Spartans in Russia 10

September 6th, 2010: Krasnodar, Russia

Coach, DJ, Victor the Russian, Jordan, Devyn, Dan, Branden, Rudy, Brad, Jarrod & Nick.

This was to be my most favourite day of the tour so far. I hope that I am able to capture a portion of the special moments we had today, I pre-apologize for not doing the day justice.

The day began early as we had a match at 11am but departed at 8:30. Needless to say we had a long warm up which is much different than our previous matches’ 10 minute warm ups. A couple players from the team we had lost to a few days ago were back on the court so we were looking forward to playing them again. Unfortunately they were some of the best players from that previous team. After the lengthy warm up we began the pageantry that was the pregame warm up. The TV cameras were there in force as we were playing against one of the biggest universities in the region with around 28,000 students, many of who were in attendance. After the speeches…oh the speeches, we began the match. Another poor start...typical…then the guys responded. It was fun to compete with the baby Spartans plus a few older guys. Nick, Devyn & Branden did a good job of competing without really knowing the systems. The team competed and grinded out a five set win showing great toughness and togetherness that we were all very proud of. After the match, some interviews and showers under a fire hose, we were to join the dignitaries and the other team(s), women’s as well, for a snack and a time of sharing in another building.

Once there we briefly outlined our University, our team, league and our tour. Then Branden Schmidt shared his story with all who were there. Then there was a Q&A time where many of the university officials were asking about how we blended athletics and academics. After a lengthy discussion a few of the host university personnel spoke a bit about their program and university. After that one of their athletes spoke and his compliments were some of the most sincere and special comments we could have ever received. He complimented us on our play and our honesty (calling our touches, etc). He also mad a clever joke playing on words. He said he thought we were Christians before the game but during the game it became clear…he KNEW we were Christians. He went on to say the way we played together showed we were not “acting” like a team... we WERE a team. The joy and togetherness we shared really stood out to our opponents and those who watched the game and it was evident there was something different about the way our team competed. This series of compliments was exciting and humbling. Exciting that others were seeing some of the things we were working on. Humbling because it was amazing to think how much God could do in a quick match with a random volleyball team in a land far, far away. They asked us how we could play with such unity. The answer was easy…when everyone on the team has something in common it puts us all on the same page. When that one thing is Christ the impact goes nuclear, or nucular (George W. Bush).

Driving away from the university we were taken back by the kind words of our hosts and thanked God for the day.

Then things got better…McDonalds. A little taste of home after a long time without was just what the guys, and coaches, needed. There is nothing like feeling you want to puke after eating McD’s to make you feel you are back in Canada.

Back at the dormitory we had a team time where we learned about an Error Response technique that incorporates some spiritual concepts. The term “Nail It” made its appearance on this tour. The concept has to do with how Christ’s sacrifice paid our dept and it has been nailed to the cross. (John 19:28-30) The volleyball application is after errors ,just as after sin, we need to acknowledge the mistake, make the appropriate adjustments and then move on. Time moves forward, it does not pause, rewind or slow down. The ability to move on to the present and future with wisdom from the past is what the word cue “Nail It” is designed to do. This is a big concept for our team as many of our athletes, and coaches (unfortunately), have a tendency to get caught up in what happened in the past and it can distract us from the present and affect our future. The talk spurred on great discussion and the concepts of Error Response and Emotional Control now have a strategy to move forward with.

Then one of our athletes shared his story with the team. This, easily, was the highlight of the day for me. The honesty and humility that was displayed by this young man was emotional to say the least. It is amazing how much we are learning about eachother each and every day. The story was followed by a great time of prayer for this athlete, the rest of the team in Mykop and Marc Howatson who stayed behind in Anapa.

This day was truly a gift for our team. Match, post match, team session, story and discussion…and yes, Mc-E-D’s too. The only negative was that only half of our group was here to share in it. We can only hope the guys in Mykop are saying the same thing.

Note: Marc Howatson stayed behind in Anapa with some missionary friends we know who have a huge house that serves as a retreat house for Russian pastors and their families. He gets waited on hand and foot…and ankle. Last we heard Naomi, hostess, was making him cinnamon buns so don’t feel to bad for him…poor guy. Marc will join the team Sept 8th en route to Moscow.

Go Spartans!!!