What can I say? Another Mercy Project event in the books, and God continues to show up. Not that I'm surprised, but affirmation is always a blessing. Two things I'll say about this event, and then I'll get to some pictures.
One, I am quickly learning that our MP supporters are amazing people. They are givers, they are committed, they are passionate about helping the kids in Ghana. They may not all have hundreds of dollars a month to donate, but they are willing to give what they can – a day off work, a weekend away from family, and raising awareness and support. These are the kinds of people that I want to continue to spend time with. They challenge me to dig deep and to give of myself. I was so blessed and encouraged by my teammates, our refs, and many supporters last weekend.
Two, after last year's kickball game, we had a modest fundraising goal in mind for this event. It was totally blown out of the water. The first economic development project (launching this June/July!) was going to cost between $25-30,000, so the flag football game was intended to help fund that project. We ended up with $31,000 (and another $1,000 came in the week after). If that's not a God thing, I don't know what is.
Ok, I lied. Number three, I was out running yesterday and saw an intramural game of flag football going on. I was tempted to ask if I could play. For not really being a football person, I learned a lot about the game and had an absolute blast!
(All these pictures are courtesy of either Jacob Gipson or Larry Field. I enjoyed a weekend without toting my camera around...)
Two of the A&M football players came out to coach us through the first hour. Here's the red team learning a few plays...
...and the blue team.
Coin toss...
Game on!
Our 'celebration moment' after the first TD...
Great catches...
...and lots of field time.
Proof that we played all night long...
...and continued into Saturday morning.
Great support staff and yummy breakfast burritos.
Huddle.
BBQ feast at the end of the game.
World Record Holders for 24 hours of flag football!
Here's a write-up in Maroon Weekly. Pretty cool.
A local station featured some video of us: KBTX
And a little love from ESPN.
Thanks to everyone who supported yet another crazy MP endeavor. I have no doubt there will be more to come!
Well, if you're tracking with the weekly Scripture, you got a freebie this week since I didn't get anything posted early on. Here's what I've personally been praying this week:
The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
I started a new contract job this week, fairly long-term this time around, and it's always intimidating to step into an established role in a new place. I'm taking the position of two part-time people, and let me say, it's been exhausting and challenging trying to pick up where they've left off. But I'm loving the environment, the people, and the work so far. I think it's going to be really good. It's good for me to push those comfort zone boundaries and change up my normal routine. Growth always follows as a result. And then in the midst of some of those uncertainties and fears, God remains that stronghold, the constant companion. That reminder, and the confidence it provides, has encouraged me greatly this week.
**************
Happy Friday! Here's a shot of my pal Daisy. This is pretty soon after we got her in '94; it may have even been one of our first nights to ride. I was so proud of "my new horse". Even in my goofy teal windbreaker and glasses.
**************
Acquired a few pictures, so, full flag football report coming this weekend!
World Record #2! Team Mercy Project completed the 24 hour game of flag football at 7 PM last night. We had amazing support from friends, family, local media, A&M football players, national media, and spectators. Over $31,000 was raised and will fund the first economic development project in Ghana this summer. Winning!
I'll try to get some pictures/video up sometime this week, as well as an update on MP's current work in Ghana.
Going to sleep tonight very sore and tired, but so incredibly blessed by the weekend.
Whew! This will be quick, as I'm on my way out the door...
Mercy Project's Pigskin Party begins in a little over 24 hours! At 7 PM tomorrow night, 32 players will embark on a 24 hour game of flag football, aiming to establish a Guinness World Record and raise money for the children in Ghana. ESPN and CBS Sports have already written articles about the game here:
CBS Sports
ESPN
Awesome.
A&M football players will be out tomorrow night to coach us through the first plays of the game. You can receive updates throughout the weekend on our FB page here or Twitter page here. If you'd like to be apart of our efforts, come cheer us on at Veteran's Park in College Station, or donate to the cause here.
Now... me? Football? Yikes! This is all I ever did at a football game:
So, should be an interesting weekend! Check back next week for a full report!
Great weekend; the last one until mid-May that isn't totally booked. Soaking that up for sure!
Ahead this week: TOMS initiates "One Day Without Shoes" on Tuesday. Join thousands who will take on the day in their bare feet to raise awareness and support for children prone to injury and disease without shoes to protect their feet. Check out their video:
Friday/Saturday: Pigskin Party in College Station! 24 hours of flag football, friends, and fundraising. Gonna be good.
For the week: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23
