A blessing.

The sun was beaming down, a truly beautiful day. The soccer (football for my British people) team were playing at home, against a - what we think was - non-christian team. The first part of the game was played by returning players, but the next two were played by a mix of freshman guys and returners. Not knowing much about the game, I thought they were doing well and I managed to cheer at the right times (bonus)! The final third was in play (they split it into thirds for a reason I am unaware of.. haha) There was about fifteen minutes to go when two players from opposite teams  collided head to head with each other. The guy on the other team seemed to be alright, but our player was on the ground. In a matter of seconds the coaches were on the field. We couldn't see who was on the floor, but we knew he wasn't moving. 

What happened next took my breath away. The guys who were on the pitch huddled together, got on their knees and began praying. Soon after, the guys who were off the field did the same on the sidelines. There was almost complete silence on the pitch. A couple of names were said, and my heart started to pound as I realised who was down. The sirens of a fire truck pierced through the silence, and soon the ambulance echoed back. Adrian was taken away to hospital and the game eventually continued.

My heart had honestly swollen so much, and I had goose bumps EVERYWHERE. The thing is. If this had been just any soccer game with a regular club, the guy who was down would get seen too, and probably applauded off the pitch. But this game was different. As soon as the team knew something was wrong, they fell to their knees and prayed to our Lord. I think this reflected back on to the bleachers as people watched and prayed in silence. I have never witnessed something so beautiful in my life. The sight of an injured friend, with brothers sold-out for Christ praying for Him. My heart hurt for Adrian as I knew how much he loved the game and none of us knew what the next few hours held. 

The special, precious, blessing that we have as Christians, is that we can call out to our Lord in times of need. In times of worry and in times of anxiousness. When we don't know what's going on, or when someone is hurt. Seeing the guys do this made me feel allllll kinds of emotions. I just love how we can do it so openly here! Praying before and after a sport or class, was never a normal thing in high school. And I'm pretty sure, if I'd stayed in Scotland, it wouldn't be for uni there either. It's awesome being a part of a Christian college and groups!!! :)

As well as praying for my friend Adrian, a few of my girlfriends and I also prayed that what happened on the field yesterday would impact the lives of the guys on the other team. They were watching on as the coaches and medics surrounded Adrian, but also as the guys prayed. My prayer for them is that they'll have seen something different. And that they will yearn for what they saw on the field. I pray that this will have ignited a fire in them and that they will begin to pursue what it is that the opposition had, that they didn't.

I was thrilled to hear that Adrian got out of hospital, and he got to come back to campus last night. For those who would like to pray, pray for a speedy recovery as he has quite the headache, and will be taking the week off from practise. Also for his knee as it is not at it's full potential. You could also pray for the guys on the other team, that this event will have stirred something in their hearts. Also thanks God for great team mates, and for the outcome that Adrian got. It could have been much worse, but by God's grace he will be back to joining the team soon! Another thing you could pray for is my sports team. I'm part of the cross country team, and as many of you will know.. I'm not exactly the long distance runner. So I'm asking for prayer that I will keep at it, and build beautiful relationships with my team mates :) Also, remember my little angel Caden who reminds me continually of the blessing I have to run. I can't wait to start college classes tomorrow, and also my first training session with my team! :)

Also, if you want to write to me, or send me a package of anything lovely.. here's my addresses..

For letters..

Sarah Ross 
CPO 2044
P.O. Box 10060
Chicago IL 60610

For packages..
Sarah Ross 
CPO 2044
820 N LaSalle Blvd
Chicago IL 60610

Oh, and one more thing! Thank you for everyone who has been a part of my journey so far. On this Sunday last year (26th) I was baptised. It was such an exciting day, and I'm just in awe of how far God has moved me in my life and how much he has changed it! :) THANKS! :D (ps, mommy and pops - I LOVE YOU!)