I wrote! It's a banner day!

March 2, 2010

I'm back! Sorry it's been a while... life!

Oh, but life has been good, for the most part, for the last few weeks, because the Olympics have been in town. Sort of. We live across the water from Vancouver, about an hour and a half by ferry. We've been having a great time cheering on the athletes, and the kids are so inspired by all that they saw. On several occasions, Keelin borrowed two strips of Candan's Hot Wheels racetrack, strapped them to her feet with ponytail holders, held two more in her hands, and cross-country skiied through the house. Candan spent a great deal of time with a broom and a ball, "curling" the ball into the paper rings he cut out and placed on the floor. They skated in their socks, made paper flags and mascots, and cried "LUUUUOOOOoooOOO" with the rest of us during hockey games.

We had the incredible opportunity to get tickets to an event. We went to the Men's Curling Semifinals. We were the rowdy ones you heard about on TV. heeehee.. No, but man, if curling stays as fun to watch, I'll be back in the crowd again! We were right downtown in Robson Square when the Canadian Women won their gold medal in hockey-- wow! O Canada ♪ ♫ Everyone wearing red Maple Leaf tattoos on their cheeks and flags on their backs, singing away, with such amazing enthusiasm.

Just as the Games were starting, everyone asked who I'd be cheering for. After all, I am American. You wouldn't know it, me in my Canada shirt, scarf, and those really impractical, but really trendy red mittens. I did, mostly cheer Canada, I wanted them so badly to do well at home.

Then, there was THE game. I own a USA Hockey shirt, but I am pretty sure that would have constituted grounds for deportation, and it went unworn throughout the Olympics. It meant everything for Canada to win, and OH, I wanted Canada to win that Gold.... and the morning of the game came, and I put on my new Team Canada hockey jersey. For a moment, I had a twinge... just a twinge.... that feeling of guilt that maybe I should sneak that other shirt on underneath, after all, my home country. But I didn't. I love Canada! :) (I did take it off during the second period so I wouldn't get guacamole on it, though.)

Standing in the crowd at Robson, with all those people in red and white and singing together, I really got that it matters who you stand with. And what you stand for. It's great when people gather all together in the same name. There is power and joy in celebrating all together the wonderful things that happen under that banner.

Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner. Exodus 17:15