On Saturday I got to fulfill my dream of going to a professional soccer match. For the past few years I’ve been dreaming of the opportunity. The World Cup had gotten me dreaming of a fantastic match filled with a loud boisterous crowd.
It all started when we met our friend Day last week at one of the temples. We began to get to know him, his background of being a Christian, his family, his studies and his hobbies. We all got hyped the instant he mentioned the upcoming soccer game. Without further ado we made plans to meet up with him Saturday to head to the Chaing Mai FC soccer game.
In the days prior, we joked whether we trusted Day too much too soon and that he’d have other, not so positive plans. Rest assured (mom) he is a trusting guy who was anxious to meet Christians and excited to share with us his joy for soccer.
Day was incredibly excited to see us and greeted us with warm hospitality. He continually checked in with us throughout the evening, making sure we were enjoying ourselves. Upon arriving at the game we were approached within a few minutes to be interviewed by the FC sports tv. (If you find us on YouTube, let us know) We didn’t understand the Thai conversation, but as Americans we were able to get crazy and loud with the new cheer they taught us.
As we headed into the stadium it was a strange feeling to be in Thailand, with Thai announcers, and be sitting with our new found friends.
Before the game began, we all faced towards the screen that had a picture of the king and stood while a song came over the speaker.
The game began, the stands began to fill with more blue fans, with banners and with drums. It was so cool to hear the drums and chants go the entire length of the game. I had bouts of laughter as a looked around the stadium, at the scenery surrounding us and was reminded that we were in Thailand, with Day watching a soccer game.
In the end, I thought Chaing Mai was going to pull through and score in the last few minutes to tie it up. But the 2:1 score made it an active and eventful game. The confetti still was thrown high into the air, the drums still went on and on. The most alarming thing occurred when the opposing team came and bowed to the stands and the fans clapped for them. Never in America would you see that happen. It was so fun to experience my first professional soccer game in Thailand! What a lifetime memory!
We climbed back into the soungtao to ride back to the city. Day made a video of us and taught us the Thai words for 1-10. He told us of his nightly routine of reading his Bible and praying. The most precious moment happened when we got out of the soungtao and he said “I think we pray now, yes, because it’s good for me.” What a powerful memory for me, to be standing on the sidewalk in Thailand, with Day, heads bowed in prayer. God’s people are connected all over the world. Yes, I had a dream of going to a game. But my vision for the Race was to experience understanding people’s perspective of God around the world. This is such a sweet moment to add to this incredible journey. Ya never know, God might be able to bring two of your dreams together all over a soccer game!
Grace and Peace,
Katie Allen
