There is Hope!

I realize I have not updated the blog in a bit and sorry everyone for that. I haven’t been up to much recently, but enough to talk about.

A week and a half ago on the 27th, I went to an awesome rugby game between Italia and Scozia (Scotland), part of the Six Nations Rugby Tournament, a tournament between Italy, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England and France. The game was awesome and easily the best experience so far on this trip. The crowd was so passionate the whole game. I sung the Italian national anthem with a bunch of Italian guys I was sitting around. I even had my arm around the guy directly next to me. It was awesome! During the game, we would chant “Italia” but one thing I learned is that rugby, for how violent it is, is actually probably the most respectful sport I’ve watched. Italian and Scottish fans were all mixed and there was no trash talking. Regardless of which side would be kicking a field goal (or whatever it’s called in rugby), the stadium would go silent. When Italia scored a touchdown to take the lead with only 10 minutes left, the stadium went nuts in celebration! Hugs and high fives all around! The celebration continued as the game ended, but even afterwards, there was no disrespect to Scottish fans and even Italians clapped for the Scotland players. It was awesome to see.

Contrast that with the AS Roma – AC Milan game I went to this last Saturday night. Going to an AS Roma game was something I definitely wanted to do while over here, and I’m very glad I got the chance to go, but the game didn’t reach my expectations. Fellow students greatly enjoyed the game and thought the stadium showed a lot of passion and plenty of noise, but as I am used to Oregon football where the students stand the entire game and cheer the entire game, I was not prepared for almost the entire stadium to be sitting quietly during the game. If any noise was made, it would be boos or chants towards the AC Milan fans. The AC fans were in their own section with Plexiglas on either side of the section with at least a dozen empty seats and security guards between the fans and the Plexiglas. I knew soccer fans didn’t like each other, but after seeing the rugby game, I didn’t like the disrespect shown. Different breeds of fans I guess. The game also ended in a 0-0 draw, which meant it was pretty boring to not see a goal. (It reminds me of when Dad and I went to the IRL race at Fontana and there was never an accident and caution. I guess nothing exciting wants to happen when I’m there.)

Last night I read a really interesting article about Oregon football and it ties into the disrespect thing, saying that Oregon athletics and fans have lost perspective and connectedness. After seeing both sides of the spectrum now, I hope a lot of Oregon fans read the article. Here’s the link if any of you want to read it. http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/24531349-41/players-lost-perspective-welch-field.csp

Other than those games, I have not been up to much recently besides running. I have gone running four times in the last week because the weather has been nice. The last few days, though, it’s been freezing cold in the morning and in the evening. I was going to run this morning, but I woke up to it pouring rain. I really miss California weather right now. I am very much looking forward to spring break and then to being home.

Although this trip has been below expectations, I know it was God’s purpose to bring me on this trip so I could get closer to Him. Last night I couldn’t fall asleep as I had much on my mind so I put on some of my Christian music. I started with “Majestic” and then “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” played. When “Lord Reign In Me” came on, a few tears started to form. Then “How He Loves Us” started and I cried quite a bit more. I have never had such a reaction to the music, except for when I cried a tiny bit to “The Power of Your Love” last week. God is certainly working in me right now and it is priceless to get closer to Him. God always has a plan and a purpose.

This Friday I leave for a weekend trip with the program to Napoli, Capri and Pompeii. It will be awesome to get out of town and see something new for a bit. I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures and share that with all of you.

I love and miss you all!