Uraimov update

I LOVE This House!

2011-12-28T14:53:00.002-06:00

Ps. 26:7-8 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, And the place where Your glory dwells. (Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories. God, I love living with you; your house glows with your glory. (The Message).

I read this verse this morning and just loved it. This sums up the JOY I feel and the privilege it is to dwell with the Most High! He has blessed us so much! Jeremy coming to our family, so far, has been a pure delight.

I believe everyone should experience Christmas through the eyes of a 5 year old! There is so much sheer joy and delight (and energy) and such a simple faith. It's no wonder that the Lord says to come to Him with the simple faith of a child! Daniel, at the ripe old age of 9 is loosing that wonder, becoming such an "adult", but even he was caught up in Jeremy's "Santa faith". It was nice to hear Jeremy say that he thought the Santa at the mall was just Jesus dressed up as Santa!

GAME ON!!

2011-12-20T13:39:00.000-06:00

Jeremy arrived last night. What a BRAVE boy! He got into the car with somone he didn't know, was taken to a house he had never been to, to spend Christmas (and beyond) with a family he had only met for 45 minutes. He stood right there as we were given insturctions for him and filled out "papers" saying that his usual caregiver needed a break, so he was coming to us. I think most kids would have melted on the spot. I know I would have. But, in reality it is a scene that has happened to this little boy several times before in his short 5 years of life.

He was of course scared and a little shy, who wouldn't be. But as he met Ravshan and Daniel the furrowed brow and sad, anxious face quickly turned to a little smile, then a little laugh, then a relaxed engagement in play. There are numerous forms of balls around our house. Ravshan tossed him a football from the couch and that broke the ice.

Papers were signed, the worker left. Daniel and Ravshan took Jeremy up to play legos and see his room. I returned to the kitchen to finish dinner. Fresh deer steaks : ) Not really sure how our new visitor would feel about meat, and especially a deer. Maybe we just wouldn't mention it.

Meal time was quite informative. As we sat down to the table I asked Jeremy if he liked meat- nope, he said, only chicken. We decided he could try it. Ravshan informed him that it was deer that he had shot just yesterday. I thought- oh boy, this guys never going to try this now. Jeremy said, I dont eat deer. "in my country", he said, "we don't shoot and eat deer, we let them run free", "but we do eat chicken".

So we had a little discussion about where meat comes from and Jeremy tried it. A smile broke out on his face and he loved it, even asking for more! This morning, taking Daniel to school, we saw a deer in the field. He couldn't wait to get home to tell Ravshan. He said, "maybe he can go get the deer and we'll have more deer steak for dinner!"

I wasn't sure what the evening would hold as I had heard that bedtime was a battle. There is some MIGHTY prayer going on because it was easy! We read a Christmas story. Jeremy sat on my lap and with some coaxing Daniel came and sat on the other. He read the Christmas story. Ravshan turned on our "fireplace" (A DVD of a crackling fire, with Christmas music playing softly in the background!) Jeremy's head was bobbing in no time.

He crawled into bed. We read a story, and we prayed. He asked that I pray for the Browns, his favorite football team. We did, and we prayed that the angels would watch over him so that he wouldn't have nightmares. (which he told me he has a lot). He said he was pretty worn out from the long trip over from Dayton. He must have been because in a few minutes, he was asleep. AND I didn't hear a peep out of him until 8:15 this morning!

First thing he told me was, "I didn't have any nightmares last night, know why? 'Cause that Angel was watching over me!" Praise the Lord!!!

We took Daniel to school. Jeremy is full of stories. Filling me in on his relatives. Telling me he wants to live on a farm with a big house or castle with lots of rooms when he grows up! Something tells me he just might!!

Here at home he and Ravshan played some soccer this morning. He showed him the garden, then they shot the nerf gun at a target in the back yard. Ravshan was patiently showing him the ins and outs of gun safety!!

Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying, please keep it up!! : )

My prayer for him is that as I was reading in 1 Samuel 10:6. It is Samuel speaking of Saul's anointing. He says "then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them AND BE CHANGED INTO ANOTHER MAN. (1 Sam. 10:6)

God IS all powerful. When His Spirit comes to rest upon us It does change us. I'm praying that God's Spirit will rest mightely upon Jeremy and indeed change him from the inside out. He is such a sweet sweet boy, but has had a difficult, difficult life.

"Game Time"

2011-12-20T09:51:00.000-06:00

Jeremy comes today. Am I ready? I really don't know. What am I feeling? You name it! There are SO many uncertainties here that is really impossible to rejoice over all of it- or worry about any of it. The best place to put this whole situation is squarely at the feet of Jesus.

The best way I can describe it is- Gametime. We have done all that we can do in preparation. We hear the band playing, hear the crowd, smell the popcorn. Our shoes are tied, ankles taped, body stretched. So there is that strange mixture of emotion. Excited to get started. Apprehensive about how the game will go. Knowing it's going to be a battle, yet not knowing exactly what it will take. Knowing that no matter what the outcome we WILL be victorious as we walk with Jesus.

Let the "Game" begin!

What Child Is This? God's Special Gift

2011-12-20T09:25:00.000-06:00

So we found out that we will have a little visitor over Christmas.

As you know we have been praying about adopting for really a couple of years now. It seems that day may have arrived! On Monday- this Monday we will be going to pick up a 5 year old boy to bring him home for Christmas! We have known about him for a month or two, but have been praying and seeking the Lord. We finally met him this past Monday. After meeting him we felt like he is the one. We told the social worker that we would like to be considered as adoptive parents.

There are 3 others who would also like to adopt him, so we don't know if we will be chosen or not. We are praying that it if it's indeed the Lord's will that nothing will stop it. If it is not his will that the door will shut tight.

For now, however, his current foster mom said she needed a break (over Christmas). The day after meeitng him the social worker called and said they were looking for someone to care for him. So... we will pck him up on Monday evening and he will be with us throughout Christmas vacation. If we are chosen, then he will stay with us.

It is all pretty crazy and there are a myraid of emotions.

Jeremy is not an easy child (so we've heard). But he is a charmer, does very well in school. He is bright, loves anything spiderman, sports and lego! (I think he will fit in at our house). And he loves to wrestle until he is "blue in the face".

PLEASE pray that God would give us wisdom in this.

This morning as I talked with the social worker and realized that our lives may well be changing starting this Monday I had just a myraid of emotions swirling about- as you can imagine. I just said Lord, I need to hear from you. He took me to Psalm 121 and reminded me that when I look at the mountains and see "storm clouds" that He is faithful. He the Lord of Glory and the Lord of Heaven and earth. He doesn't sleep night or day. He is our shade and our protector. He will not allow our feet to slip. He will protect us, keep us from evil and keeps our soul. He is the one who guards our going out and coming in- forever! Pretty comforting.

Then He took me to Ps. 139 and reminded me that He knows Jeremy as well. He is intimately aquatinted with all his ways. He understands his thoughts (and all the things this little guy has been through). He knows the words he will speak, and he "hugs" him. There is no where he can go where he is not in HIS presence. He is fearfully and wonderfully made and all his days have been ordained. God's thoughts of him or more numerous than the sands of the sea.

As I read this familiar Psalm I believe it will be the one that I will pray over Jeremy. That God will lead him in the "everlasting way".

The story is truly amazing. Just last week I found out that another couple in our church has adopted his little brother, and they had Jeremy for a time too. They said as well that he is just the sweetest little boy. He has a sweet spirit for the Lord. They have been praying for him daily.

We have also been given permission to travel with him. We will be traveling to Illinois for Christmas. Jeremy will also be able to "meet the family".

Please be praying for this time. Pray that we would all adjust well to one another. Pray especially for Jeremy. He is only 5 and has been through a lot in his little life already. I'm sure he doesn't understand what is going on now either. But pray that the Lord will be his comfort and that we can allow the Lord to love him through us.

Thank you so much for your prayers! They are coveted!!

In Him,

Ravshan Lisa and Daniel

God's special Christmas Gift!

2011-12-15T23:18:00.000-06:00

It is all pretty crazy and there are a myraid of emotions.

PLEASE pray that God would give us wisdom in this.

As I read this familiar Psalm I believe it will be the one that I will pray over Jeremy. That God will lead him in the "everlasting way".

We have also been given permission to travel with him. We will be traveling to Illinois for Christmas. Jeremy will also be able to "meet the family".

Thank you so much for your prayers! They are coveted!!

In Him,

Ravshan Lisa and Daniel

The Kenya Connection - to Kazakhstan??

2011-11-10T12:07:00.000-06:00

4 years ago AIA did a coaches clinic tour to Kenya. From this clinic coaches began asking to be trained even more. AIA basketball began to see how powerful these clinics could be to empower coaches to train their athletes properly- but also do it from a Spiritual basis. It was also obvious that these clinics could be a very effective way to reach Christian as well as non- Christian coaches. Back in Xenia we realized the best opportunity would be to bring the coaches HERE where they could be exposed to a wide variety of coaches and programs. But that they especially could be housed at AIA headquarters and hear and interact daily with our staff.

3 years ago the International Basketball Coaches Experience started. That year there were about 10 coaches in attendance, mostly from Africa. The "academy" has now grown to about 25 coaches from literally all over the world. Several Muslim coaches have been profoundly impacted, and have come back for more!!

The Kenya project has continued. It has become not only a coaching clinic, but also a basketball humanitarian effort. It has also branched out into Rwanda. This past year more than 40 people went on the 2 week tour. Some were coaches, others were just those who had a heart to help and reach people.

The project is partnering with AIA Kenya, there is a national staff guy. The desire is to empower him to be able to reach his country, and beyond. AIA is now partnering with a church in the biggest slum of Africa Swoto. With the church they build a full sized basketball court. This court will be used to gather kids from all over the area. There they will hear about Jesus and God's love and care for them, as well as- play basketball.

The AIA project has expanded to include Rwanda. Last year they were invited to come to "restoration and forgiveness" conferences. People there are still feeling the effects of the genocides that have occured. Our staff were not trained for this, but understood hurting people just needed to be heard and to express what they have felt, as well as be gently guided to the forgivenss and restoration process.

Our staff have also done basketball clinics to work with both sides. Last summer one Rwandan coach stopped dead in her tracks after passing a ball to another coach. She realized that the coach she was passing to was the same person who had killed her entire family- with a machete.

She said she has been on a long process of forgiving this person and this was the final step that God had for her. In Rwanda they are currently putting together a basketball tournament called "Never Again". One in which players from both tribes will compete and commit to never letting a genocide happen in their country again!

This past fall several of our staff members traveled back to Kenya to help put together a fund raising golf tournament- in country! The idea is that the Kenyan ministry would become a "self-funded" operation drawing in Kenyans to fund the ministry. This will even more empower our Kenyan staff members to carry on the work within their country. From their Kenya can become a sending nation to reach the countries around them- such as Rwanda or even Ethiopia!

So what does this have to do with Kazakhstan. We believe that the same kind of projects can be developed to help reach Central Asia. Especially on our hearts will be the reconciliation efforts in Kyrgyzstan. Kazakhstan is a larger and much more developed country. As we saw 4 years ago, Kazakhstan does have the wealth to become a "self-sustaining" sending country.

God Arrives at Academy!

2011-11-06T21:25:00.000-06:00

It's official, the AIA 3rd annual International Basketball Academy is off and running. God has indeed "showed up". He is in his room in Ellison hall at AIA! God (Gad) is a basketball coach from Kenya. He and 25-30 other coaches are due in the next couple of days. Gad has come to the academy twice before. He is always such a delight!

We hosted our Jordanian coach for dinner- Yussef. He is actually Catholic. He played on the Jordian national team, is currently the assistant coach- and coaches 13 year olds. Jomart, our Kazak coach, is due in later this evening.

Bible study with the Wright State girls got started tonight too.

What a fun day! Daniel saw one of his best friends baptized and caught a game changing pass in his flag football game!

God is GOOD!!

AUG/SEPT Prayer letter

2011-10-04T00:03:00.003-05:00

Just sent out our latest prayer letter. Let me know if you would like to be included. Send me your email to: Ravshanlisa@yahoo.com

We're Back!!

2011-08-21T20:32:00.003-05:00

After a LONG layoff we hope to begin posting regularly here again. We recently returned from our staff training with CCC or CRU as we are now known as. One of things I learned is that there are better ways to approach our communication. I was a PE major and not an English major and I'm not really from the "computing" generation, but I am willing to learn. I am experimenting and trying to learn how to better navigate the world of "social media", which I hear is blogs, websites, Facebook and videos. We hope to be able to put most of our info and updates in one place so that you can visit often or from time to time. If you have any suggestions for us, please let us know! Also, sorry if things end up on here that really shouldn't! My learning curve is pretty big right now!! : )

PINK OUT GAME

2010-02-16T20:09:00.004-06:00

Last week we had our the Xenia High School "Pink Zone" game. It was game dedicated to breast cancer awareness. The girls wore pink shoestrings and coach Ced lined up the vests for our "sportin'" coaching staff!

The Pink Zone game initiative was first started by Kay Yow and the WBCA (Women's basketball coaches assoication) to raise awareness. It started 3 years ago with 120 schools participating. Last year 1600 schools participated and almost 1 million fans participated and 1.3 million dollars was raised!

We were proud to play a part and bring a Pink Zone game to the Xenia community!

WATCHING AND WAITING

2010-02-16T19:58:00.002-06:00

WATCHING AND WAITING

Ravshan has applied for citizenship and we have heard from Homeland security a couple of times already! He was fingerprinted last week, so as so as the US Government determines that Ravshan is NOT an international terrorist we may get a call for an interview. But for now, our part is done, we simply "sit and we wait" for the notification from the Government for Ravshan to come for an interview and test. When that will be we don't know. But it least it SEEMS like it might be sooner than we expected!!

Moving- Steps of Faith

2008-11-13T14:01:00.002-06:00

Sept. 20 we took the next steps in our adventure, packed off and headed to Xenia, Ohio. God has been tremendously gracious to us, providing for us, and especially for Daniel in SO many ways.

DREAM TEAM TRULY REDEEMED!

2008-08-24T04:52:00.003-05:00

What a thrill to watch the US team beat Spain! We are still on "China time" so 1:30 am was like the middle of the afternoon for us! It has been amazing to watch these guys. It was fun, multi-millionaries "letting their hair down" and truly having fun!

So what's the difference in this team?? This team has had a Spiritual basis the whole time in Beijing. The Chinese said they would provide chaplains for the teams-- Right! However, USA basketball REQUESTED a chaplain from AIA. Two of our staff members with men's basketball have been doing devotionals with the team DAILY! They said usually they get about 5 min. with the team. This Olympics they have had 45 minutes with the team and there have 15-20 team and family members each time! As far as I understand it is members of the men's and women's team!

Now we know where the glory REALLY belongs!

USA REALLY IS IN THE OLYMPICS?!!

2008-08-21T02:27:00.004-05:00

We are back in the USA!! We are here in Seattle for one night then early tomrrow morning we finallly head back to Decatur and DANIEL!! He has been doing well with Grandma!

It has been GREAT to be back here and watch Americans in the Olympics finally. All the broadcasts in China were almost all about Chinese athletes and teams. Sure, we show a lot of favoritism here, but China was a little TOO much "home town" stuff!

What a thrill to watch the women ROCK in Volleyball tonight too!! YEA!! There are some cool Spiritual stories too. Misty May-Tranor does a lot work with us at AIA. One of the women on the indoor volleyball team came back to play for the team ESPECIALLY to reach

the team for Jesus!!

I had a bit of a run in with Volleyball when we were at the great wall. Or should I say volleyball ran into me! At the wall you go up on a gondolla and then you can come down on a slide/tobaggon type thing. As we were standing in line to come down I noticed the person in line behind me was an American. She had one of those "official" tags on AND she had an NBC logo shirt on AND she looked like a journalits I h

ad just seen on the internet that morning. So, being pretty persceptive I asked her if she was connected with the games. She was, and she is

Heather" the commentator for beach volleyball.

As we were getting on the slide I overheard her tell the guy friend she was with how she had broken her fathers back in car race. I didn't catch the whole story, but I heard enough to know I had better be booging down the toboggan trail! (We each had our own bobsled) Ravshan was in front of me, so I knew I would have clear sailing.

Unfortunately, there were some older Czech gentlemen in front of Ravshan. Unfortunately, there had been cold beer on the wall (there was cell phone reception too!) so they I guess decided to take a more leisurely speed down the mountain.

They spaced us out as we took off so I couldn't really see anyone ahead of me, and crazy Heather was still behind, somewhere. All of a sudden there was a drop in the slide, a tight turn and a straight away. Ravshan was at a dead stop in the straight away with the Czech guys holding him up. You guessed it, Heather came flying down the mountain, forgot how to break and slammed right into me FULL SPEED!!

Thankfully, neither one of us were hurt and the Czech guys did get moving again. But it was a close call when I almost got "spiked" right off the Great Wall!

It's fun to watch the Olympics now, some of our friends are still there and we know about where some of them sit! We saw ourselves on TV today too. The NBC website has games logged by day and sport. We tuned into the USA v. S. Korea game. After the first half you could see us sitting in the front row. I have a white tank on, Ravshan a black shirt, and our "spirit" filled Czech friends sitting next to us waving a Korea flag!

CAN YOU SEE US??? What makes LeBron laugh??

2008-08-19T12:44:00.007-05:00

Tune in tonight and watch the US women play! We got to go to the game!! We also got to sit in the first row and just past half court!!! On the visitors side) It turned out to be a hilariously fun night that just capped off our day! AND WE MADE LEBRON JAMES LAUGH!!!

We returned from seeing the Great Wall (which now pales in light of the

rest of the events tonight!) We got great tickets which were in the first row of the second section. We ended up sitting next to these Czech guys. (we had earlier in the days that Czech's LOVE beer. These two fellows were NO exception!) They began to cheer for Korea-- KOR E A they yelled. (which happens to be Ravshan's moms' name!) During the 2nd quarter they headed down the stairs and lited in the first row. At half time we followed suit and once again sat right next to them.

So here we were, front row seats to the greatest show in town.. OH, and the MEN"S US team was also in the stands. Our Czech friends began cheering KOR E A and we answer ed with USA. The gym was fairly quiet because the US team was up by 40 by this time! We were sort of the only ones cheering. Ravshan said Lebron looked over when he heard the yelling and then started laughing!

They made quite a stir with Chinese lining up all up and down the aisle to take their pictures.

The second game was hilarious too. It was Russia v. Spain. The 2 Czech guys left. In their place came a Russian guy from Irkyti. The WAY north of Russia. They are sometimes a bit peculiar and funny. This guy was no exception. He started recruiting Chinese and Korean fans to cheer for Russia. (We were sitting directly behind the Spainsh bench!)

The game was great. Russia was down by as much as 17 and came back to win it by around 20! Fans on BOTH sides were pretty spirited! The Russians were led by the AMERICAN, Becky Hammon.

So tomorrow we pack up and head for home. I am ready. Even though the past 2 weeks have been absolutely incredible in SO many ways! We are missing our boy and are anxious to get back for the "next steps".

Personally, I'm anxious to get back to the USA and FINALLY see some coverage of US teams. We only get Chinese televsion here which means almost all that we see is China playing someone, or replays of them winning another gold medal. You would think there weren't even any other teams here!!

GREAT WALL OR THE VILLAGE?

2008-08-18T11:53:00.005-05:00

Just as I was bemoaning the fact that I probably wouldn't get to go to the village, fate seemed to take a turn.

Ravshan and I had just finished breakfast and were heading up stairs to collect our things and get ready for our outing to the Great Wall. We turned the corner and ran into Carl. "You are going to the village today", he said. Wow! Did that change our plans!

We decided that it's possible that since the Wall had already been there 4,000 years, it may be around a few more. The chance to go to the village, however, comes seldom. 15 minues later we were in a cab with a friend from the Phillipines and on our way!

Arriving there we soon discovered that my name had been OMITTED from "the list". Apart from a miracle I would not be in the garden today! If your name is not on the list, you simply don't get in the door! Security is tight!

Carl had given 6 names. The chief said he had given the 6 names, but if my name didn't make the list, there was nothing he could do. The Chinese gal in charge spoke only English and chinese. Carl English and Russian, and the Federation official spoke only Russian!

I prepared myself for plan "b". Whatever that might be. But, I remembered how fate had directed me the day before in the square. I trusted that fate would direct me again. Soon it did, the manger gave her oK and I was in!!

What an incredible expereince!! The gardens there are SO well kept. Flowers of all kinds everywhere! Athletes from all over too. Everywhere I looked there was a cluster of athletes from a different country or part of the world. ALL shapes and sizes!! The gardens were the same. All in different places.

Soon we went to the cafeteria. It was huge, and food from ALL over! We had lunch with people from Cuba, Kyrygzstan, Bulgaria, Uganda, Iran, Russia, Kaz, Belarus-- and the list goes on!

Talked with the American coach of the Russian basketball team! Encouraged a silver medal winner from Bulgaria (when you win the silver, you have lost the gold!) coffee with a Cuban that I later saw competing on tv about an hour later!

The gardens and flowers in the village were quite interesting. So many blooming, or ready to burst forth. There was one particular African variety that we got to see bloom for the first time today! The gardner had been working with it for quite a long time.

The sun shone bright and hot today, but there was much water to keep the gardens watered!

Won the race, made the match, lost the camera

2008-08-18T11:09:00.003-05:00

Sunday was sort of a bummer of a day. We made it to the match to see Lena play again. We were even able to find tickets the cheapest yet. Of course, there were the scalpers, but we held out and found a guy willing to scalp for not quite so much.

Again we were about the only 2 people rooting for Kaz. Howerver, a couple of Brazilians set next to us who had never seen handball before. WE got explain it to them, and by the end they were chanting KAZ AK STAN right along with us!

The game was exciting, but Kaz came out flat. Angola hung inthere and the game ended in a tie! So now we needed to trust that the French would beat the Chinese later in the day in order to give Kaz a berth in the final rounds. Well, the French proved to be not too trustworthy as they lost to the Chinese and Kaz is out.

Ravshan and I had tickets for fencing later that night. Carl had them as gifts from the Belarus Olympic committee. We arrived at the Olympic green just a little before start time. What we didn't know was that we were going to have to walk/run a mile to get in to the ONLY entrance on the Olympic Green. Then we had to run a mile back to where we started to be able to enter the building!

We were racing down the street dodging pedestrians and desparately looking for a gate. Thankfully, no one got hurt, but as we neared the gate we could see that there was about a thoursand people waiting in line! Our match started a 6pm- the birds nest track and field crown was already gathering-- it holds 90,000!!!

We finally neared the security check point and I reached down and realized my handy camera had fallen out of it's little pouch. Ravshan still had the big camera, so that was good. however I had grown quite find of my little "point and shoot". Now it is back to using my phone camera, but it doesn't cooperate with the computer so I cant download the pictures. Anyway.....

In the end we learned some lessons. Directions in Chinese are not always able to be found. They really don't mind if people are inconvienced and must walk several miles. Be prepared for the crowds. When you have free tickets, take your time, you will see at least half of the match!! If you can't be on time--- be early!!

As we reached the fencing venue (covention center) The entrance was on the opposite side, the fencing hall on the 4th floor, and our seats of the far side and through the last door! I really felt like I had competed in an olympic event by the time we arrived!!

The fencing match was interesting. I had never been to one before. I guess I had envisioned it to be very formal- a little like tennis. It was more of an attitude of a bar crowd! you can almost imagine yourself in a great hall of a castle somewhere with the kings putting up their best 2 guys to a dual!

We had a real treat in seeing American v. France in the gold medal match. we arrived just as the Russian team beat Italy for the bronze. The top American fencer had been diagnosed with a rare blood disease two months before and was told he would die within 2 weeks because of his low blood platlet count. Miraculously, he was given some medication and his count bounced back. The Americans would be down by 10=15 points and each time he came in he would bring them back to 8 or 5 down. In the end, the French were simply too strong and outdueled the Americans for the gold.

Ravshan and I also raced past Alexander Karlinin. The great wrestler of Olympics passed. They call him the Russian bear. I can see why! He was bending down taking someone elese's picture, so we really didn't want to interrupt him. But I tell you, the size of his calves were like tree stumps!!

Fountains of Tienamen

2008-08-18T10:54:00.004-05:00

As I began my evening Ravshan was away at the village and I just trusted that I could find a gardner or guard of somekind to show me around. In the end, it seems I did find a very good guide. It seems as though he had known the place forever. He was able to show me the special things about it, and the special meanings to the people. I love those times strolling through the gardens with the caretaker. There is one that always seems to be there if you just trust that person that they can really show you around. So far, this fate has always been successful!

Who will be the last to enter the gate??

It is about the people, not the fountains!
My "forever friend" Nathan~~

Here are the fountains. Sorry, I'm not great at the blogging yet! They were just amazing as each one amazed me in the story that they seemed to be telling! In the end, the story is not about the fountains, but about the people!

4th of JULY IN TIENAMEN SQUARE?

2008-08-16T17:19:00.009-05:00

Ok, so I'm usually pretty proud of my directional abilities. However, China has been a challenge. Few signs to point you in the right direction. We have walked miles looking for things just feet away (at one point). So yesterday I was looking for the THE biggest public square in the world. Easy right? WRONG!

Asking a security guard from directions I emerged from the underground to a pretty little park with the "silver blob" monument in front of me. My met

ro stop was "Tienamen West" so I thought the square should be a cinch.

Finally after receiving directions TWICE, I s

tumbled upon the square! Going there I immediately thought of the history and the pictures we have seen. Mao speaking fro

"his" building, the student stopping the tank in the street. I still saw no signs showing me what was what.

Then I noticed that people were beginning to gather for something. Now when Chinese begin to gather it quickly becomes a literal ocean of people. All were lookin

g in the direction of a flag and fla

gpole in the middle of the square. The feeling was like the anticipation of firewor

ks on the 4th of July. I had read about the flag lowering ceremony and realized that is what I was about to see. Must be REALLY something special.

I went under the street, was amazed that they didn't even let people walk under the flag during that time. I came up next to Tienamen gate and wondered as close as I could.

They had set up gates keeping people from in front of the building (where Mao's picture is). Now people were REALLY starting to gather, almost ALL Chinese. I found 2 Americans and a Chinese guy who spoke fair English who had decided to become our guide for the event! It was still 25 minutes until sundown, when preciesly at the moment of sundown the flag shall be lowered. (It also happens in the morning.)

We discussed the days events, Michael Phelps, the Ethiopian runner, and I explained team handball to them as they were going on Monday. We talked of ticket prices, they had of a guy asking 10,000 ($1500) for a ticket to watch Phelps win gold!

Soon the commotion started, the cermony had began. Traffic had been stopped, (except for bicycles!) the soldiers began marching out of hte gate and over to the flag. It was lowered preciesly at sundown and then they marched back. I couldn't really see much in person, because of all the people in front of me. So I took a picture or movie holding my camera above my head, and then watched the playback to see what I had missed. Now the ceremony was nice and all, but my new friends and I agreed, it won't hold a candle to Arlington!

Then the gates were opened and the crowds started to converge, like two opposing dams letting out the water and the waves crashing in the middle! All of a sudden the at

mosphere was not the somber anticipation around a stark gray square and a flag pole, but more like a sigh of relief and the atmosphere of a festival had begun! I walked across in front of Mao and reflected again on the square. This country is about people, billions of them. How does ONE man come to power. But even that one man is human. He died and is laid out inside the gate in a crystal coffin. Much like Lennin I assume. But how many bones of people are buried beneath him? No wonder there is an atmosphere and merriment once the flag and symbols have been laid to rest.

I would soon encounter another unexpectec treat. I had walked over and stood in front of the gate to the "Forbidden City" just as they were closing the huge castle like doors. Who would be the last in? Or the last out?? HMMM reminds me of something else.

Then, all of a sudden lights began to come on. First there was a border light around the gates just a sliver that raced from East to West. Then the fountains sprang to life (I didn't know they were fountains, I couldn't see the spigots and I thought they were pools with debris floating in them. Kind of repulsed at the sight actually!) The fountains were lighted green and cascaded back and forth! They literally sprang to life and as they did there was a sweet air of fresh water, refreshing after the flag ceremony and the hot afternoon.

Then, as I turned to face the square, the whole thing lit up. What had been a cold concrete lifeless area, suddenly sprang to life and looked more like Disneyland! The atmosphere had gone from drab to joyous! Then the fountains went from green to "blood" red, and into a fan shape. Soon they would go to yellow "shots" and then finally purple spirals!

All of a sudden I realized there was a little wisp of a boy reaching up to shake my hand "welcome to China" he said, in excellent English. "Forever Friends". Hmmm, a strange but fun greeting!! Maybe his family is from the village and are farmers. He greeted me a few more times, and told me his mother is an English teacher. They both had smiling beaming faces! They pointed me in the direction of the metro. I thought they were walking away, then my little friend returned and shook my hand again. This time I was able to ask more questions, like his name!

Nathan, his mother told me. Like the prophet, I said. Yes, yes she said. Oh, I have a boy named Daniel. OHH that is my husbands name she said! We took a picture with Nathan. As we parted she introduced herself more. And told me her name, JASMINE, you know like the flower, she said! Yes, a true flower indeed!!

The new generation of China is flowering. Many times right before our eyes. As the contrast of the square indicates, the sun is setting on one generation and is rising on a new one. The Olympics have indeed opened and enlightened the eyes of many, I hope that it opens the eyes of all! IT's NOT about the picture of the man on the wall or the flag in the center, but rather it is about the people that line the places beside them and the beautiful flowers that are blooming right in their midst! I do hope those flowers continue to bloom and the fountains continue to bubble out life giving water!

New Faces of China

2008-08-16T11:34:00.004-05:00

My little excursion to Tienamen square was quite an experience! The garderner there showed me all sort of beautiful flowers! And some great sights! Here are a few!

RAVSHAN TO OLYMPIC VILLAGE

2008-08-15T23:24:00.003-05:00

Face value ticket price for Olympic event? $10-100

Lowest we have paid? $44

Highest we have heard? $1,194

Price for the Olympic Village? PRICELESS!

Ravshan headed out early this morning for a trip inside the Olympic village! He has been invited by one of the sport federations. There, hopefully, he will be able to meet with many of the sport heads and, of course, visit with Lena.

It should be an exciting and fun day. It's a ticket that is simply not for sale anywhere!

Meanwhile, I'm catching up on some laundry and then maybe will go to the Forbidden city for lunch and maybe some shopping! I will also be looking for flowers and maybe will get a chance to do a little gardening. That would be a highlight!

There is a chance that tomorrow I may get to go to the village. A little more exciting than laundry, but both are needed!! The Sun has been shining on everything. thanks for your thoughts for us and keep thinking about Sunshine!!

Seeing Lena & Olympic Green

2008-08-15T10:54:00.002-05:00

Today we finally got to see Lena and talk with her a bit. As she is competing her coach keeps pretty "reins" on her and the team. She was allowed to come out to the corridor where we were able to chat for a few minutes and catch up a bit!

The coach was in a much better mood today. They won their match. They beat China in a hotly contested match by 3 points! China stayed within 4 points the whole game. It was exciting. Almost the whole hall was filled with Chinese rooting for the home town team. There were all of about 10 fans yelling for Kazakhstan (7 more than the first night). But we let our voices by heard!

The next match was a fast breaking Brazil team and hard hitting Korea. It was decided by one point on a last second shot by Brazil! The gym was rocking for that match too! We are becoming quite the team handball fans!

By winning today Kazakhstan pretty much is assured of at least an 8th place finish and a place in the final tournament. For me, it was bittersweet. I'm so glad for Lena and her team. But I also know that she will now be competing for the whole time they are here. She and her team are at the Olympic village and so far we havn't been able to go in.

HOWEVER, tonight when we returned our friends told us that they had secured a pass for Ravshan tomorrow to the Olympic village. They didn't have enough places for me too, but it is possible that if Ravshan makes contact with the right people I may be able to come in too. That would be a real answer to a lot of thinking!

Lena's match was at 9 so from noon on we were able to spend at "Olympic Green". It is a really fun atmosphere there. It is between the "birdsnest", swimming venue, and 3 other huge halls! There are 2 McDonalds, many exhibits and people from all over the world just milling around! There is also the Olympic Superstore where you can purchase anything Olympic you've ever wanted! The line to get in was 30 minutes!

We finally left there around 7 and tried to get down to Women's basketball to maybe find a ticket. No such luck tonight. The US women were playing, but the second game was China, so the ticket scalpers were holding out for people coming for the second game. The lowest we could get was about $70/ ticket. The hightest, $200!

CRAZY DAZE AT THE OLYMPICS

2008-08-14T09:29:00.009-05:00

Ok Everything seems to be in full swing now! The past 2 days have all just kind of run together! Our day has started aroun 8 am and ended at about 11pm!

Yesterday we spent our first day at the Greco-Roman wrestling. There we were able to find the Kazak delegation. They weren't hard to spot! Quite a noisy group, especially with Kazaks competing and winning in al

most every competition! We were introduced to former Olympic and world champions, as well as the director of wrestling in Alma ata and all of southern Kazakhstan!

We also got to see one Kyrgy

z wrestler compete, win and advance to the medal round! He then went on and won the silver!!! We saw him in the shopping district today. Ravshan and I got to meet him. He looked like he had been through a war! A testament to j

ust how intense these games are. I don't think the cameras do them justice.

We finally got to see our friend Lena too! It was awesome to see her compete at the Olympics! She didn't know we were there until afterwards. Thankfully, they exited the arena right in front of us. I was able to toss her a note with our cell number and in about 5 minutes she called! We were suppose to meet after they came out, but the coach had them load up on the bus and head straight back to Olympic village. Bummer. They lost their match, but Norway is expected to medal!

We were treated to an incredible match next between Hungary and Germany. Places get pretty crazy with a gym full of Vikings!! Hungary came from behind and took the match by one point with under a minute l

eft to play. I am still amazed at the amount of contact!

You can see Lena Portova's picture if you go to the NBC website and click on "Team handball". you will see her holding back one of the other players, which is not a foul!

After the match we excited to see the beautiful sight of the "birdsnest" with the glowing blue Swimming venue behind it.

Day 3 Wrestling & Summer Palace

2008-08-12T11:21:00.004-05:00

This morning we started out on a search for wrestling tickets. No luck today, maybe tomorrow. We did find the SUMMER PALACE.

It is a beautiful place. WE also had a wonderful tour guide, Joy. Live tour guides are provided with no charge! So much better than those things you stick in your ears!

I didn't know that China had a Queen (emporess) who ruled the country for 48 years! This was her palace. The interesting thing is that she secretly took money from the war department in order to fix up the palace. It is thought that this siphoning off of funds lead to China's loss in war with Japan!

Getting started, 2 days in Beijing

2008-08-11T12:09:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to quickly update you. Ravshan's luggage made it!! All is safe and sound!

Waking up on Sunday morning it was pouring down rain! As our usual practice we went to church and had a charming welcome at a registered Chinese church. We are falling in love with these people.

Had lunch at KFC and then off to walmart- just like in the USA!! The Walmart was a little different experience! I had taken many pictures with my camera phone thinking I would be able to easily download them to the comuter and send to you. Think again! For some reason they aren't communicating. We do have other pictures, but it will take me a bit to get them uploaded.

Evening we came home and then had dinner at a REAL chinese restaurant- imagine that!!

Today was our first real day "out on the town". It was such a miracle! We went to the Olymic stadium hoping we could find some handball tickets. We did but the guy was asking $200 each!!! a little steep!

We continued on our little tour and soon ran into 2 Danes with a big sign that said "SELLING HANDBALL TICKETS 300"! It was like there was NO way we could miss them! We bought the tickets for considerably less, and were on our way! We paid 300 chinese, which is about 50$

We saw them a short time later and they told us they had 4 tickets left, the next woman bought them,and when he said 300, she just assumed he meant 300 dollars! She unloaded $1200 just like that! Tickets for most events can be found, except mens basketball, of course. The USA is pounding everyone so much that it really isn't much of a game, so I expect there may be some openings.

We then saw the "birdsnest" with our own eyes. First without the lights, and then after sundown with a beautiful red illumination. It really is something to see! Hopefully, I will be able to get picutres us tomorrow.

We have been meeting sports agriculture people from all over. It is really an inspiring experience! It has been raining a lot, thankfully today it let up for most of the day. I think the cloud cover is a blessing as it was rEALLY hot when we arrived on Saturday.

For now the "generic" picture will have to do. I will post the pictures tomorrow.

KAZ FRIENDS PLAY IN OLYMPICS

2008-08-10T09:59:00.000-05:00

Arriving in Seattle we were able to put the busyness of the past few weeks behind us and now focus on Beijing and what might await us there. Checking the website we learned that several of our friends from Kazakhstan would be competing in the games!

The only 2 teams from Kaz competing at the Olympics are women's teams, handball and volleyball. We have had especially good friends with the handball team. One of the girls, Lena, took a speical liking to Daniel and of course became a close family friend. She is a sweet sister. The picture is Lenna and "baby Daniel".

I remember talking with her 3 yrs ago when she was 18, had already had 2 knee operations and was getting ready for a third. Kazakhstan had hired a new coach, from Korea, and he was installing the Korean work ethic into practices. They were now practicing 3 times a day and had set a goal to make it to the Olympics. Can you imagine 3-a-day practices for 4 years!

As we were watching the opening ceremonies my heart was just filled with joy as I thought of Lena there, having the experience of a lifetime. I was almost in tears with joy for her. As we saw the Kazak delegation on TV, there she was!!

Lena is a fellow gardener. The busyness and demands of practices and games has taken her away from the garden a bit. I know that she shares our love of flowers. I hope that I can find her here in Beijing and encourage her in the way of the gardener. Maybe she will begin tending to the blooms again.

There is another girl on the team, Lena Kozlova. She is also a lover of flowers. We first started talking of the importance of a garden in a cafe called "Fart" in Alma ata. She accepted the challenge to start a garden, and indeed it did bloom for a while, but I think there were some thorns that began to grow, and then the worries of the world took over her time to tend it well.

Sometimes achieving your greatest dreams will bring you back to understanding what the important things in life really are. Like taking time to stop and smell the Roses!

We are also aquainted with Arna, who is a sychronzied swimmer. When Daniel was 2 months old we talked with their team about the joys of gardening, but I think they were more interested in "baby Daniel" than what I had to say! (Seems like we should have brought him along!)

ARRIVAL!!

2008-08-10T07:01:00.000-05:00

Hey! Just a quick note to let you know we arrived!

We got to see the opening ceremonies on Candian TV as we were still in Seattle at 6am! They were awesome!! Our flight was great! Upon landing at the airport we taxied by the "Presidential Parking Lot"! There were dignitaries planes parked from all over. The first in line?? We first passed by AIRFORCE ONE!!! Quite a welcome!

The only bumer has been that Ravashans luggage didn't make it, but we were able to find a WALMART today and did some power shopping!!

More coming soon!

AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE

2008-08-07T09:22:00.000-05:00

We are so excited that our agricultural conference will be held in Beijing this year! We are excited to see some of our farmer friends from around the world!

We have heard that the plant growth in China has been incredible. It will be amazing to get hands on experience there. Of course we are hoping to catch some of the Olympics, but our main focus will be tending the gardens and hopefully seeing seeds growing to new fruit!

I was encouraged by some words of one of the farmers that I found in the almanac. It's a little quote from a farmer named Isaiah page 28,26 and 29. He is a wonderful teacher, and gives the farmer great wisdom: The farmer knows just what to do for his father has given him understanding.

Please yarp for us that we will be given wisdom and understanding as we have the opportunities to help with harvest time!

THE OLYMPICS STRUGGLE & TRIUMPH

2008-08-07T09:06:00.000-05:00

THE OLYMPICS!!!!! What incredible images come to your mind? Most of us have our own favorite moments. Who can forget Carrie Scruggs finishing her final vaults in pain, an injured runner finishing an hour after other competitors because, he said, “My country sent me 7,000 miles not to start a race, but to finish it!” The struggle and the triumph are the things that truly inspire us as we share in the struggles of these athletes.

Sport is a language that is spoken by ALL peoples. All hostilities and disagreements are put aside to compete on the worldwide stage of the Olympics. THE best athletes, trainers and coaches from all over the world will be there. It is the “academy awards” of sport, but with the movies being played out in front of a WORLD audience!

Isn’t even MORE amazing that one day, if you know Jesus, YOU TOO will be standing on a podium before a “great cloud of witnesses”. As it says in 1 Peter 5:4, “When the Great Shepherd appears, YOU will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” You will be a victor and you WILL receive that GOLD MEDAL!! The struggles and triumphs of our lives have NOT gone unnoticed!

To see some awesome stories of Olympic athletes and to see the DVD that we will be giving to friends go to: BeyondtheUltimate.org

See you in Beijing!

Lisa sets "INDY" on fire!

2008-08-06T09:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, that is MY car on fire!!

Returning from our house hunting trip from Ohio we stopped for a "Daniel" break in Indianapolis. It was the night before the "Brickyard 400". Wanting to be in the racing spirit we hopped on the go carts.

Ravshan and Daniel puttered around the course, whilest I whizzed around practicing my "Danica Patrick" moves. As I whizzed passed Ravshan and Daniel I slowed up to say "hi".

Ravshan shouted- "GET OUT, YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!!!" I turned just enough to catch a glimpse of orange flames coming out behind my head. I "dropped and rolled" out of the car and sprinted away. Hoping and praying that the other drivers wouldn't run me over as I rolled onto the track!

Thankfully, everyone got out safely, and "there wasn't even the smell of smoke" on me. The firemen at the track put out the fire and the race was on again. Although we opted out! We did get to ride free-- and got free batting cage tokens!!

THOUGHT COLLECTION

2008-06-20T08:06:00.000-05:00

OH MY!! I can't believe that SO much time has gone by since I've posted! It has been quite the "busy season" for us again. I guess it pretty much marks the start of the summer season!

Ravshan is off to Central Asia. He took a wrestling team from the US. The tour was a great success. (no one ended up in jail!) Several of the US wrestlers committed their lives to Christ! They also distributed quite a number of Jesus Film DVD's to those they wrestled against! Many friendships were formed! The Americans were invited to houses for dinners and social times.

One wrestler had begun watching the Jesus film at home and couldn't wait to get back home from practice to finish watching!

Ravshan is now with is family in Osh, Krygyzstan. It has been a bit of a struggle as he has attempted to share with his father and brothers about a relationship with Christ. His dad just thinks Ravshan is a "fanatic" and asked him to promise that Daniel would not grow up to be like him! Please keep them in your prayers!

A good side has been that Ravshan's mom is STILL walking strong with the Lord. She is a woman of great wisdom, especially in knowing how to "culturally" share Christ with her Muslim neighbors.

Meanwhile, Daniel and I have been here in Illinois. He was sick the first week, I was sick the second week, finally are third week has been good!! One more week and "DADDY" comes home!!

It seems as though I have not been able to have a complete thought since Ravshan has been gone! Thankfuly I have discovered peace and quiet on our patio in the early mornings! It has been a wonderful place to collect my thoughts and spend some much needed time with the Lord!

Daniel is up and it's time to go!!

Massaging the Soul!??

2008-05-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

I attended an AIA conference in Xenia, OH this past weekend with 70 other AIA women from across the country. The conference was awesome. The theme was a "Spa for the Soul". There is probably nothing that feels better than the aftermath of a really good massage. Everything is loosened and relaxed and the stress is "worked out". The PROCESS, however, can be a little stretching, if not downright painful at times!

Jean Anderson shared in only ways that Jean can that that is exactly what God does to us. He wants to work all those little "kinks" out of us. The end result is wonderful, but sometimes the process can be from a little uncomfortable to embarrasing to painful! However, without the massage we miss out on the blessing. God wants to bring the very best out of us!

We also worked on a PDP or Personal Development Plan. This is a tool that AIA uses to help staff to continue to develop themselves both personally and professionally/spiritually. My "PDP" goals? To have a smooth transition to Xenia! I have already begun by driving around the city a bit before I headed home. I really liked it!

We also heard from Judy Douglas, wife of president of Campus Crusade Steve Douglas. She shared that we are God's CREATION. He didn't just speak us into existence, but created us with unique plans and directions in our lives.

God has called us an AZOR, or helpmate, which in Hebrew means the image bearer and warrior! The idea is that we bare God's image. It is our responsibility to be "Jesus" to others in our relations and our dealings with them.

All in all it was an awesome 3 days! It was great to see old friends and to meet new ones who are also serving with Athletes in Action.

What a priviledge it is to serve the Lord with this organization and to be Jesus' image barer to the world!!

2008-04-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

Study recently done among college students in Kazakhstan.

Olympic Opportunity, Boycot?

2008-04-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

Ravshan will have the opportunity to travel to Bejing China for the Olympics. He will be going with some brothers from our organization. This will be August 10-20.

Should the US boycot the Olympics? No! China does have a VERY poor record on human rights. However, it's not like this record started with the uprising in Tibet! It has been going on for a LONG time. The time to boycot was BEFORE China was selelcted as an Olympic sight.

In my opinon, the BEST thing that can happen to China is to have the WORLD pay them a visit. Contact with other countries and OTHER ways of relating to people may be the best step in helping China "see the light"!

In the book "Competitive Edge" Jeffery Brown brings up the point that "although ethical principles can be learned as a set of rules, they won't always reflect the values a person actually has. .. Stanford psychologist Albert Bandura identified that people learn behaviors or modify current behaviors by observing someone else doing it first".

Just preaching to China what ethical behaviors are, or punishing them for not using them will really not get very far to bringing REAL change in China. What is needed is for China to SEE how people can and SHOULD relate to one another. I think that boycotting the Olympics would only reinforce the Chinese notion that, those that violate the rules need to be eliminated.

It is my hope and prayer that as China opens its doors this summer the people themselves will observe behaviors that will be truly life changing! Actions DO speak louder than words!

Pray that Ravshan and his friends will be such examples this summer!

Ravshan going where, when?

2008-04-22T09:35:00.001-05:00

Ravshan will soon be leaving for Central Asia. He will be going to Uzbekistan and probably Kyrygzstan instead of Tadjikistan. The tour will leave the US on May 25th. He will be traveling with a US wrestling team from Augsburg college in Minnesota. They are working with the wrestling federations in these countries to set their schedule. With the Olympics coming soon Central Asian countries are excited to have US wrestlers.

After the tour Ravshan will spend several days in Tashkent, Uzbekistan helping to put the finishing touches on a sports New Testament. This will be a sports bible that will contain the testimonies of about 20 Central Asian athletes who have come to the Lord! This has been a 2 year project and promises to be an excellent tool to put in the hands of Central Asians. It will be an encouragment to believers and unbelievers as well.

Ravshan will then head home to Osh for about 10 days. He has not been to his home country since October of 2006. Being here in the US he has only been able to speak his native Uzbek language with his family back in Osh. Daniel and I speak Russian. He will also be able to spend some time with his parents, who have not had the best of health these past 2 years, especially his dad.

Time in Osh is always interesting. The family seems to wait to consult with Ravshan for difficult questions. We aren't aware of any currently, but I'm sure there will be some waiting for Ravhsan. This is a blessing because Ravshan brings God's perspective as his family seeks answers. It is awesome that they have seen that the best answers come from the Lord!

Pray for Ravshan's time with the wrestling team, for the compilation and completion of the sports New Testament, and for a rich time with his family.

Daniel and I will be "holding down the fort" here in the US. Once Ravshan returns June 26 we will probably begin the moving process to Xenia/Dayton, OH.

There Will Be Blood and Pain!

2008-04-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

Daniel lost his first tooth this week. What a scary thing for the little guy. He bit on a piece of meat and thought he bit his tongue, only to find out that it was his first coming in slightly in back of his baby teeth. We checked and sure enough that little baby tooth was wiggling all around!

Was he excited about this new turn of events?? No, he was SCARED TO DEATH!! He said, "there will be blood, there will be pain, I want to stay a baby so mommy can still rock me, and I don't want to loose my teeth!" When we told him about the Guardian Angel/tooth fairy he was encouraged, but still not ready for the changes that were coming on!

I thought isn't that how we all our when God is doing something different in our lives. There may not be any real blood or physical pain, but moving ahead with God can sure seem that way sometimes. However, when we look forward to what God WILL do, and let HIM work the course, that new thing comes in naturally and pretty soon we are enjoying the satisfaction of the new thing God has done.

Daniel's excitement to call and tell everyone about his "new" tooth was also special! What had brought tears and fears was now bringing joy and laughter. The natural result of rejoicing when God is doing a NEW thing!

God continues to do "new things" with us. Ravshan has been invited to travel with a US wrestling team to Uzbekistan and Tadjkistan May 25- June 5. He will then go to Kyrygzstan to visit with his family for about 10 days before returning home. This creates exciting ministry opportunities with both sets of "foreigners". Ravshan has also been invited to a special trip to the Olympics with friends to meet up with other new and future friends.

These are exciting opportunities, but as with a new tooth, can be a little scary in the beginning!

Update on Sara Jo and George Washington. Well, they didn't make it to the final four. However, they only lost to Rutgers by 10 (They lost by 30 when I saw them play!) and pulled close several times. Rutgers has my vote for the national championship! We have very good friends who work at Rutgers with AIA.

All for now- "The U's"

Sara Jo adds to March Maddness

2008-03-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

ACC student-athlete of the year. Senior, starter for George Washington University- scores the LAST TWO WINNING baskets in 12 seconds to defeat #3 ranked Cal to take her team on to the "Sweet 16" of the women's NCAA national tournament.

Pretty special gal I would guess! But the BEST part of Sara Jo Lawrence??? She gives the GLORY TO GOD!! Sara Jo is a very strong Christian, the most wonderful gal you would ever want to meet! She is also one of the studnet leaders for the George Washington University AIA movement. She also played on an AIA summer team in Taiwan last summer. We had the opportunity to meet Sara Jo this fall at GW. She was one of those who was not ONLY preparing to meet #2 RUTGERS the next day in basketball, but was also helping out at Thanksgiving to help reach her fellow student athletes at GW for Jesus! Please Pray for the "Lady Colonials" and Sara Jo as they take on #2 Rutgers Sunday during the "Sweet 16" of the Women's NCAA tournament!

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-06T20:00:00.001-06:00

Black Fri. for shoppers- Black Wed. for Daniel!

2007-12-06T07:28:00.000-06:00

Well I must say, black Friday was quite a surprise for us. In Kazakhstan, because most people celebrate New Year's, the rush for anything Christmas doesn't even really start until Christmas! I could not even image why my sister in law would want to go to a mall at 4am! But that she did, and she wasn't even the first one. However, she did get some great buys! We were still kind of recovering from "car lag". So even thinking about going to a mall wore us out! We should have done our shopping while we were with the Kazak team I guess!

Daniel had a different kind of "black" day. The day he started back to pre-school. We have found a great Chrisitan preschool for him, Noah's Ark. Unfortunately for Daniel, he had gotten adjusted to our project schedule. Leave home around 1 pm and arrive home around 1 am. So, for him, going to bed at 8:30pm is like going to bed in the middle of the day! And then getting up at 7, that's like getting up in the middle of the night! And then he HAS to take a nap at school. Everyday he asks if he has to go to school, and if he cant just go after nap time! When I arrive to pick him up each day he asks if he can stay longer to play, so I guess it's not too bad there! Keep him in your prayers that his adjustment back to "real life" would go smoothly.

He will be a "little lamb" in his schools play Sunday Dec. 9th at 7pm, Maranatha church, Decatur Illinois.

Home for the Holidays!

2007-11-22T14:30:00.000-06:00

What a joy to be HOME for the Holidays. This will be my first Thanksgiving at home in probably 25 years! The last 15 I have been overseas. Before that it was basketball that took me away from home. It has been wonderful ALREADY enjoying 2 Thanksgiving dinners! I helped out and "heaped" up at the George Washington outreach. The students had cooked SO much food that there was enough left over to take leftovers home. And quite a bit more went to the local homeless shelter!

We arrived home Tuesday morning about 5am. Ravshan had been in Thailand for a World Sports conference. After a 22 hour flight from Thailand he arrived in DC and ready to hit the road for Illinois! He drove us 10 hours straight through the night to arrive home early Tuesday morning. We figured that Daniel had had about all the "riding" that he could take. So, thankfully, he was able to sleep for most of the ride!

We had not been home since Sept. 19th. It is great being back to our little house too. It's been like stepping back into the past. All of our calenders were still on Sept. Daniel and my birthday cards were still around. And all of our clocks were an hour off! Ravshan's internal clock has been about 12 hours off too!

Hopefully we'll have our internet hooked up soon so that I can include pictures again!

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!

AIA George Washington feeds 200 Turkey!

2007-11-22T13:23:00.000-06:00

What is one thing that athletes will NEVER turn down? A free meal with fellowship! That turned out to be a winner at George Washington University on Saturday. The ministry there put on a turkey dinner and then invited ALL the athletes (including cheerlearders) to attend. 200 athletes came out to enjoy and to hear a Gospel presentation from an E-free pastor who happens to be a hall of famer from the University of Florida.

The amazing thing is, this ministry at George Washington is completely student run! 4 years ago a tennis player, Elliott, came to Kazakhstan for a summer project. Returning home to GW he had a desire to start AIA on his campus. Gathering some others together they launched AIA at George Washington Univeristy. Ravshan and I visited there 4 years ago it was only about 10 students meeting in a dorm room. Now it has grown to about 50 students, 10 leaders and bible studies!

Keep these guys in your prayers they are doing an AWESOME job!!

Daniel Lights Up "Big Screen"

2007-11-19T00:12:00.000-06:00

Ravshan flew out to Thailand on Tues. Nov. 12th. He is there for a worldwide sports conference. He will be returning on the 19th and then we will be heading back to Illinois.

Daniel and I have been keeping busy while "Daddy" is gone. We spent 2 days in Norfolk with some very good friends. Daniel got to try his hand at the "big screen" as he was in a comerical. My friend Masha and her husband have a media/marketing/film business called Auroris media. They were doing a shoot for a commerical they are doing for March of Dimes and Liberty Tax. The comerical should air sometime in January.

Kaz Guys Head Home- Final Thoughts

2007-11-18T23:51:00.000-06:00

Our Kaz guys headed out for the airport at 5 am! They were "troopers" to the end. It will be interesting in the coming months and years to see just exactly what the Lord will do in their hearts and lives as a result of their time here.

They will get back to Kazakhstan and have a 3 day rest before they play in a 6 game tournament in Alma ata, Kazakhstan. I think they will destroy the team that they will play back home. It wouldn't suprise me to see them press the other teams a time or two. While they were here they were hit with full court pressure pretty consistently, once the opposing coaches heard that that was their weak point.

All in all it was just absolutely amazing to me what the Lord had done on this tour. Spiritually, most of these guys are so far from a relationsihp with Jesus, that they don't even know that it's an issue. They are not opposed, they are simply indifferent. It might have been nice to have a least one debate about Chrisitanity, but no one was even interested or knowledgeable enough to carry on such a debate.

So how did GOD choose to reach their hearts? I believe that God used the witness of these special children who have been adopted into American families. In our last meeting with the team, a sort of farwell luncheon, the coach mentioned again how that realy touched their hearts. It touched thier hears to see people taking in "their" Kazak kids and giving them the kind of childhood that every child deserves. (the exact words of the coach).

John, our director, was able to directly relate that to a relaltionsihp with God. He told them that just as these Americans have adopted children into their families and shown their unconditonal love God wants to have the same relationship with them. He wants to adopt them into HIS family and show them the kind of life that they cannot at this point even imagine! I believe that this experience is one that can pierce the hardened exterior and empty interiors of their hearts.

Please be praying for these guys. I think it will be a tough transition for them back to their own culture. They have truly seen a different side of life here in the United States. Not that we are perfect here, but our roots are certainly in the right place.

Kaz Drops Last 2 Games

2007-11-16T00:19:00.000-06:00

Our Kazak guys got a real taste of what we call "home cookin'" in their 10 point loss to Chowan. The amazing thing was though was their attitude in the midst of it. In one of their first games there had been some questionalbe calls and the players practically gave up. They become so much more worried about what the ref was doing, that they forgot about the game. This time, however, they showed their disbelief, but they put their heads down and went back ot work. That was a sign of TRUE progress!

They dropped thier last game of the tour by 4 at St. Andrews. They showed so much heart in that game. They had been down by 10 with about 3 minutes to go and pulled back within 2 with under a minute to play. Their fatigue showed, and in the end they just couldn't quite get there. The schedule has been grueling, and I think it finally took it's toll. The players had a 2 hour drive back to Raleigh. We got in about midnight and then they had to be at the airport at 5 am the next morning for their flight back to Kazakshtan.

NBA GIFT! Kazak Flag Flies in Charlotte!

2007-11-12T08:34:00.000-06:00

The Kazak flag flew proudly on Sunday in Charlotte! It was so welcoming for the guys to head down a street and see their flag being flown in front of an American home! What waited inside was even more welcoming.

BORSCH!! RIBS!! CHICKEN!! A home cooked meal and several lovely families expressing their HUGE hearts of love not only to their own Kazak children, but also reaching out to "love on" some older "Kazak children"! This has continued to be such a blessing to the Kaz players! The parents of adopted kids not only pooled money together to send our guys to an NBA game in Charlotte, but also welcomed them with a wonderful "pre-game" meal and awesome fellowship!

Several of the famillies came with their Kazak children. For our guys the first such encounters were a bit strange. They really did not know what to do or how to react. They are finally warming up to the idea and really had a great time playing with the kids. It was exciting watching the hardened "warrior hearts" melting as they played and interacted with the children and adults. 7 foot Sergey has 2 children at home. It was just great watching this "gentle giant" play keep away with two of te kids! And then to see "Titan" mixing it up in a game of 3-3 where he is taller than all by at least 2 feet!

After the warm reception we were off to the Bobcats-Rockets game. The Bobcats lost in the last minute, but they were leading all the way through. It was fun for the guys to watch Yao Ming in person. They have seen him play before in the Asian games.

Overall, it was such a welcoming and warming experience. We had great seats and the host family even worked out a deal for Bobcat t-shirts and $10 food vouchers!

Daniel got to spend his "Halloween" money from Grandma too. He bought a HUGE Bobcat foam claw that he waved and pawed everyone and everything with! Yesterday was also a really fun day for him as he finally got to play with some kids (that were under 6 foot and 16 years old!) He gets to go on a playdate today and tomorrow as well! He is finishing out the tour in FINE SYTLE!

Even though we have been on the road so much during this trip, I don't think the guys minded at all the 4 hour there and back drive time. It was a good rest for thier legs, and their minds from basketball- and of course, shopping!

On Saturday they did have 2 games, they won them both! One of our players demonstrated his fine mastery of the English language by flipping off the crowd in the morning game. Several of the players from the team they would play in the evening were at the game and razzing him a bit. Ravshan warned him about that sort of thing and that Americans cease to be as welcoming and nice in the presence of "sign language". He took the warning well. At the evening game there were no problems, but the whole team was a little worried when the other team kept telling them "have a nice trip home"!! I guess they thought they might be ambushed on the way home!

We now have 2 more games left. Both games are about an hour and a half drive from Charlotte. Keep us in your prayers for our final "home stretch"!!

Gods' Amazing Provisions!

2007-11-09T17:18:00.001-06:00

God is doing something QUITE interesting with this team. When in Charlotte we met a couple who had adopted a baby from Kazakhstan. These folks have been incredible. It seems there is a whole network of people who have adopted babies from Kazakhstan.

Through them God is providing for the guys to be able to go to a Charlotte Bobcats NBA basketball game. We had been hoping to raise funds for this in order to treat the guys, but we had NO IDEA how God would do this, or who He would use!

These parents and their adopted children have been coming to our games and coming out to meet the team. No matter what city we are in, it seems that someone has heard of the team and wants to come.

This is especially precious considering the general opinion of "orphan" children in Kazakhstan. I think that God is "breaking all the molds" with this one. These Kaz players, although tough athletes on the outside, are pretty soft hearted on the inside when it comes to children. I saw this when we participated in the "Stop Hunger" project in Raleigh. As soon as the guys heard that they would be packaging food to be sent to feed children they were "all in"!

These folks who have adopted children from Kazakhstan have come up with the funds to treat the guys to a game. It is simply incredible! It takes an incredible heart and commitment to raise someone else's child. These folks are showing their incredible hearts to these basketball players in amazing ways! We are so thankful for them!

The parents have told us that these Kaz guys are like heroes for their kids. Many of the children haven't seen other Kazaks before. (Unfortunately, there is only one REAL Kazak on the team, but the rest are Russian speakers, if that counts : )

For the Kaz guys I think they are just amazed. First of all that someone would actually adopt these kids and that second they would even care still about Kazakhstan. It is all contrary to what they have been told by the media and also what they can imagine in the their own hearts. I think that this is a significant witness to them. A kind of unconditional love that these guys seldom see in their own culture.

They also do not really have "fans" in Kazakshtan. So therefore, they have never really had to do anything other than play basketball for themselves. I think it is a great growing experience for them. For them to realize that someone really does care about them and their ability to play basketball can actually touch the lives of others and bring some happiness to others as well.

I was just talking with one of the players. He wants to see his country develop "patriots". Which is what he calls the fans and "spirit" of this country. This may well be the first step toward just that!

A HUGE thank you to anyone who has been a part of this!

POWER HOUSES AND POWER DRIVES!

2007-11-08T17:08:00.000-06:00

Division II powerhouse, one of the nation's best shot blockers, run and gun offense, bring them on! Our guys took on one of the better schools in Divison II, Wingate University. We thought they were going to be put a way by quite a bit, but the Kaz guys showed a lot of heart and held with Wingate for much of the first half. The two teams were neck and neck until about 5 min. left in the frist half when Wingate simply poured on the steam and went up by 10 points. Kazakshtan could never quite come back. They got as close as 5 points toward the end of the second half, but eventually lost 75-68.

After driving most of the day the next day we took on Mt. Olive University. It is the pickle capital of the world, and they pickled us by about 20 points. This was probably the worst defeat of the tour. Most of the teams have learned that Kaz has trouble with full court pressure. Almost no one plays any kind of pressure in Kazakhstan, so it is understandable that the Kaz team struggles a bit.

After the game we drove another 21/2 hours to Wrightsville beach where we all got a one day rest. The beach was wonderful, but it was really cold! One of the guys said it was just CRUEL. You look out the window in the morning and see the beautiful blue ocean, sunshine, and white beaches, then you open the balcony door and get hit in the face with an ARCTIC breeze!

Daniel got some good down time too. He has been SUCH a trooper traveling with us. Grace and Damian gave him a monster hoop and ball. They played together for hours on the beach. The wind was so strong that when they shot the ball against the wind it came right back at them!

Today it was back on the road again for 2 hours to Methodist college in Fayetsville and after the game another 2 hour drive to Rocky Mount, NC.

KAZ WIN IN SQUEAKER - FIRST FANS - INTERESTING LESSONS!

2007-11-04T23:02:00.000-06:00

The "heart attack kids" pulled off another one tongiht. The final score was 77-69 but with less than two minutes left the home team, Queens College came back from a ten point deficeit to go up by 2! The guys put it together and broke Queens full court press a few times and clamped down on defense to pull this one out!

Walking into the gym one of the guys asked me who the Kazakhstan fans were. I looked up, and sure enough, there was couple with a baby AND a Kazak flag! We actually had 3 fans!!!! Talking with them we learned that they had recently adopted a baby from Kazakhstan and they had found this blog on the internet, and came to the game! How fun! They have the sweetest 19 month old boy - and they want to adopt another! What a blessing!

It was so interesting me one of the players' responses when I told him who the couple were. I told him that they had adopted a baby from Kazakhstan. The player asked me, "what conditions do you think the child lives in here". Quite good I replied. The coupled seems very open and very pleasant. He told me that there are many stories in Russia and Kazakhstan of children who have been adopted to the US. He said they are beaten mistreated or worse. I assured him that I didn't think this couple was like that. And all the couples I know who have adopted children are loving partnets who treat the children wonderfully.

I was a little suprised by his reaction. But I realized he had simply read the press and the "rumors". Also, they do not understand why on earth a person would WANT to adopt a child. They think it is shamful when you cannot have your own child. And any child that has been given up for adoption is somehow cursed or not worth having. You simply don't take responsibility for someone elses' child.

This couple has invited our team for lunch tomorrow. I am really hoping it works out so that these guys can see LOVE in action. And so that they can see that this child is NOT in some child slave market, or abused in some way.

ON THE ROAD-- AGAIN!

2007-11-04T07:44:00.000-06:00

OVERTIME WIN! On the road in Gaffney, SC. Our guys came up against a strong Div II team. They battled hard, after being down, and then tying the score at half-time. After 40 minutes the score was STILL tied! So we went into overtime! The Kaz guys prevailed, matching scores and then in the end pulling away by 2 points!

It was a 2 hour drive to Gaffney, then we had 2 more hours to Due West, SC, the home of Erskine College. Except for the college, fire department and gas station, there isnt much there! However, the facilities were really nice and they also offered the guys a place to stay for 2 nights! They gave them one big room filled with bunk beds! Ravshan, Daniel and I headed down the road to Greenwood, SC. When we saw Damian the next morning he was hunting for ear plugs! He said the night was QUITE an orchestra!!

We are starting to understand the life's that these guys lead. A whole lot of "down town". Several have computers and spend most of their time either playing games, or in chat rooms.

They won the game the next night rather handily. The next morning it was on the road again. We had breakfast at a small town cafe. Townspeople were pretty interested in the sight. And the guys in what they saw. Then it was on to the outlet malls! The guys have turned out to be "All-world" shoppers! They were amazed at the great deals and the big sizes!

I had the opportunity to talk to one of the guys in my van. He is contemplating divorcing his wife when he returns. He is 23, she 21, they have been married 1 1/2 years. Please be praying for he and his wife.

Intro to US college sports!

2007-10-31T09:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday the guys experienced about as much college sports in a day as you can. In the morning we attended the North Carolina State red/white scrimmage game. It was a good game and the guys were impressed by the stadium and the play. They loved all the marketing things around, free give aways, and of course the place to buy bright red NCSt. t-shirts! They also would have loved to play against them, but the new NCAA rules do not allow Division I teams to play against exhibition teams.

After the game the guys were introduced to the fine art of "tail gating"! (I was too actually!) We walked through the acres of RV's and then over to the student tail gate lot and joined the Campus Crusade group. Actually I think the guys were simply overwhelmed by the number of people. After eating some North Carolina bbq they all headed back to the vans for a rest. When Ravshan and I got back there it was a funny sight. The guys were sitting in the vans, but peering out the doors watching all the festivities!

We then headed over to watch the "Wolfpack" take on no. 15 Virginia in a college football game. They were in awe of the number of fans. They were also in awe of the fact that the fans cheered for EVERYTHING, not just for touchdowns! Ravshan, now the expert in American football, filled them in on the rules! Most of the guys had their fill by half-time. Three of the guys had really gotten into the game and wanted to stay around until the end. They were not disappointed as the "Wolfpack" pulled off an exciting upset!

Kaz teasm sets "Stop Hunger" record!

2007-10-31T08:57:00.001-05:00

The Kaz team got a taste of participating in humanitarian aid. There attitude was interesting. The first day, their player/adminiatrator said "no way", these guys just won't understand. We did a little orientation for them where we explained that this is more than just a basketball tour. It is someting we hope will enrich their lives forever with a dirersity of experiences.

For 1 hour the guys helped make food packets that will be sent to Guatemala. They set a record! What they did in one hour was more than most groups do in two! But more important than the record was what it did to their heart. The director of "Stop Hunger" gave a great explaination of the problem of hunger in the world. Once the guys understood that they were feeding children who sometimes don't even get one meal a day, their hearts were touched! They seemed to have had a great time serving. Even the older vetran guys chipped in and did 100% to help the cause!

Walking away the guys were talking about how cool it was that this kind of thing was done. They also wanted to have some sent to Kazakhstan for starving people there. I suggested this might be the kind of thing that businessmen in Kaz might want to do to help their own country. Immeditately the response was the cost of the overhead to do such a project. I guess it was at least a start. The rest will have to be up to the Lord to move the hearts of these guys in HIS direction= which is something HE seems to be doing daily!

Witness in Raleigh

2007-10-31T08:20:00.000-05:00

After a hard road trip we have settled down for a few days in Raleigh. The Kaz guys have been literally obsessed with going shopping at the malls! Can't really blame them, I know what shopping is like in Kazakhstan and usually do most of my shopping in the US also!

WE have had the chance to get them away from the God of materialism and invite them to church and fellowship. Most of the younger guys went to church on Sunday. As Jenya said, the older guys went to their church, the Mecca of materialism, the mall! The guys that went with us to church REALLY liked it! Several of them are Orthodox guys. They go to church from time to time at home. They were amazed at how open and friendly the people were and how "happy" the service was! Quite a contrast from the dimly lit cold Orthadox cathedrals. They were taking pictures and having a great time.

In the evening several families invited the guys out for dinner and fun. They had an absolutely increidble time! They were simply blown away by the openess and love they experienced from the family. One couple asked what more they could do for them. Then they said, "how about your laundry". When they leaned it had already been done they were completely brokenhearted! The Kaz guys were simply dumbfounded by that! They have NEVER seen servanthood like that before! (The laundry was actually done by another host family at their request!)

Win in Montreat

2007-10-31T08:09:00.001-05:00

The Kaz team logged their first win! It was in the gorgeous mountains of N. Carolina. Black Mountain is a beautiful city nestled in the heart of the Appalachains about 45 min. from Great Smokey Mountain National Park. We arrived about 1 am, exhausted from the long treacherous drive.

But in the morning we awoke to a GLORIOUS sunrise! The trees were spectacular and the fresh moutain air rejuvenating! About 1:30 we headed up to Montreat college. What an INCREDIBLE place to have a college! Bily Graham's driveway is a few feet from the entrance to the college! Now I understand why Dr. Graham has such a deep awe and respect for the things of God! It is simply an enchanting place!

The witness at Montreat was also a sight to behold. The Star Spangled Banner was sung accapela, and then there was a prayer before the game! Our Kaz guys played pretty badly the first half and fell behind, but started clicking the 2nd half and pulled out a 15 point win! After the game the coach from Montreat pulled all the players in a circle, had them hold hands, and they all prayed together! They then treated our team to Pizza and gaterade!

On the way to the car one of the players, Sasha, told me how much he enjoyed the community and relationships here. He said he longed for the same thing in his country. It was obvious he was pretty much in awe of the whole thing. The older Kazak government guy that travels in my van also told me how he couldn't believe how nice people were here.

Our drive back to Raliegh was much the same as the drive up. After an absolutely gorgeous day of sunshine we were hit again with torrential rains on the way home! I simply focuse my eyes on the red taillights in front of me and "hung on". We have come to call our point driver, Clint, "Rocket Man"!!

ON THE ROAD!

2007-10-26T08:33:00.000-05:00

Here is a map of our games. I know it is hard, if not impossible to read, but it will give you an idea of where we are going!

Our Kaz guys finally got their first taste of American basketball. It was a close game, 60-53 in a back and forth struggle. In the end time change and 5 days without practice took it's toll. Greensboro College was a very well coached team. The Kaz team at times was impatient and their shooting was, well, cold.

After the game we drove 2 hours to Black Mountain, NC. The driving conditions were not good. It was pouring rain the whole way, then as we were driving in the mountais it became foggy. S curves in pea soup is quite a challenge!

Sergey caught up with the team, the Kaz guy who got kicked off the plane in NYC. Seems he was cited for sexual harrassment! As the stewardess was talking he tried to pass her on the way to another seat and he brused up against her. The police officers told Sergey he was lucky she didn't write any more on her report or he would have been in JAIL!! I guess on that next flight the stewardess asked hm if he would like a different seat (he's a pretty big guy) and he said "no thanks, right here is just fine!"

He is really a nice guy. He has a good sense of humor, which I think the stewardess probably misunderstood. He has already talked with Ravshan and I several times about Daniel and his language ability.

All in all the team is VERY pleasant. The team is mostly young guys. I can see how this tour has the potential to impact these guys in significant eternal ways. There are 5 guys who are in my van and our conversations are quite pleasant. I can see how these long drives will give us AMPLE opportunity for conversation. Spending this kind of time with the team is something that would NEVER happen in Kazakhstan.

One of the guys in my van, Sultan, is part of the Ministry of Sport in Astana, Kazakhstan. He is responsibile for all of the sport schools and club teams that develop sports in Kazakhstan. He has already brought up several questions about Chrisitanity.

Please be praying for more opportunities to talk with these guys!

Hello From N. Carolina

2007-10-25T08:52:00.000-05:00

DONT MESS WITH TEXAS OR NEW YORK- BUT WELCOME TO THE USA!!
Hi! I will be trying to keep you updated on our Fall tour with the Kazakhstan basketball team! We have quite a schedule!

The team arrived safely yesterday. At least MOST of the team. One vetran player learned quickly that you DO NOT mess with the stewardess from New York. As she was giving her saftey talk he somehow interuppted her and got on her wrong side. She promptly called security and had escourted off the plane and put on a plane for a later flight to Raleigh!

As usual with Central Asian affairs, things have been a little different than we expected. We thought that Kaz basketball federation was sending the national team. But the Astana Tigers professional team showed up! That's ok, because most of the guys are on the national team. The administrator of the team, who was involved with our ministry, is fluent in English and a beleiver, had his backpack stolen the week before the team left. His passport was in it, so he has NOT been able to make the trip.

The team chose to opt out of staying with host families. They are strategically located in a Hampton Inn just across the street from a mall and WalMart- all the best America has to offer!! It is interesting to see what these guys have heard of in the US before coming. One Kazak guy was sure that he wanted "Chinese" for lunch, and another started out for "Ponderosa"! It will be VERY interesting hearing and watching the guys' first impressions of America. I think for all of them it is their first time!

We are staying with a wonderful host family! The guys missed out on a HUGE blessing! Daniel is doing well. He is SUCH a trooper! He is enjoying staying here too. They have a dog "Annie" and they have become good friends!

Another suprise. John, the AIA coach and contact from here who has made all the reservations, contracts, schedules etc, has been busy with a NEW BABY! Yes, the day before the team arrived his wife went to the hospital to have their 3rd. This all happened before the majority of the information could be relayed to us. Hopefully, today the plans will be released to us as John's wife and new baby are being released from the hosptial. It has been a bit chaotic, but then again, just makes it feel like Central Asia!!

We have a game in Greensboro, NC tonight at 7pm and then drive to Ashville, NC for a game tomorrow. It is about a 2-3 hour drive, so please keep us in your prayers!