LONE STAR GAME DAY!

Any other Sunday, would be a day for church and nothing else, considering all the stores are closed. But today was a qualifying game for the Africa Cup, between Liberia and Cape Verde. The forecast wasn't looking good for Liberia coming in, having lost the last two games and tied a third- they needed to win tonight and then continue to do so for the next two games in order to have a chance. So tonight was going to be a show either way, though it was the side shows that kept things interesting. We bought our tickets for 10 dollars and was placed on the side of the players bench closer to one of the nets. Our presence definitely was not missed. We cut the line essential making me put my head down and hands out (awkward turtle style), because I was willing to wait in line as much as the next person. But the staff came up to us at two different points to usher us through, almost causing a riot at one point. But once we were in we were welcomed among those around us, we even caught some of the players attentions do to all of us in a concentrated area- extra white. And get this, sitting behind me- Sammy, is heading to Staten Island this weekend, Park Hill mom- so if you pass bye I told him to give you a shout out. Just the craziest thing.

Then we were all waving our one dollar Liberian flags, swaying and chanting- giving it our all and next to our section a fight broke out. Now I know we may see some spats between fans at US games, but let me tell you we have something to learn. One man was choking another against a fence while proceeded to punch him- but the police broke that up. Figures they should with the national army present, the police force, UN peacekeepers and even taekwando practitioners. So after that another incident sprouted up- a man fainted and was escorted out stretcher style, to only be followed by a woman passed out- who they lifted over the fence to get out. That section was just plagued with issues. And just as I was feeling lucky to be sitting at a distant, trouble entered two rows down, aka too close for comfort. He was this huge, domination Liberian man- that I imagined would be a warlord in the civil war, who took some mans seat and proceeded to argue with him. Others around us tried to stop him from physically fighting and in the end they flirted between being friends and fighting, but oddly enough none of us CR people spoke up to stop the "conflict". I was for the first time afraid of a person- it was this look of disregard and hatred in this eyes that made me think he is a loose canon. And if that wasn't enough I had to make eye contact with him- someone threw a can of full beer square at his face because he was yelling and I- in shock- put my hand over my mouth in a gasp. He saw this and first, thought it was me ,to which I was like- nah uh no way- and second apparently I foudn out that motion also means shut up. Thankfully though he did not advance towards me and if he did the locals around me had my back. So not only was that one of the scariest moments- I missed the damn goal. So at this point it is Liberia 1 and Cape Verde 0.

Half time came and I was definitely the half time show- no doubt. My dancing skill proved to be essential yet again, winning people's hearts, food and attention. Just the fact that I try to dance with them and like them puts me into good status with them and allows me to enjoy myself in the process. Though I am also certain someone was video tapping it on their phone- so I may be viral soon...then half time ended and the game proceeded. Some close calls, but it looked as if Liberia was going to pull it off and so naturally, to prevent people from storming the field the taekwando was the first line of defense and the army the second all around the fences. Then the end came- LIBERIA WON- AND bam people got through anyway. To which we made our escape out of the stadium. The amount of people reminded me of exiting inauguration and the mass crowds, but we managed. Also, just as I was starting to think Liberians aren't as forward as Kenyans, marriage proposals occurred, compliments and lots of cat calling. Though I can;t say I didn't expect it- if there was ever a time it was a football match with hundreds of men around. So we just laughed and took it in stride and even in the car as we snailed along due to traffic, a man came up to the window on the motorbike confessed his love, proposed and when rejected took the Liberian flag on the window- rude.

So the day turned into one filled with football and traveling back and forth- though the weather held off thankfully. And so it turned into the normal water show- that is me walking, but a bright side I never need chap-stick or lotion..

Hopefully it remains this way tomorrow. The groups are spliting for the weeks here on out. Two groups will be away for the five days, until Friday in different counties. While my group commutes to Margihbi county to a town called Kakata to do trainings in mediation- or what they call here palava management. So later this week I will try to upload pictures...let week two begin!