What excitement when the Kwasa children saw the soccer equipment from the St. John’s Church School. They were eager to find shoes, shin pads, and shirts that fit. Several needed the socks that were included by the Church School.
As soon as one young man had tied his new shoes, he sprinted across the yard. He wanted to see how fast he could run with his new footgear. The young man showed lightening speed and a big smile. He was like the excited child at Christmas who could not wait to play with his new toys.
St. John’s Church School can be happy with the delight enjoyed by these aspiring soccer stars. Equipment no longer needed in Washington has found a good home at Kwasa. Thanks to those who worked to collect, clean, and pack the used equipment, particularly, Lisa Kirchenbauer, Nancy Mathias and Holly Sukenik. Thanks also to Luis for quietly slipping away to buy new soccer shoes for a young man who could not find a pair that fit.
After these budding young soccer stars were fully equipped, they challenged St. John’s to a soccer game – with Mother Sharron Dinnie officiating. The Kwasa kids wanted to test their new equipment, of course, against the best. Little did they expect that the St. John’s Eagles (thanks to Kaye for naming the team) would be up to the challenge. Our soccer standouts kept the game close for the first period. But the Kwasa kids then took command. They played smarter, ran faster, and kicked straighter – of course, because of their new shoes. By the game’s end, the Kwasa kids were smiling victors yet the Eagles stood proud, having fought the good fight on the soccer field.
After the game, everyone glowed in the late afternoon African sun, celebrating the spirit of South African togetherness with a wonderful group photo. Both teams, of course, can’t wait for the rematch in two years. Abbott
