More and more I am learning that when you love someone, you want to help them grow and pursue their ideals and dreams; and I have had this privilege with the boys from the Soccer School. They have won me over from the very first sight, and to be able to see their growth from January until now is so rewarding. To be able to see them overcoming their limits, molding their characters, seeking, above all, to respect their fellow man? To see how hard we worked to win their trust and respect is to see God's hand in every detail. And every day, I see it as a grace granted by God, to be able to be part of their instruction on the path they should walk.
Last month I had shared a special prayer request for them. They are children who have been in the project for almost two years, but a couple of months ago their attendance decreased until they didn't go anymore, preferring to attend another school, a school that is supported by the Catholic Church. With this, the number of children decreased, because some of them opted for this other school and ended up discouraging the younger ones and we had only 3 to 4 children in the training sessions. But, with a lot of perseverance and prayer, little by little they are getting back on track and the number is increasing. I know that quantity will never be better than quality, but in this case, the number is as important as the quality. The children are motivated by this and we can then do more elaborate training and even championships. And I thank you for putting my prayer requests in your prayer as well. Knowing that we are not "praying" alone gives us an extra boost; thank you very much!
The soccer school is almost two years old and was started by my leaders (Edu and Rose) and an Argentinian couple, where they met with the children in an open square here in Shkodra. And how did Edu come up with the idea of starting a soccer school? This is what I think is a great story and it gets motivating: Rose and Eduardo had just arrived in Shkodra and it was summer, August, hot... On an intercession day Edu had the idea to spend some time in the square, making picnics and such... and the children came and started playing soccer with them. After this "game" of soccer, the kids asked if they would come back to the square the next day, and they came back and spent almost three months going there every day. Even one of the boys' mothers (who is still there today), asked if the two leading couples would like to have a covered place to continue with the little school, for safety and mainly because winter would come and it would be unfeasible for them to train in the rain and cold. So, they went after a suitable place for the little school. And they are still running this project today, where we meet with the children twice a week, not only training them professionally, but also "introducing" the gospel in a "subtle" way, leading the children to think about how they should build their character.
Another reason for prayer that I had shared with you was about our preparation to receive another "Brazilian" team here in Shkodra and the time we would be serving together with them. And I am here to share that it was a serene time, of quietness, even in the midst of the many activities that we did together.
It has been an intense, racing, but as always, amazing week! God really surprises me in a different way with each team that I am privileged to receive. Each team has something special and even though I "give" I "receive" too much. And with them it was no different; they were God's Spokesmen for me in many ways. They reminded me, in their own way, that I can seek God in many different ways and not necessarily stay "in the routine" and because I often let myself fall into it, I end up forgetting that and they brought it back to me, of course, being used by Him.
And together with the team, we had the opportunity to get to know another church here in the North and it is called Illyricum Church. During three days, we helped at a mini camp for children. We were very well received by this now beloved church and it was wonderful to be able to meet new people and also to meet other children, who, unlike others, have an energy that lasts until they run out hahaha
I feel very graced by God, that He always grants me to live amazing days and meet people that I may not see anymore, but who were essential in my journey.
- For the continued work with the Soccer School. I hope that during this upcoming recess, the children can rest and enjoy a good time with their families, but that they can come back for the next activities.
- For physical health; winter has arrived and consequently our immunity drops a little. For spiritual health; may we be firmer every day. For emotional health; commemorative weeks are coming and so is the longing for family.
- For the gypsies, who are people who are not as assisted and in winter have more difficulties.
- So that our physical strength will remain in these last weeks of work before the recess and we can give the necessary gas!
If you wish to help me financially with any amount, here are my details.
• Nubank • Agency: 0001 - Current account 365041820 - Bank 260
Pix: 10123718406
Zoti ju Bekoftë (God bless you) 🤍
I have never seen God, but I believe in Him. I perceive evidence of His existence in creation, in human morality, in the aspiration for the beautiful, in the longing for the eternal. - Davi Lago