away from everything I hold dear. I hope this encourages you to keep pressing forward, never give up. And one day, we will all be in a packed out stadium and praising God together.

H2O

Well I have found out how the best source of life can also be the thing that can take life. Ever since I have been here in Kenya I have been drinking from the tap. The last two months, I felt like my body had adjusted very nicely and all those talks about eating something that would destroy your stomach were just other people's experiences. Well my time was coming.

Last Wednesday night I cooked an amazing meal. It was spaghetti and meat sauce, and man was it good. But then that night, my stomach felt like it turned on itself. I started feeling awful and like my body was going into shock. That night, and the following three days, I could not eat, drink, or keep any fluids in my body. I have never gone through something that was that painful and draining. I was in the bathroom every twenty minutes, my lips and mouth were very dry, and I had absolutely no energy. I could not even muster enough energy to call people to tell them how I was feeling.

Friday, I went to a clinic and they did some tests and found that I had a urinary track infection as well as a stomach infection. They also gave me an IV fluid to rehydrate me and some medicine. Then on Saturday, my friend Mr. Kuguru, called to check in on me and made an appointment for me with a specialist who confirmed that it was a stomach infection, but nothing else. He then went on to give me some meds that he said would take care of it all by dinner time and man did it work.

Since then, I have managed to find my appetite and a few other things here in Kenya. The past two days it has rained and lets just say that Kenyan's aren't that particularly fond of rain. Traffic literally gets backed up for miles, mtatus make their own paths through the medians, and anything can happen on those mtatus. Two days ago our back wheel somehow stayed attached to the car, but was hanging on by a simple metal rod. Then last night, we managed to acquire a flat in a pretty thick jam. Needless to say each night has proven to be an adventure on those things.

I am so thankful for the people that the Lord has brought to encourage me and build me up as I strive to run this race. I was talking with a friend, Steve, today about how it is so hard trusting in God. It's obvious that He has a grip on me and has a plan, but putting all of my faith and hope in Him is a completely different matter. My prayer is that I can be all here and marvel at what the Lord is doing and showing me here in Kenya. I hope you all have a great weekend and until next time, tuanani.

What?

That question has been hitting me a lot lately because of all the things that have been happening around me. First, for those of you who have been wondering if I have a family or friends, the answer is yes. I have been immensely blessed by the people that God has brought my way. From the family that has taken me in and has told me that as long as I'm in Kenya they will take care of me to the friends who I have met at Church the past two weeks, it helps time go by when you have people to talk to, play games, and just get away from life's troubles.. Having a family like the Kuguru's has been amazing and my new New Zealand friends who moved here last week has just been fun.

Second, this week we lost electricity for three days due to a fire in Mukuru Slum. There are so many rumors flying around about what actually started the fire, but the fact is that it really affected the slum in a big way. It destroyed many houses and for some people, it destroyed their families. The fire affected two of my friends. They lost everything they owned. Thankfully they were not physically hurt, but I can't imagine what its like to lose everything. Our organization has been trying to figure out how we can help them and thankfully we have figured out their housing situation. Fires like this usually start from cooking fires that are left unattended or a spark flies up and catches something flammable and then it takes a long time to stop the fire. Because the slums are secluded from the city and usually have walls surrounding their outer edges, the firefighters have no way of getting into the slum. But even if they can gain access into the slum, which happens by destroying the wall, the slums are like a maze and there isn't really a path that a truck can get to the fire quickly. It's something that the politicians are talking about and trying to figure out how they can protect their people.

Third, Steve told me on Tuesday that I was going to teach a sport ministry class for a masters program at the church that our organization has offices in. The education system is not really friendly, meaning that students who graduate from the equivalent of high school, have to either pay to go on to the university or have to wait a year before they can go to school. The church offers this program to students who don't want to wait, but want to get involved in ministry. Since the electricity was out throughout Nairobi, I wasn't able to get the material for the class until the night before. The name of the game here is flexibility and just be ready for anything. It's not always fun, but it definitely keeps you on your toes and constantly relying on God for strength and guidance.

Today, I was able to hang out with some new people and it was just amazing to hear their stories. It was just relaxing and the fellowship was amazing. Some of their stories were really just mind blowing and full of God's grace. One person I met lost his wife in 2009 because she was hit by truck when she was crossing the road to go meet him, and God somehow has brought him to this place of peace. He is one of the worship leaders for Nairobi Chapel and is looking at getting engaged to someone who has brought him joy amidst the hurt and pain.

God has just continued to show me His goodness. No matter what it is, whether it's Olivia and I going through this distance and being apart, to the friends who lost their homes, to the place where we are right now. He has a plan for all of it and somehow is going to get all the glory. It's just amazing to think of it like that. So keep fighting, don't EVER give up because He is faithful and He hears you. Badi (later).

KPL Starts with a BANG!

Well the Kenyan Premier League kicked off this weekend and man has it been a show! The first game that started was Gor Mia verse Posta Rangers. Gor finished third last season in the KPL and has one of if not the biggest fan base in the league. At least 8,000 are usually in attendance. Well this weekend they played against their cross town rivals and were taking a beating. Around the 72nd minute, the fans suddenly became angry and hostile and apparently decided that they wanted to literally tell their coach how mad they were. I don't know if they charged the field or what, but it got so bad that the refs called the game and it went down in the books as a Rangers win 3 nil.

While that has taken the headlines, the Nairobi City Stars squared away against Karuturi Sport. The game was two hours away and unfortunately, I missed the whole first half due to Nairobi traffic. Sometimes, it's not easy leaving in a big city. Anyways, I have been given an all access pass by the KPL. Which means that I can be in the press box, on the field, and have free tickets to any KPL and national games! BOO YA! So, I'm kind of a big deal. Not really, but I definitely took advantage of my pass and went on the field to take a few pictures with my small Cannon. I seriously need to consider getting a better camera if I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity and give our website some more free marketing.

Anyways, things this week have been good. The Petra Boys had a scrimmage against a 2nd division team, we're first division amateur, so they were supposed to be the better team by far. Notice the word supposed to be. Yup. We went down 1 nil pretty early in the first half and then came back and won the game 2 - 1! So proud of those boys.

This week I've had a new room mate, Dave Waters, who is from Cape Town, stay at our apartment. He works with an elite youth academy in South Africa and came up to see our program. It's been fun hanging out with him and talking football 24/7. We literally talk about it all day.

If you wouldn't mind, please be praying for him and for my mission organization AIS. Yesterday, one of Dave's friend's and AIS coach unexpectedly passed away. He was in his early thirties and it has just really come as a shock to the organization. This is Dave's first friend who has passed away so he's still learning how to process and cope with the recent events.

Thanks so much for keeping up with me. It has been a joy and a privilege to work over here and see all the work that God is doing. Love you guys.

A New Man

Before I start this post, I want to thank a ladies group in Texas that regularly follows my blog and prays for me. I heard this week from Olivia what you all have been doing for me and for Olivia and I just want you to know how thankful and appreciative I am for you. And that thanks just doesn't go to those ladies, but to all of you who read this and follow me. Those prayers have definitely gotten me through this far and will continue to carry me through this journey.

So the title of this blog is a "A New Man" and if you saw me Friday night and then saw me right now you would understand why. Yesterday I was running a little late for Kicker's Clinic and completely forgot to take my sunscreen with me. Normally if I forget on Saturday to take my cream, I'll get a little red. But yesterday, I was in the sun from 8am to 8pm and did I learn my lesson. I am bronze as anything and have a very nice v-neck tan line. Apart from the burns, yesterday was a very encouraging day. Kicker's had some really amazing displays of brilliance as two eleven year olds left me stunned as they completely took over a scrimmage and played like a professional. I've never seen a player at such a young age that even compares to their ability. I then went from Kicker's to playing in my first semi professional football game. It was fun to get back in a uniform and just play the game I love. I did get a yellow card for apparently making three hard tackles, but it was interesting to experience Kenyan refereeing first hand and how they want to be part of them game, which is every player and coaches nightmare.

This week for Petra, we had two more players come to know Christ and I'm pretty sure that one more is on the verge. It has just been amazing and a privilege to see what God is doing in those boys.

I also had a meeting with the president of Nairobi City Stars and he and I have been and will continue to pray about the length of my commitment to the organization. There are several projects that the organization is working on and they would like more people with the same passion and dream to jump on board and help them with these goals.

So that is what has happened this week. Things are getting easier as far as my routine and schedule go. But please keep me in your prayers that God would continue to give me the strength that I need for each day. Have a great Sabbath and until next time, badi.

"It's a game that can't be won, only played."

Well this week has been a humbling and amazing week for me. It's been tough emotionally, spiritually, and physically with work, Olivia, and just being me. But the one thing that remains the same, He is faithful in every detail. No matter how small or big, His goodness is unmeasurable. This week at Petra Boys, we started a one week series on Salvation and on the first day three players accepted Christ! It was so awesome to see their joy and happiness. I have been given an amazing opportunity to follow up with these guys, learn about their families, and their background. It really is amazing how God can use us as His vessels even in the midst of all our problems and issues. He still uses us for His glory.

The other area where I have seen God, is just in my every day need for strength. Olivia asked me the other day what my wake up routine is and honestly, it's an internal battle. I wake up and attempt to figure out what I need. If it's more rest, if my body is just gross from practice the day before and I didn't get the chance to shower before bed, or if I smell the sweet fragrance of Nairobi's finest coffee, Java, that's brewing and ready for me to consume. I don't talk to myself, I just see what I need in that moment and in that moment, that's when I realize just how much I NEED God if I'm going to get through the day.

The final area will probably come to you as a surprise, but it's how much I need God in my relationship with Olivia. The honeymoon stage is over in regards to me being in Kenya and both of us are getting into our routines, and it's hard to just "be" when your 4,500 miles away from the other person. Olivia is no longer going hiking in the Grand Canyon for Spring Break and there's so much of me that just wants to go and be with her. But sadly, that's not what can happen. What will happen is in 167 days, she will be arriving at the Nairobi Airport and I will be there to pick her up.

God is good, all the time. No matter the circumstances, no matter the outlook, He is constantly aware of what is happening around you and me. And the crazy thing is that He hears us. So whether I'm just missing Livs like a hippo needs water, or I'm just exhausted from the 14 hour work day that I just went through. All of it was because He planned it. It wasn't easy, but looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The "Honeymoon" is Over

Well this week was more of a routine week than the last three and man was it a tough one. Stephen and I started working out five days a week, I have been going to work on my own, and I'm cooking almost every other day. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, I think I started to get ahead of myself because I was just exhausted and started fighting what I thought was a cold. I believe and the rest of Kenya agrees with me that it was just plain fatigue. Whether I chose to acknowledge it or not, I am under a ton of stress. I am in a completely new area, getting used to a new transportation system, new eating habits, new working habits, long days from 8 to 8, my body just isn't there yet as much as I want it to be. And don't even get me started on those matutu rides home. Those in themselves are just another form of stress. Well, I apologize to my loyal readers that today's post is so short, but I am exhausted and am almost finished with my pineapple/passion fruit drink. So now would be a great stopping point. I miss all of you and Long Live Chelsea FC!

The Power of the Ball

This week I had the opportunity to go with some of the leadership of the Nairobi City Stars and Ambassadors In Sport to travel to a part of Kenya where there is religious warfare. We were able to visit one of our brother's who has started a football team and is doing some amazing work over there. He is not allowed to share the gospel and is under constant surveillance by the town officials. During his practice session, many of our members were approached by spies and were being interviewed about our reason for our visit. Fortunately, I was able to miss all these interviews because I was able to train with the boys. They spoke a different form of Swahilli, but even though I had no idea what they were saying, we had one language in common, football. I cannot describe how we were able to communicate, but when my team had the ball we were able to work together and when we would lose the ball, we would work hard to make up for each other's mistakes. This was amazing for me to see, because at first they were timid to pass a mzungu (white man) the ball, but after a while it was like our skin color, heritage, clans, everything didn't matter any more. These particular group of men have been known to fight during practice sessions and games because their is so much hatred between the different clans, but on this day, it didn't matter. They shared the common goal, football. I will never forget the impact of this ball and am in constant amazement at the things that God can use to bring Him glory.

From Nothing to Everything

Yesterday, I was able to experience something that I never thought I would see. Poverty at its finest. My family here in Nairobi is made up of several brothers who literally come from nothing, but have more than I will ever have. The place that they call home is in the heart of Nairobi in the Mukuru Slum. Nairobi is made up of several slums, the biggest one that receives the most media attention is Kibera, but today its all about Mukuru, where my friends and brothers live. I was told that when I was going through a slum that all five of my senses would be touched and I never could have been prepared for what I was about to witness. I had seen photos, movies, but nothing could have prepared me for this. I could not get over that this is where these people live. Here, in this place, where trash, slug, and filth are exhorted. The smell of poop, pee, and days, maybe even week old trash builds up. People sleeping on dirty rags in the sun, just trying to stay out of peoples way. This degree of poverty is mind blowing and real. The only way to describe it is unbelievable.

Here are my friends with absolutely nothing and yet, they insist on showing us their prized possessions, which are pictures of their girlfriends, mother, or their little boy who has just been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. They call us brothers and want to show us their lives. Their hospitality and generosity is just absolutely mind blowing! I mean here is a man who wakes up every morning at 5 am to provide barely enough money to feed his family for one day, his son is diagnosed with a major disorder, and I ask him how he makes it through each day and he says, "faith." Wow! And you should see the smile on this guys face when he says it. He's experienced it, lived it, and believes it with everything he has. If only I could have half of this man's faith. Going to their house has definitely been one of the greatest gifts that I could have ever been given. I will never forget this experience.

Poli Poli -- Little by little

It's hard to believe that already one week has flown by. Things at NCS (Nairbi City Stars) have started to pick up as the professional team is on week two of training, the Petra Boys start training in one week, and the Kickers Clinics will hopefully start this Saturday. So there is a buzz around the office that's ready for the season to begin. 

This past week has mostly been about learning, listening, and building relationships with the people here. From our secretary Dinah trying to teach me Swahili, to Robert showing me our marketing strategy for this season, to Benji, Justin, Stephen, Nicho, Jako, Gaga, and the rest of the coaches welcoming me and helping me get my feet on the ground. So far my travel outside of the office and apartment has been limited, but I am starting to use the matatu (taxi van) and buses a lot more. Today was my first trial by myself and thankfully I made it without any problems. I am still getting used to not eating big breakfasts and lunches and by the time dinner comes around my stomach is dominating my thoughts. Hopefully I'll be able to make that transition speed up. 

The internet over here definitely has it's moments when it's either really fast or just sucks. Olivia and I have had two nights where it was just frustrating trying to hear the other person talking. The Lord has been so good to Livs and I as we have both been able to connect and talk on a frequent basis. Since my day is happening when she is asleep, we have been able to work out a schedule that allows me to briefly see her in the morning after I go for a run and get ready for work when she's getting ready for bed, and then really catch up at around 9 o'clock at night my time, eleven am her time. Those times have been very special for me and there isn't one conversation that I don't cherish. I pray that the Lord will continue to give us strength to encourage one another in this battle over distance. Yesterday I was reading Shadow of the Almighty and one of the many things that Jim Elliot said about his future wife Elizabeth was that it seemed that even though they were doing this distance thing too, that God was "drawing them together" and his prayer was that one day they would serve him. So true of how I feel now. Poli Poli. Little by little, all of this will come to pass and I just continue to pray that God gives me a lot of grace as I continue to make this transition.Tutaonana

Day 2: The Beginning

So the beginning. I can't believe that it is actually here. Like I am in Kenya. SHOOT. I definitely feel a little overwhelmed at times, but that's just because this is the beginning and things will get better with time. I am so glad that I am here with Stephen and that God has brought me to this place. It will definitely be an adventure and an experience that I will never forget. Main thing is that I need to be is flexible and not have any expectations. So for now, this will have to do, but I'll keep you updated on my progress as best as I can. Baraka (Blessings)

So Long America

Well time has absolutely flown by and I am just amazed at how God has provided for me. When I told Stephen Rigby, general manager of the Nairobi City Stars, that I would take on this two year internship I had no idea what God had in store for me. It was the biggest leap of faith that I had ever taken because I had to raise my own support and do in a very short amount time. I asked Stephen when he would like me to be in Africa and he said as soon as possible. So through faith, we made January our goal. This all transpired mid July. Since that time, God has provided well over the financial support that I need for the next two years, as well as provide the other things that could have had glitches and set backs, such as my insurance, visa, and selling my car, but He provided.

Heading into this last week in the States is very bitter sweet because of two reasons. First, its super sweet because this whole adventure is my passion and never would I have guessed that I would ever be coaching internationally, let alone assisting a professional and semi-professional football (soccer) team. SHOOT! It's bitter because of all the things that I will be missing while I'm away. Two of my best friends are getting married, my sister's college graduation, Olivia's (my girlfriend) brother's wedding, my brother's high school graduation, just to name a few. Along with these things, I will be some 4,900 miles away from the one person that I want to share life with. I know the truths that God has me and Olivia in His hands, but putting these things that my heart desires on hold is definitely not an easy thing to do.

I am super excited about what the Lord has in store for me in Africa, for my personal/spiritual growth, and for my relationship with Olivia. Please keep me in your prayers as I adjust to a new culture, new routine, new everything. And thank you so much for the support, encouragement, and love that you have shown me through this transition. I honestly do not know where I would be without my friends and family in my life. Here's to an adventure and many stories, tall tales, and just plain awesomeness that will be coming your way over the next two years. Until next time, which I will be in Nairobi, stay classy.