The Beautiful Game

July 24, 2010

Ubuntu is an African concept that means, "I am because we are." Today was an embodiment of Ubuntu.

I will never forget today. it began by witnessing the slaughter of four goats. I cannot believe how easily the fur pulls away from the skin. The Masaii donated the goats for the Ubuntu celebration. The tribesman who oversaw the slaughter was an artist - plain and simple.

As Ken, Charles, Sam & I walked back toward CTC on the main road through town, we could see that a respectable crowd had gathered. As we drew nearer, my heart began to pound. There were Masaii and Turkana, children in every imaginable school uniform, old & young, rich & poor. They were migrating from tree to tree along the main road through town. Each tree was being planted by a representative of a respective group. As the dirt was shoveled, the group in focus led the entire community in song. The pavement shook under the rhythm - two thousand feet from the thousand souls gathered. After each tree was secured, the community erupted with cheers, applause, and tribal praise sounds. It was as if the significance of those plants was already worth celebrating for future generations. Truckers stopped along their side of the road. Shop-owners suspended businesses. All were gathered to make a joyful noise. In the midst of great diversity was a deep sense of eternal unity. In a community where violence recently ruined lives, the bonds of unity were strengthened deeply today. It was a glimpse of the kingdom of God.

Masaii children performing a traditional dance.

The day continued with hours upon hours of presentations - skits, songs, dances, and tribal traditions - from all of the assembly gathered. It was the most marvelous display of color, movement, and song I have ever witnessed. The celebration was soaked in healthy pride.

The festivities ended with a soccer tournament. Erase whatever images you have of soccer from your Western experience. There was no grass, no lines on the field, no cones, and the goals were not regulation size. It was a plain of dust, raw talent, and the jerseys and new soccer balls we had carried in our suitcases from Austin. The CTC team received the jerseys earlier in the afternoon and erupted into a chorus of "Ole! Ole! Ole!" ala World Cup. They had clearly been given a jolt from the new uniforms as they won the first round of the tournament.

As the sun set, CTC went on to face the team from the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) Camp in the championship game. We ended regulation time and entered into penalty shots. You must realize that cheering section of hundreds had now lined the perimeter of the goal. Following each shot, the victorious team (shooter or goalie) fled to congratulate the player. After the first round of five penalty shots each, the game was still tied 0-0. As we entered the second round of penalty shots, CTC captured the tournament 2-1. It was pure mayhem. The team and fans took off running, and rounded the perimeter of the field.

Finally, they cruised back to the feet of Jeremiah. Each of the young men wearing a jersey hit their knees. The fans were still pressed in around them - young and old admiring their new heros. I assumed kneeling in prayer was standard post-game ritual for this team. I later found out the team was sure that the jerseys were blessed. They wanted Pastor Jeremiah to offer a prayer giving thanks for their success and their new blessed uniforms. I'm certain it was those young men who blessed our lives today.

God is good,

All the time.

All the time,

God is good.