--Coach Jimmy Valvano--
Good Morning,
What a weekend! This is one of those weekends that I will remember for some time.
The weekend started with bell ringing for a couple hours at Wal-Mart in Pearlridge. It always amazes me at the response people get to us at the kettles. Two women talked to me about their bell ringing days on the mainland; several thanked me for all our good work; and one University of Washington fan gave a generous donation after I greeted her and wished her luck (but not too much). It was hilarious to watch the children ‘guilt’ their parents into making a donation. Way to go, kids!
I started my first on-line kettle. Now, please understand, I have the technical ability of a broom stick, so this was no easy feat, in spite of all I heard about how simple it was. To make matters worse, the computer talks back to you…”the picture file was too large,” or “that is not accurate email address,” or, “this is a required field.” Who died and made computers in charge? Oh well, I finally got the page up and running and provided my own lead gift.’ Following (I hope) is a link to my kettle site, should you feel bad enough for this non-techy.
http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/site/TR/RedKettleCampaigns/RedKettle?px=1207922&pg=personal&fr_id=1110&s_tafId=1162
Followed by a short two hours in traffic, Sharron and I were enjoying great food at the pre-game tail-gate at Aloha Stadium. The game was incredible, probably the most exciting one I have ever attended. I must admit not being too thrilled at the end of the first quarter when we were losing 21-0. However, from that moment on we learned lessons in faith and never quitting. I leaned over to Sharron mid-way through the 3rd quarter and told her, “I’m exhausted.” All of you know the outcome, Warriors 35, Huskies 28.
Sunday we attended the services in Kahului, Maui. It was a great Sunday! There were no empty seats in the chapel. Extra chairs were brought in; however, people still had to stand at the back of the chapel. Sharron’s and my hearts were touched by the Singing Company (children’s choir), but even more so by the Hula Halau. The group danced to the song “Shout to the Lord,” sung in Hawaiian. Their movements were gracious and beautiful. However, I must admit my heart was stolen by one of the dancer in particular, Leimana. Leimana, nine years old, dances with amazing grace (no pun intended). Her smile could melt the coldest heart. The phrase, “The little children will lead them,” came to me, and I thought about how true it was, certainly at that moment. After the service I asked how long she had been dancing hula; she told me she could not remember.
Going to worship certainly is primarily about focusing on God; giving thanks and honor to Him for all He is and has done. However, it is also about allowing Him to refresh us and equip us for the coming week of service to others. I left Kahului yesterday feeling great about our God, inspired by the work of our people on Maui and ready for a new week. What else could anyone ask?
My appreciation and thanks to Lieutenants Mark and Kathy Merritt and Lieutenants Kevin and Vidella Nagasaki for their leadership on Maui. Maui No Ka ‘Oi!
I pray each of you will have a blessed week as you service God by touching the lives of others.
Blessings,
d
BEAT GEORGIA!
