Examples to us all (12/8)

Yesterday whilst I was spending time with our CAFOD visitors (and being ill), Tommy had the opportunity to go watch St Vincent’s (the project football team) play a friendly. His write up entertained me and I thought deserved a mention and so, with his permission, I have taken an extract:

“The project football team had a match against the national team of 15/16 year olds from the entire Tigray area, which is the size of Scotland to put the size in perspective. The team left with great enthusiasm and laughter, all piled on the back of an open pick-up jeep. I must admit to feeling a little apprehensive, knowing the state of the roads and the frequent manoeuvres required to avoid dogs, cows and goats on the road. I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I saw the pitch, but seeing is believing as the saying goes. As a staunch Greenock Morton supporter I’ve heard the expression “get that donkey aff, he’s useless” Well today donkey takes on a more literal interpretation as before and during the match animals such as donkeys, cows, goats and sheep had to be ushered back to the other side of the touchline. Needless to say, the game just went on as though they were invisible. On another occasion a guy drove his horse and cart straight through the penalty box in front of Daniel our goalkeeper, followed by a guy taking a short cut with his motor bike through the centre of the pitch. The totally amazing thing about the entire afternoon, despite the obvious distractions of the animals and terrible pitch surface, was the amazing skills these young boys possess. The passing, tackling and shooting together with tremendous leg strength and flexibility was quite incredible. I could count on one hand the number of fouls committed and there was not a single stoppage of play for injury during the 70 minute match. They make our so-called professionals look like a bunch of saps the way they take horrific falls on dirt and bricks, yes bricks, then just get up and get on with the match. Our boys got a bit of a thrashing, but to be fair, we were up against a top notch team much older, fitter and skilful in all areas. Young girls were selling belus by the side of the touchline, so the skins are a big attraction for animals to eat all afternoon and stroll on to the park for a wee rest while they get an appetite for another feed. There was a lovely blonde coloured goat that looked just like the team mascot, snuggling into the players sitting by the side of the park waiting for their turn to play. After the match it was time for the boys to make their way back to the Project for a wash and some food. By this time it was 12:30 and getting very hot and sunny. It’s about a two-mile walk, but the way they were striding it out you would think they hadn’t played at all. It was quite an experience and although the scoreline was disappointing, the boys were not disgraced and they are looking forward to improving. Everything they do whether it be football, English lessons, future job prospects is all about looking forward and not back to what they have experienced. We could learn a lot from their positive outlook in life.”

In the last 24 hours Tommy and I have taken part in two celebrations for Sr Margaret. She announced on Friday that, after 24 years of service to Daughters of Charity in Mekele that it had been decided that she would be returning to the UK on Monday. On Saturday night she came to St Vincents for dinner accompanied by the other sisters from Adi-Haki and on Sunday we all travelled across town to their compound for a special lunch. Orignially from Ireland, the 70 year old sister told us how she had volunteered herself to come to Ethiopia and how in that space of time she has seen such great change – particually in the last 6 or 7 years. Humble to the end, she did not want a big fuss made of her departure and only reluctantly agreed to the two celebrations. However, in her time in Mekele she has given service to countless individuals in her role as a specially trained nurse in the field of eye operations. She has helped save many hundreds, if not thousands from blindness. She is a very lively and active lady and a clear inspiration to all of the sisters. The tributes given were touching and truly from the heart. She is a role model for all the sisters here in Mekele and from the speeches given by various priests and sisters she will be dearly missed. Sr Margaret thanked her good health for allowing her to serve others and claimed she had received far more than she gave. To see an example of such faith, service and commitment was humbling and again both Tommy and I felt privileged to have met such a wonderful and dedicated woman.