Friday May 22, 2015

May 22, 2015 - Visit to Parliament and Game #1

            Sleeping last night was a little rough for almost everybody. Between the jet lag and the dog fight outside the Flying Mission complex in the middle of the night, everyone woke up a little on the tired side. But a delicious breakfast of baked oatmeal helped get the day started on the right foot.  Quality Zambian coffee must be credited with everyone’s survival so far. After breakfast, we got dressed in our “smart clothes” aka shirts and v necks for our tour of the Parliament building.  The bus that was to be our mode of transportation was definitely not big enough for 25+ people and bags…yet somehow we all crammed into it, by the use of tiny little fold out middle seats.

 We drove to Lusaka to the Parliament building, where there were zebras and impalas casually grazing the yard. Several of us were ambitious enough to try to pet them, but the closest we got was for a quality picture. Our tour guide, Caroline, led us into the Parliament building and showed us around.  Taking into the account how quiet Carline spoke and how well we as a group understand Parliament, we were most attentive to how slippery the hardwood floor was. But we were honored to have the opportunity to learn and take part in the proceedings of the National Assembly. We even got a top secret photo…  We were also showed the National Library. The library is available for use by local university students. In the middle of the library, there are cubbies for studying. These cubbies allowed you to lock yourself in. Like a caged animal. Not sure if Messiah should follow this example of cubbies, as Audra has deemed this kind of cubby the “suicide box”.  After the grand tour, we were treated to lunch on the balcony of a Parliament building. Nikki decided to get the beef for lunch and was very excited about it, making a big deal. Very proud of herself and letting everyone know, she said, “I am feeling adventurous today so I got the beef”. After a few bites she found out it was actually beef liver. Needless to say Nikki was being more adventurous than she thought.

We knew it was going to be an interesting game when right when we got off the bus we got swarmed by the other team wanting to take pictures with us. They were so excited to have us there. As we entered the complex we found ourselves in a tiny “Women’s Home” that “didn’t have enough toilet paper for a squirrel”. –Alicia Kyele.

Rushing to get dressed and use the bathrooms we then realized there was no need to rush because there was no set game time. The other team was running all around the field so when we walked out we had no idea what side our bench was on. After our about 15 minute warm-up ,we were ready to kick off. None of us can really explain what happened today during those two 40 minute halves (give or take), but here is a quick story and then some thoughts from coach.

The first half was 38 minutes. At the second half was beginning to approach 45 minutes Coach said to our bus driver (the ref) how much time is left? Alvin (bus driver/ref) replied, “3 more minutes due to the injury time”. There was no injury stop in the second half….

Coach’s thoughts on the game: “how do you describe a game with no lines? With the bus driver reffing? Several calls very questionable. When Jess trips over the brick wall lining the “field” while trying to chase down a ball? When the ball gets stuck between the bricks in the wall? The other team doesn’t bring balls to the field? When there is no set game time? Getting kicked out the bar before the game? Not being able to find a beat to sing due to loud African club music blaring in the background? When coach said “just kick it” at halftime?  When goal kicks were taken from the 18? When Reese gets called for a high kick while dribbling? Lydia's shoe getting stuck in the fence walking out to the field? Words cannot describe…but a few come close. Absurd.”

This game was by far the most mentally exhausting and frustrating game any of us have ever played. Changing the style of what we do to play the best on the rock solid, dirt surface and focusing on every single touch we took so it didn’t bounce away from us was a mental battle for us all. Even though we had to play a different style today, we were able to come together as MWS and allowing our core values to shine greater than our individual talent. The lack of control on the field caused us to rely and trust one another. Unpredictable touches allowed each teammate to be ready to have each others’ back.

We know you are all wondering about the score. Don’t worry we got the W with a thrilling 2-1 victory. Everything seemed against us, as circumstances arose that challenged our attitudes and our ability to respond. But it was through those circumstances, frustrations, and adversities, we were able to choose to stand firm in our standards as MWS. 

After the game, we got to take pictures with the other team and hang out- they also asked us if we would take them to America. After some funny pics, we loaded the bus and our bus driver/ref took us the extra long way home. We reached Flying Mission about 45 minutes after Eric and Corie. But a hot meal and shower did everyone good, and we are ready for a great day of clinics and children and soccer tomorrow.

Love you- MWS

Mac and Reg

Quote of the day: ”These trees are so Africa”- Marisa DeMonte.