the soccer ball

I asked someone going on the Africa mission’s trip from my church to keep her eyes out for a soccer ball that she could bring back for me. i didn't keep my hopes up just in case she forgot, or couldn't find it, or didn't have time....WRONG.....Sunday morning she handed me a bag, and there it was - a soccer ball that kids use in Africa....

i never thought that i would have so much feeling and emotion for a soccer ball. like it's just a soccer ball. because i play soccer, my heart goes out to these kids who are playing with something not even close to what we use here in North America. each girl on my team brings a soccer ball to practice, and then my coach brings some. when a ball is flat we just kick it to the side like it's no big deal and grab another ball. but here are kids playing with a ball like this, not complaining, but having hours of fun.
right now, it is currently sitting on my shelf next to my trophies from tournaments as a reminder that's it not all about winning; it's not about the fame and trophies - it's about what you put into those tournaments and how much you worked to earn the trophy. but, it's also about your attitude - how you act on and off the field, how you treat your teammates and coaches, how much you respect the ref and the other team, and your affects on how the other team is playing whether you are loosing or winning. now i look at this simple made soccer ball as inspiration to give it my all for the kids who play soccer with a ball that wouldn't even be considered an option here in Canada. i couldn't imagine bringing that ball to soccer practice, and asking my coach if we could scrimmage with it. or could you imagine a referee bringing that ball out to the field during a match in the world cup?
i never thought i would feel this way about a soccer ball. it is something so small that we take for granted.
now i just need a picture of me playing soccer with kids in Africa, and i'll be satisfied....someday :) .....

~amy