3. Soccer and the unifying force of sports

Oct. 10, 2015
Isaac loves playing soccer. As parents, we've marveled and looked on with admiration as Isaac has poured hours of practice and conditioning into his training as a soccer athlete. His effort to improve his skills were rewarded this fall when he made the varsity team at Pioneer High School. Throughout October, as a backdrop to all the focus on moving to Rwanda, the team has been playing well and Isaac has been very dedicated to making it to practice and getting to the many games -- sometimes 3 in one week, like this past week! We see all sports, but especially soccer, as one way to feel united and find enjoyment with other people in other parts of the globe. While sports are often about competition, there is also something unifying about "the love of the game."

Naomi enjoys playing soccer, too! That's another wonderful thing about sports -- they open new doors for both genders to learn about teamwork, fitness, and progressing towards excellence.

It will be interesting to see whether our kids' love of soccer helps him integrate, find friends and find meaning during our short time in Rwanda.
[author: Ruth Ann]