Amputees Play Soccer in the Healing Process

An amazing afternoon of watching the Monrovia Amputee Soccer players amazing abilities on the field.
March, 2008

Today was full of meetings at the US Embassy in the morning with USAID and witnessing the human spirit and body triumph over adversity in the afternoon.
We began our day going to the US Embassy for meetings with the folks at USAID to share about our project. They were very receptive to the work that EGP and the Permaculture movement are weaving into the fabric of Liberia. It was a wonderful meeting in that it allowed us to share openly about the deep work that is being done to bring peace to this region of the world.
In the afternoon, we went to watch a soccer practice of the Liberian Amputee National Team. It was amazing to see the triumph of spirit and body as these young men volleyed on the field and in my heart at the same time. None of these young men, all of whom were former child soldiers in the brutal civil war that plagued this country for over 15 years. They all have their story of how they lost a limb (or in some cases two of them).
One young man's story was of how he kidnapped and forced to become a fighter who spent years deep in the interior in unfathomable jungle warfare. He said things got so destitute that when the monthly supply helicopter was anticipated to come he shot himself in the leg to be carried away with the injured. It just so happened that that particular helicopter did not show for another month and he developed gangrene in his leg which later had to be amputated. He tried to kill himself in the hospital which failed and he knew that God wanted him to be alive. He is now a father of two children and carries a unique and deep smile...
The soccer game was brutal in its competition and in the skill level, endurance and capacity to extend the body to its limits. These guys never complained of having lost their childhoods or their limbs to a fruitless war. They never portrayed themselves as victims...only as survivors. We have a lot to learn from these folks who have lived through so much and yet do not move through life with the entitlement mentality that so many people in the west exude. If anyone is interested in supporting their league here, please email me with an amount you can donate and I will pass on the money directly to their team captain while I am here. Donate Now!
I will be heading "up-country" in the morning and this will be my last blog for the next two weeks. Please send us your prayers that our journey will bring life to the places we touch. I send my blessings home to all who are supporting this important journey.

In Gratitude,
Warren Brush
Monday, March 3, 2008