The soccer team. Jon got to play with them.

It is just Shana, Jon, Nancy and Scottie at the camp right now. Sunday is our REST day–Went to church service at tent at ARC. Beautiful music and message. All dressed in finest. After church, Scottie, HHI Dr and I were called to ARC camp because 11 y…r old Malaquin (favorite of many volunteers) was hit by a huge rock, holding the tent tarp down, as it tumbled down from the roof of a tent. The rock fell on and fractured his hip. Patrick, camp president tore down 2 2×4s and we ace wrapped them together then ace wrapped a pillow to the boards. I stabilized the leg and the men lifted Malaquin to the board. We then ace wrapped his leg to the boards. Throughout this ordeal, Malaquin hardly shed a tear. As we were placing him in the van, Malaquin looked at me and said “Where’s Jon?”. I just laughed and gave him a big hug and kiss. Dr Scottie and Mom rode with him to the hospital. Suddenly we get a call from Dr Scottie saying Malaquin wants to talk to Jon. Malaquin talked to Jon for about 5 mins. So sorry that Malaquin fractured his leg but what a unique experience to treat, brace a fracture with what we have, and the phone call to Jon….

About 4, Jon and I walked the now familiar path to ARC for Jon wanted to practice soccer with the ARC players. “Football/soccer” is absolutely HUGE here and only the BEST are allowed to play. As I told the team tonight, they play for blood…. When we walked into the camp, we were hustled away by Patrick and friends. We walked past the practice fields, walked on a path for about 15 minutes leading where we had no idea. Suddenly, the trees opened to a huge soccer field with hundreds of people there. In the midst of the field were 2 teams ready to play. They made Jon change his clothes right there and put him on the field. The game began between Fond Parisien and ARC. People are crowding on all 4 sides; beer, pop, water and concessions are sold. Felt I was at the World Cup…and my son was playing….HILARIOUS! Finally ARC scored a goal in middle of second half and the crowd erupted and ran out on the field! There was dancing and cheering and then the game resumed. At the end, the final score was Fond Parisien 0 and ARC 1. Jon and I were the only Caucasians there but we were both treated like total family and with so much respect and love. It was really hilarious to see Jon play with these guys. At the end of the game, everyone runs out on the field, beer is poured over the players’ heads to “bless them” and everyone joyously started back to ARC. The soccer coach came up to Jon and asked him to start practicing with them for they have another game on Thurs. That will be the semi finals. They want Jon to play with them. The finals are on Sat. We are supposed to leave Fri but how can we leave if they actually make the finals?During the game, the goalie injured his hand so again my services were used. Need to put together a traveling medical bag…

When the game ended and everyone was running, cheering, dancing and dragging Jon around, I thought “Man, these people are no longer people that I am trying to just help. These people I so dearly LOVE and they are my FAMILY!

Everyday is just more incredible then the next. I am constantly filled with such joy and wonder. My son, Jon and I are just the luckiest people alive to have these experiences—truly we are!

Nancy