Day 11 and 12. Travel Days I'd Like to Forget

Day 11 was to be our last in Mongolia and it was one I'd like to forget. Once again an American breakfast...that would be my third in 4 meals. Normally this would excite me however, I really didn't have an appetite. We returned to pack-up one last time and loaded the two 9 passenger mini-van taxis. Lets say it was tight. We were all wanting to get back to our families but a 6 hour ride in these conditions was not ideal. However, this tour was not about comfort was it. It was about tearing down the symbolic Ashera poles on the high places. And the Mongolian drivers was not all about getting us there quickly. The 2 vans looked similar but preformed very different. My van would race off leaving the other in the dust. We then would stop and wait for the other to catch up. However, every time it did, it would stop and everyone would exit for a potty break!?! Meaning ever 20 minutes there was a 10 minute break. This on top of the 3 stops we made in order for the driver to sell something he had brought with him. Add lunch and the traffic once we hit UB and this 5-6 hour trip turned into 8. Lets just say the faces of all when exiting told the story. I wish I was alive enough to take one. Our home was a hotel but I was to concerned with a new pain in my left knee and leg to notice. Once we all got settled we were set to have our last meal, however, I wasn't feeling that great and the pain in my leg prevented me from joining them. Robby and I had to be out at 5am so we hit the hay early. On day 11 I woke to a very stiff and tender leg. I was concerned but just thought I had positioned it oddly in the taxi and it was just sore. Mark and I both had the thought it could be Staph but I didn't have any redness or other symptoms. I decided I would brave it and head to Seoul. It was a very uneventful trip lasting about 4 hours total. We looked into getting home on an earlier flight but it was a no go. We chose a hostel and jumped on a bus. On the way I decided to take a look at the leg under my pants. Something was not right. It was bright red, very swollen and there was a red line streaking up the inside of my leg. Looks like I was right about that river and I didn't clean my scabbed leg well enough. The result...STAPH! Once at the hostel I was online seeking answers and I didn't like what I found. I Skyped Staci and hoped she had a non-medical cure. Her suggestion, get to the hospital. Just then the Hostel owner walked in the room...like an angle from heaven. She took my hand and the next 30 minutes was unbelievable. I was treated by a retired former top doctor in Seoul who in a matter of 15 minutes had cleaned and dressed my soccer scabs and given me a shot of penicillin...all for $35. And did I mention the 3 days of anti-biotics fr another $10! We were tired and I was told to rest. We hung at another great hostel with some french guys and passed out early.

Day 10...Our Last Push

Day 10 marked the last of our outreach event and for me it couldn't came any sooner. We started the day with a huge American breakfast made by a French woman and April, one of our host while in Erdenet. As soon as the last pancake was down we were off to the stadium to do a youth clinic. Unlike the other, these kids really had an idea of how to play the game. Really great skill and we could tell they had had proper coaching. With over 60 years of Sports Outreach experience the leadership pulled off another great event despite our fatigue. Just as the last kid was off the field, the last of our feet were in busses for an hour journey out to a river. A few days earlier 3 of the guys decided to take a plug and wash away their past and be born into a new life. We were excited to help them make that happen in the middle of nowhere Mongolia! We spent about an hour there in love and then we had to scoot back for one last event...a training session for the team we had played the day before. I had other plans though. About 7 years ago I had befriend Jonathan in Eugene Oregon. He had left for Mongolia at the same time Staci and I were in the Philippines. We had watched his life grow via newsletter but our friendship remained unique and deep. It just happens that as I write this I am in the same town he has spent the last 5 years. I had to find him and encourage him over dinner. Jonathan picked me up and after a quick tour of the city we headed out to his new home. OH MY GOSH! Unbelievable! He had adopted 200 acres of endangered forest and the government allowed him to build on it as long as he guarded it. Being so far from the city this was going to be a costly build. However, he was blessed to meet a his neighbor and before long they had sparked a friendship and a common hope drew them together. This wonderful man and his wife asked them to move on to their property and share in there water, electricity, road and view. I had brought some gifts from the States and made them Breakfast for dinner. Argentine their 20 month daughter was keen on me reading her French...its the language here mother Mareille speaks to her. We talked struggles, hopes and family then called it a night. I returned to an apartment of men with beers in their hand ready to watch the England/France game at midnight. I was our last horar and we got through it with tired eyes but many laughs.

Day 9. New Town...Last Game

Day 9. We were awoken by the classic train whistle signaling we had arrived at the final stop...Erdenet. We unload the train then loaded the vans and found our way to our new home; an apartment just perfect for the 13 of us. We picked our beds then left for a wonderful breakfast made by Elisabeth, Ian wife, at their home. After stuffing ourselves we left to 2 separate churches. I'm amazed that no matter what country I'm in "Church" somehow seems to be done the same. It's really starting to concern me. Too much tradition and religion. After we went back to rest but most of us caught up on Euro 2012 by watching re-runs and highlights. This decision turned out to cost me...and a few others, for we had a full 90 minute game to play in a little under 3 hours. The 3 hours flew by and before I knew it we were warming up. It was a nice Field Turf surface with all its rubber and the environment was perfect for a match. There were about 100 in attendance and the team we were playing looked set to play. In their new kits and had just finished a week's pre-season there was a vibe in the air. The local paper had written an article about their new Nigerian striker and their hopes to defeat the team from Holland. The game took awhile to find a rhythm and our keeper, Aaron, had to come up with a couple big saves. We survived the half tied at zero. After 10 of clinics on top of games on top of ministry our tanks were empty. We knew our strength was not going to be enough. We had to put out hope in mini miracles for each of us. And only 5 minutes into the 2nd half Bing was not feeling blessed. He was struck from behind and had to leave the venue to get stitches for a deep cut on his head. This meant the old man of the tour would be called on...me. Now we had 2 36 year olds on the pitch and I don't think many thought we had a chance playing this team on a huge international pitch. However, 10 minutes later, Arjan the "other" old man headed in a cross from midfielder Jonah. THe celebration was awesome. This was really his first game and really deserved the goal. 5 minutes later left defender Eric and I had a 4 pass combination down the left side that resulted in a well placed shot to make it 2-0. This was the miracle we needed. I was already exhausted and I wasn't alone. The rest of the game we fended of their numerous attacks. Aaron was amazing in goal and even ensured they missed their penalty. Our souls cheered as we heard the final whistle and were even more excited to know our bodies wouldn't have to brave another game.

Day 8. A Loss, A Prison, A Train

Day 8 was to be a long one. It started with the chance we had all been praying for...a chance to play at the National Complex. It was not a scheduled match but this hope was important to the long term projects in UB. We arrived and hinted strongly to play on the brand new FIFA built futsal court. It was a move we would regret. Although the venue was amazing the tour had taken its toll on the old fellas and our youth had no futsal experience. We were crushed 5-1 against a team made up of 6 Futsal National Team members and members from the Ulaanbaatar DS team we had beaten on day 6. It was good to get a loss. It gave us a knock to the pride but motivated us to finish strong. Next we headed to a prison for troubled youth. A 25 foot wall was an anomaly in the midst of the new high income apartment construction. We met the governor at the gate and he took us into a small room where Arjan gave his riveting testimony to all 40 inmates. His story, a tale of the Karate champion of Holland and 2nd in all of Europe who threw it all away through bad choices of alcohol, drugs and women. The story ended with hope and a choice that gave him a new life. I thought it hit the boys deeply and was a perfect lead-in to the mini camp we were about to attempt. I say attempt because we had to perform 4 stations in less than 40 mintes, with 40 amped young men on a basketball court and small grass area we dubbed the wasteland. However, it was a huge success. Reggie had his station rolling in laughter and Jonah had his group diving around like fish despite sharp rocks littering the wasteland. One of the best events on tour and all in less than 90 minutes. The leaders then gave us a surprise concerning our journey north to Erdenet. We would not be traveling in a jam packed bus 7 hours...instead we would be taking the midnight train through the Mongolian countryside. It was a trip many stories will manifest from. I shared a cabin with the old men Aaron, Jonah and Mark. We talked chicken coups, fat ladies with too big an opinion and how our wives have changed our lives. We sipped on tea and nibbled on chocolate all while taking in camels, treeless hills and a sunset that will always remain in the memory of this tour.

Day 7: A bit of rain and a bit of good fortune.

Day 7 was a relaxed day that saw us going into the wilderness! We had a traditional meal set up for us by Ian in the literal, middle of no where. But before we got to go into the out to the outskirts of Mongolian civilization, we went to a big touristy venue. It was a giant metal statue of Ghengis Khan riding a horse! After the typical tourist adventure, we rode for an infinite hours over sketchy bridges and bumpy roads, playing the new hit game, ASSASSIN. I was the worst at the game, clearly. I got found out in the first round, but the person who I killed was the Big Flying Dutchman. We traveld to the farm on a cart pulled by horses! This was not the fastest mode of transport but there were rivers that we had to be cross. The family's farm was a pretty sweet set up! They grew most all of their own food raised livestock. The dinner they had prepared for us was a traditional Mongolian Horhog. This is when they take very hot rocks that have been in a fire for a long time, and put them inside a pressure cooker, along with lamb, onions, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes. The meal was ama-za-zing. After we finished eating, a cold storm blew in. It started raining and having hurricane like wind! Our lovely hosts let us take shelter in one of their spare Gairs. We had one of the best 2 hours of the tour becoming close brothers sharing our lives over some good tea and coffee. Once the storm subsided we headed home. On the return cart ride Eric, a professional musician, entranced us on the guitar while we took in the rain soaked and steaming Mongolian landscape. We had to bust it back in the van to play some Pastors in a little 4 team round robin. We get to the field but, sadly we were a little over two hours late due to the monsoon that we experienced at the farm. However, they changed format to ensure a game with us and a game was set. We played the team from the New Hope Church. We started the game well by going 5 nil up in the first half, but then they got the support of the crowd, the high rise construction workers that were hanging over rafters in the surrounding buildings! The game took a turn after I scored the 6th goal. New Hope started scoring, and good goals at that! Our best efforts from our keeper couldn't keep them from knocking at the door! Finally, the game ended 6-5. "Shew" was the feeling that over came me. We then took time to congratulate the team and had some good talks with their team. All and all it was an awesome day full of Mongolian tradition and good bonding time with the local church! -Robby Gaddy

Days 5 and 6, National Stadium Hope

Waking up to calls to the wife and kids has been amazing. I still think something is a miss. I mean how can I call my family, see their faces, hear them perfectly, all on a little "smart" phone...all for free. Come on?!?! Every morning we slip into a bit of Europe here at the "Oasis". Sybille, the owner and operator of this hostel has been given the gift of hospitality. This place is truly an oasis and all of us love her kindness and warmth. We sip tea and eat toast and jam, and all the americans wonder why we don't keep it this simple. On day 5 I was asked to give a word of encouragement to the team. I spoke about doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. I asked some tough questions and challenged the conventional norm. I hope it stir their souls for more than just the day. We then left to visit the Football Association. We did not have an appointment but trusted they would kindly welcome us after traveling from all over the world. The were so wonderful! We were given the royal treatment. We had a meeting with Oggie, the technical director and given a tour after. They recently put in a new indoor futsal court and the field is scheduled for renovation. During the tour many of the guys got suck into a pick-up game. It was impossible to resist little angles wanting to play the game we love so much. Smiles, laughter and wrestling dominated the kick-a-round. The girls won 3-2! As we were leaving Aaron had a little revelation. He, Jonah, Mark and I stood on the field of a National Stadium together before ten years ago in Sudan. We had to mark the moment with a photo. Our hope is after this spirit filled visit we get the invitation to return and play a game. After the MFA we traveled over to a Korean University and did a futsal clinic for a local men's team. After our 3 other clinics I'm convinced the Mongolian soccer community have never seen a "drill". This can cause some trouble but Jonah rocked an organized and well developed session that impressed me and them. We finished with a mini tournament then Reggie the teams comedian did a skit to help demonstrate our need for hope and how football can be used to do just that. It was amazingly funny and we left ready to eat. The night ended with a dinner at Papa's Cafe, a local food and coffe shop ran by a wonderful Korean Christian woman. At this point I need to talk about the food here. I have been blessed to travel to over 20 counties (by the way thats nothing compared to Aaron at 120!) and the food has always challenged me. Here, that is the last of my worries. EVERY meal has been spectacular! I mean over the top good. The hamburger at Papa's was almost as good as mine. Day 6 started with an another clinic. This time it was open to ages 17 and above. Once agin we drove into the shadows of buildings constructed during the reign of communism and, for the first tie, we ran into the typical 3rd world logistical pitfalls. Arriving 15 minutes early we were locked out of the field and told it was already booked. It took a while and our time was cut in half but, in the end, the clinic was a success. We went home to rest and prepare for the 2nd of our main games here. We had learned our game a 4pm was going to be a bit tougher than the first. The team, Ulaanbaatar DS, had heard of our success against the defending champs and were ensuring they had all their pro players their to give us a game. However, after our 3rd goal in 7 minutes they had lost their gusto and the game ended 6-3. They we young and a few youthful mistakes were their downfall. It was a day I was glad to have the wisdom of 30 years playing this game. Without it we would have been run into the ground. Once again after the game we headed to Papa's where we hosted to a dinner and..a game of Uno. Its amazing how a simple game can bond relationships without words being spoken. They picked it up fast and not a single game won was by a Football Plus player. The day ended in a similar fashion.

Day 4: Match day Vs FC Ulaanbaatar (Mongolian Champions)

Sain ba nau! Translated that's hello in Mongolian! Today I, Robby Gaddy, will be writing our blog entry. The day started as a lazy morning. Once fed and awake we meet in the guesthouse with some music led by our favorite Indonesian Guy, Regi. Arjan, then led us in the message for the day, and it was just spot on for they way some, if not most, of the guys were feeling. He asked us what our identity was; like where did we find our worth? Was it in our Football ability? Or how people view us? We were all refreshed to know things and opinions could never sustain us. MATCH DAY! After the team talk, we had a bit of free time until we left for the game against FC Ulaanbaatar. Because we still have not been able to secure a proper pitch to play on, we played on one that is about 90 x 45 yards. Due to the size of the field, we decided to play a 9 aside match against the reigning champions. We arrived about 20 minuets prior to kick off and had a fair amount of time to decide on which boots to use. Well because of the hardness of the playing surface, some went with boots, and some turf. After a good warm up led by Mark Schulte, we went over and had a bit of a pre-game talk with the host team. We were introduced to all of their players, and where they played (and also how good they were). The man person that talked to us was the manager and player who is also running for some political office. We then carried on with our own intros and Aaron Tredway spoke to the team about our purpose as players bringing hope through football. Mark Schulte was our captain for the game. He and the Captain of Ulaanbaatar, exchanged a scarf and the Football Plus pennant in traditional fashion. Then it was kick-off! The host team was a good side and moved the ball pretty well, after going down 2 nil in the first 15 minutes, we then changed up some of the Line-up and put the big Monster Dutchman at center back and moved mark forward. This then gave us more control of the midfield. Football plus edged it's way back into the lead right before half time with some brilliant strikes from Jonah, Bing, and Nanae. After an encouraging half-time speech from John, we go back out there for the second half. We sure didn't start that well but, long story short, we ended the game with a 6-5 victory. I feel that all of us were happy with the result, even if some of the team didn't think we handled ourselves well with the referee making some bad calls and a VERY soft penalty. The day was an overall success and the team played very well and showed good resilience to come back from being down twice. We got to share our hope with the top football team in the nation and we grew together in brotherhood. So all I have to say is bayarlalaa (Thank you) FC Ulaanbaatar for a good football game!

Day 3...2 Clinics...1st Game

The last 2 days have been jam packed. We have added 3 new players to the team, Mark Shulte, Jonah Long and Eric Carpenter, all who have played professionally. They have added a little excitement to the group as well as quality stories of past tours. We have visited 2 local churches, done 2 clinics, played some futsal with pastors, played in a game and ate some amazing food! We dove into outreach after visiting a few churches on Sunday. About a 100 people showed up at a school field in te midst of new high rise construction. What a sight. THe workers on the rafters above even paused to take a glimpse at the white internationals in their silly outfits. What a great 1st event. Music in the backdrop, all the members of the tour involved with small groups. It was a great day in the sun. While they were their I asked to share our hope for football in Mongolia at the largest church in Mongolia. Well, the 4th service to about 20 people. And with only 20 minutes notice. I hope it went well because I don't remember a word I said! :) Yesterday at clinic 2 we took over the training session of a top youth club in the area. I was given the charge of getting the session organized and turns out...I'm a fish out of water here. So new to the culture I wasn't ready for what was to be. The coach didn't show, the translator was on the phone most of the time and the kids...well let's say their idea of a training session was playing keep away and playing games. My hope was soon dashed and in the end they got what they wanted. A game between us and them. It was hard to get up for a game against 15 year olds but that soon changed after they scored a ripper on us! We then had to try and just barely pulled out the win! Later that day we had a warm-up match against a local church men's team. The church represented was helping with hosting the week and they had been waiting for this for months. We took a ride out of town to a little school in the middle of a "projects". The field looked awesome. Brand new Field Turf inside a new fence and small complex. It was a small field 80x45 but looked like fun...well that was until we walked onto it. NO RUBBER DIRT. Yeah Field Turf with no rubber. It was like an ice rink! We slid around like ice hockey players wearing slippers. However it was good to learn the surface because today we play the defending Mongolian Champions. I hope the next blog has a good result to report.

Mongolia Day 1

Day one started off at 2am. A quick look at flight info before Robby's Daddy and girlfriend gave us a lift to the Charlotte Airport. On the flight I had my first chance to share the trip, our hope and then the gospel. A single mom from Virginia opened up and shared quite a story. Ex in prison after a tough marriage and divorce and 2 teen girls who she couldn't get to sit down at the dinner table without texting the entire meal. Tears and laughter were flowing and in the end He used me to encourage her to join in her daughters new found youth group and begin the process of getting her degree in sociology, a journey she had tried before and lost momentum. On to Dulas where the real journey began. 14, longer than normal, hours to Bei Jing. With our team polo's on we were the talk of the mess area in the back and once again given another opportunity to share our hope...and with Chinese at that. Arrival turned out to be a bunch of uncommon twists which led to an a door opening that we had prayed for. We had been given visa's! We didn't hesitate and exchanged some money and caught the express train Downtown. Our hope was to find the real China and it didn't take long before we twisted down some back allies and found ourselves in the thick of it. We negotiated the cost of cherries and looked for a pair of futsal shoes for me in an underground flea market. We raced back to the airport after a couple hours and made it back for our Mongolia flight with 30 minutes to spare. We passed out in seconds, having four seats to ourselves to finally lay horizontal. In a daze we made it through customs and at the gate we saw Ian for the firsts time. He looked drained and tired so we were are perfect match. Half asleep already we got to the hostel to find our new home for the week. A yurt with mountains as a backdrop. 5 hours of cozy sleep and now I'm enjoying the sunrise with Proverbs 1, a cup of tea and some toast. Look forward to our 1st June day here in our hats and gloves!