"Supporting the Light"

The ONLY game in town!

There are many games that are not available to young Malawians, but one that is within everyone’s reach is FOOTBALL! This photo shows Charlie attempting to calm down a large group of boys and youths who had heard that he was back in Muona and giving away football gear!

Once the word was out that Charlie had returned and had football boots and strips to give away, there was a constant stream of boys at our door desperate to get their hands on a pair of boots or a football top. Unfortunately, there were not enough boots for everyone crowding this hallway!

Realising that there were more boys than boots, Charlie tries to control the flow of excited youngsters. One young boy, getting his eyes on the boots on the floor, ducks under Charlie’s arm and makes a run for them!

Once the requisite number of boys were in the room and the door closed, Charlie does his best to see that the boots and the boys are matched up with the correct size. Alas, one boy’s feet proved to be too big for the sizes that were available!

Happy and excited, nine boys show off their newly acquired boots! Now the football training can begin in earnest. I wonder if one is a David Beckham or a Cristiano Ronaldo in the making. >> We took three football stripes with us and the next three photos were taken when Charlie tried to give away the smallest set.

The boy in the red top persuaded Charlie that he was the captain of a team and came along to collect the smallest set, but not all of the team were with him. Once outside carrying the stripes he was mobbed by other kids who began stealing them from him! As we watched, he struggled to hold on to then and we had to go to his rescue!

With the help of some older youth, Charlie managed to retrieve the set and took them back into the house. Although not actually violent, it was wild for a time and as I looked on in amazement, I realized just how little these Malawian children had.

Everyone was sent away empty handed, but three days later, and sworn to silence, the complete team returned in force. This time they were brought into the house and instructed to wear the tops before heading out for a team photo! Don't we look good!

One of the many fitting sessions! Older youths and young men, known to Charlie through his love of football, came calling every day. Here, boots and stripes donated by a friend of Jim’s are tried on for size.

The obligatory photo shoot; Pastor Jim with three very satisfied ‘customers’, and a photo for Jim to take home to those who donated the football boots and the team stripe. Bring on the competition!

Smile for the camera :¬)

Fourteen very happy young men! Our thanks to the Blantyre Boy’s Club, Blantyre Scotland for donating this football stripe!

Smile for the camera :¬)

Fifteen very happy young men! Our thanks to the Caledonian Boy’s Club Prestwick, Scotland for donating this football stripe!

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