Friday, August 22, 2008

Victory

I think there is a different kind of victory we live as Christians. Different from an athletic victory. It's not one you can hold proof of in your hands like a medal. It's not a victory you FEEL everyday or every moment. But it's a victory that will last an eternity. And it's affects are so much more far reaching than any athletic victory we could be honored to gain. It is a victory over sin, over self, over the world and it's passions, a victory over our very real and very present enemy. There was one such victory I experienced a few days ago when God gave me the privilege of introducing a friend to Jesus! I am so excited! Thank you for all the prayers that have been going out on my behalf. The Lord is working mightily, even when we can't see it!

It has been busy here even though I have only been working out, meeting friends and sightseeing (with some shopping too). I bought a beautiful, custom fit, chinese styled silk dress. We visited the Forbidden City and many of the hospitality centers set up by sponsors for the USA Olympic Athletes. Today we visited the Nike Center where my teammate and I each received an overwhelming free gift! 4 pairs of shoes, shirts, two bags, shorts, sunglasses, a watch, and socks. We then went shopping at the USA House for USA Olympic wear for gifts.

Just prior to that we learned that Khatuna, my teammate, was elected as the flagbearer for the Closing Ceremonies! This is a huge honor and I am so happy for her!!! She is shocked! She says this is better than winning the gold medal, to have her country support her like this! For those of you who don't know Khatuna, she is originally from the country of Georgia. Her parents and loved ones are still there and have had to flee to safety from the recent Russian invasion. She has been very strong and competed like a champion in spite of this great concern she was dealing with at the same time. She placed 5th in the Games. So now she will carry our star spangled banner for her country, the USA, that she loves so much.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow it is great to see a Christian athlete that passionate about their walk with Christ

Anonymous said...

That is great in many ways. One that you proved Christ follows you anywhere even to a country that christians werent really welcome and even after all the other things that youve guys have had on your minds with fighting countries being far away from home and trying your very best to win your medals its awsome that Jesus finds a new follower Great job spreading the word and Great job on the job you and all the althetes have done in China......

Anonymous said...

People always say we shouldn't bring politics into the Olympics. But I think in this case the U.S. Olympic Team could not have made a finer choice for the flag bearer. Give Khatuna my congrats and best wishes for her family!

I'm glad you have been having a good time in Beijing. Can't wait to see all the pictures!