I realize that I am very blessed.  As I sit this morning, sipping some good, french press, medium roast Sumatra coffee from Camano Island Coffee Roasters, watching the World Cup on the laptop computer that’s connected to the high definition TV, reviewing some iPhone apps, and generally being incredibly relaxed, all before heading in to work… I think back to where I’ve been in my life for previous World Cup experiences.

The one that sticks out in my mind the most is 1994.  I was in Central America on the beach on the 4th of July.  It was our only day off during a 16 game, 13 day exhibition basketball trip with Sports Ambassadors.  After a training camp in Hattiesburg, Mississippi (I spelled that out because it’s fun.) and some interesting flights, we toured through El Salvador and Honduras, playing high school teams, club teams and even the national teams of both countries.  So, during the break from all of our playing, we watched on whatever TV’s we could find.  It wasn’t hard to find the games on the TV’s.  Everyone would crowd the street and smile and watch the games.

Another one that sticks out was in 1998.  I had just returned from study abroad in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  That was a 3 month long Spanish immersion exchange program with the University of Minnesota.  Watching the World Cup that year was so much more rich after recently having experienced so much of such a beautiful, rich Latin American culture.

I don’t really remember the 2002 World Cup.  I had just moved from Minneapolis, MN to Seattle, WA.  There were many other things going on in my life.  There’s a lot more to that story, but I’m moving on.

In 2006 I was between full time gigs, doing independent computer consulting for most of the year.  I had a couple friends that had a beautiful apartment in downtown Seattle, with an amazing rooftop patio.  The BBQ’s and hang out times were so chill and fun.  I think we called it Sky Bar.  They were from Chile and Costa Rica, if I remember correctly, but I’m not totally certain.  Regardless, they had the jerseys for their respective teams and knew all the songs and chants.  We had mohitos and danced with friends and had a grand time.  It was super fun to have a number or other Spanish speaking friends who were so passionate about such an awesome, world-wide event.

And, now this year… It’s 2010.  I’m just thinking through the many things that have passed and what I’ve learned and where I’ve been.  It’s truly amazing.  God’s had a watchful eye on me, the whole time.  One of the lessons learned through the various life skills classes and counseling and moves and job transitions and heartaches with love lost and love gained (rinse, repeat) and all of the other mountain tops and valley experiences… We’ll be ok.  Soak it in, both the good and the bad.  Learn.  To fail greatly is ok and means you’re trying big things.  And, ultimately… “Time is my friend.”

My hope is to always maintain hope, to love even more greatly, to be challenged, to achieve great things, to have the best relationships possible, and to continue a path of simplicity, continued contentment and constant growth.  I think I’m doing ok.  I know I’m doing ok.  Come along for the ride!  Remember, time is your friend.