Soccer Camp begins!
When I came back to Liberia last Friday, I brought with me two very special alumni. Will and Brian were part of a high school team in the summer of 2007, when Orphan Relief and Rescue had only been working in Liberia for a few months. That team of students, in just a month, had a permanent effect on the children at Fatu's orphanage. (The children ask for them by name every single time I visit them!)
The converse has been a privilege to witness, as well--seeing how one month in Liberia has permanently affected a dozen young men and women as they pursue college and beyond. Brian will be with us for a month, teaching the boys through their favorite pastime, soccer. Will is now with ORR full-time in the Texas office, but has taken three months out to help guide older teenaged boys through our Child Development Program.
I'll let them tell you in their own words of the contrast after two years away:
Brian and Will here. We came to Liberia with ORR in 2007, towards the end of our high school careers, and we both had a life changing experience. We went home and immediately started formulating plans to return one day. Now, two and a half years later, we have returned and now get the chance to see the kids that we remember from our first adventure to Liberia. Running around and playing with the kids today brought back so many memories of our previous visit. We suddenly realized the progress that these children have made. As the line for “Rocket Ship Rides” backed up, we noticed our arms burning as we threw the kids up into the air. They have grown so much bigger, so much healthier. As we walked around the orphanage, we noticed that the building we helped plaster is now finished, painted, and being used as a school. We also saw a brand new dormitory for the boys. It was exciting to see how the home has developed and how it continues to develop.
All of these improvements to the physical structure have brought about many other changes to the home as well. The children can now get a full night’s sleep because leaks in the roof don’t wake them up in the night. They are doing better in school because they are better rested. Also, the ORR team has been able to put amazing opportunities in front of the kids. A few of the older children have received scholarships to go to high school. They are growing up, living for something more than surviving the next week. They are living to make their voices heard and their dreams realized. Over the next three weeks we will run a sort of soccer camp with the older boys at Fatu’s orphanage. We will use soccer to teach life lessons including stewardship, accountability and team work. And hopefully, there will be many more trips to come! 
Guys, you're looking great
Guys, you're looking great but Will, please take better care of your car (the one behind Brian) - it's looking pretty skanky these days. But the boys .... wow, look at the proud faces wearing their new soccer gear! What a brilliant investment you are making in these kids.
Brian, I can remember watching you give the kids "Rocket Ship Rides" when I was with you in '07 and could not be prouder as a Dad. Way to go pal! And I know without the lifeskills investing and vocational training you did showing the guys how to plaster the building properly the job would never have been done. BTW - the Blog is just excellent - remember to stay in touch with your man at EuroSport while you are in country!
I am so proud of you guys.
I am so proud of you guys. It is so emotional for me to see the picture that was taken last year and to know this dream is coming true for these boys. Thank you Brian and Will for your obedience to go and help ..... you know where your reward will be. Follow through and finish well.
YEAH, it's so great to hear
YEAH, it's so great to hear about how well the kids are doing, and the fruitful ministry you guys are pouring out there. Return home safely! We miss you! Love, Mrs.E