Kabanga Ballin'

Monday night the team from Wagoner, Oklahoma arrived.  They were such a joy to get to know during their four days here and they got a lot accomplished.

Thursday afternoon, we went to Kabanga to play sports with the kids and some of the team came along.  We had told the kids that morning we would be coming back with more people so when we arrived at the school they were all at the front waiting for us.  They waved, yelled, and some even did cartwheels – they were that excited to see us.  It was so heart-warming.

The boys joined in on the soccer (football) game - I feel for them, that field is huge and those kids can run.

 

the boys playing football 

Us girls played netball.  I know I have mentioned netball before, but this time I actually played and I loved it.  Again, it's basically a mix of basketball and ultimate frisbee with lines on the court that only certain players can cross.  Only two players are allowed to score on a team.

I scored!! (more than once - yayaaa)

The girls from Wagoner jumped right in and really got into it.  We actually held our own against the younger girls (they still won, 10-5), but the older girls absolutely creamed us.  I think the final score was 20-7.  All the onlookers got a good laugh out of watching us play.  Despite our lack of natural skill, Mal and I have already decided we are going to set up a court back in LaGrange.  

Once you get the ball in the semi-circle in front of the goal, you're allowed one big "step" before you shoot.
I took mine very seriously. 

Obviously, they're much more legit

After two games in the heat we were completely worn out and decided to make the hour walk back to New Day rather than wait on the bus to pick us up.  Many of the kids followed along behind like the always do. 

Walking back from Kabanga 

That night we joined the Wagoner team for their nightly devotion.  I was COMPLETELY humbled by the teenagers on this team.  They are all so secure in their faith and wise beyond their years through God’s Word.  They also really refreshed everyone here with their positive attitudes, even in the heat. 

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed Spirit dries up bones. 

Proverbs 17:22