Today we had film at 1:00 p.m. We walked into the room and were informed that the “big President” was coming in to talk to us. Apparently the University has a few Presidents, but the one that was coming in to talk to us is the top one. He basically came in and told us that we need to win tomorrow against Istanbul University. He said since we are both University teams that it is a big game for us. After he got done talking, our GM talked to us for a little bit, and then finally our coach. They told us they have a lot of stress and pressure on them right now to win. We are 2-6, and so they said if we do not win 1 or 2 of these next 3 games, that they have a good chance of moving to second division next year (we are in first right now).
I can for sure tell that everyone is getting nervous and stressed out. It was interesting today that coach came out and told us that the Turkish Federation does not like our organization, so the refs never give us any calls, or they make a lot of bad calls! I felt like asking, “Why doesn’t the Turkish Federation like our team?” Honestly a lot of times I feel like our team is playing 5 against 8 (5 players and 3 refs) out there on the court, but hey I guess it makes a person better. Another interesting thing my coach said, was that if we win games, then we will be more comfortable talking to God and He will listen to us. He actually came out and asked us, “Do you believe in God?” Of course I believe in God, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can go to Him whenever I want! My relationship with the Lord is not performance based at all. That is a major difference between Christianity and other religions. The Lord accepts us for who we are! Psalm 55:22 (NIV) “Cast your cares on the lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” I really wanted to say something after coach asked us that question, but I knew it was not the right time. After film, we practiced for about an hour.
Tonight I went to a family’s house from church to eat supper with them. I was able to meet a few of their kids who happen to be over from the States on their breaks from college. I had so much fun! I had some delicious barbecue chicken pizza, salad, and green beans J. It is such a blessing to be able to fellowship with believers in another country! God sure is good!
Well, I am going to read some and then get to sleep in a little bit! Game day is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. I will let you know how the game goes! On a side note, I am sitting in the kitchen right now typing, because a bunch of outlets in our house decided to stop working for some reason LOL...life of overseas...expect the unexpected!!
Prayer Request: That the Lord would soften the hearts of my coaches and teammates to be receptive to the Lord.
Have a great night!