We ♥ URUGUAY!

Two years ago I used the same title: E had been chosen as one of seven finalists in her age group in a national writing contest – “Un Cuento Celeste” – sponsored by AUF (the Uruguayan Football Association).

She participated again this year.

Although she did not place this time, we decided to attend Thursday evening’s awards ceremony to visibly support the educational effort represented.

She was (and we were!) surprised by an unsought and unplanned opportunity...

Photo credit: Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol

I’ve been a bit discouraged in the past several weeks – given current issues and challenges on the educational landscape (both general and personal) – and specifically asking my Loving Shepherd to intervene in unmistakable, encouraging ways...

“Thank-you, God!”

Photo credit: Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol

Although we’d crossed paths only three times previously with AUF’s Chief Press Officer, each time was a delight; he is such a humble, perceptive, personable professional! On Thursday when we “bumped into” him as we entered the auditorium where the awards ceremony was about to take place, he congratulated E. We quickly explained that she hadn’t won this time – but we were there to show our support for the contest. He was visibly appreciative...

As E and I filed into that last row, I overheard him asking JM for E’s name; I hurried her into her seat! (E later confessed that she overheard him asking for her last name, too.) I assumed he might acknowledge her (as a participant in the contest), asking her to stand for a moment (or something to that effect).

Instead, at the very end of the introductory remarks by sponsors and one of the jurors, he started to tell how, on his way into the auditorium, he had run into a contestant from a previous year and congratulated her; he told how he was surprised to learn that, although she had not won this time, she was there to show solidarity and congratulate current winners. He then proceeded to invite her to the front – to help give out the gifts!

Video: Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol

Having gone with the objective of a teachable moment – “rejoice with those who rejoice” (in the words of Paul in Romans 12) – we were surprised by extra joy! E was given amazing opportunity to live out the very values (“respect, solidarity and friendship”) highlighted by this writing contest.

The hoped-for teachable moment was turned into an incredible, rewarding experience for our family. “Better than winning!” JM and I agreed; this is the type of learning experience we will remember for life.

I love the mentor’s vision of Maestro Tabárez, our national team coach, and his legacy as the teacher he is, instilling values through his work with the team and the soccer association. “¡Gracias, Maestro!”

And I’m thankful beyond words for his assistant’s insight in recognizing and seizing what he recognized as a teachable moment, too. “¡Gracias, Matías!”

In Tabárez’s own words: “¡El camino es la recompensa!” (“The journey is the reward!”)

And I’m SO thankful for *another hug* from our Loving Shepherd!

(And we got to enjoy the book fair, too!)