Here are a few highlights of the last couple of weeks for me...
* The opening ceremonies were amazing! I could not get over the production of it all. And it only took me a little while to figure out that the "2008" performers was significant because of the year. Insert eyes rolling. I was thankful for the commentators explaining everything because I would have had no idea what everything was supposed to be representing without them! I watched all the athletes coming in and was again reminded of how little I know about world geography considering half the countries I had only heard of in past Olympics but don't remember it! One of my favorite parts was the chinese coming in with Yao Ming and his "co-flag bearer". That little boy was adorable and his story... truly amazing.
* Swimming. Michael Phelps. 8 Gold Medals. I watched each one of his races and cheered for him and the US. I don't think I've ever cheered for swimming before. It actually was very exciting!! I do think it's a good thing that most of the races were very short. I was so glad he achieved his goal and represented our country so well. As much as I enjoyed watching him, I loved watching his mom and sisters and their reactions. Priceless.
* The story of Dara Torres and her journey to this olympics. I was so impressed with her sportsmanship and the way she encouraged her competitors. The best example was just before one of her swims she went to one of the judges and asked them to wait for another swimmer who had to run quickly and change after her suit had torn. She didn't have to do that.
* Gymnastics. Especially womens gymnastics. I have no idea why I love watching it so much. The sad thing is I try to imagine myself being one of the gymnasts. HaHa. Not physically possible for me and my 5'11" self! I thought Natalie Liukin looked tall until I heard she was only 5'3". I was so excited for the girls and how well they did overall.
* I loved watching the replays of Bella Karoyli and his reactions to the gymnasts' performances. He's obviously geniuninely proud of the US team!
* I'd never watched water polo before. I don't think I'm that into it, however I am impressed with their athletic ability.
* The only thing I really know about diving is that you are not supposed to make much of a splash if any at all. Amazing what they can do. The chinese pretty much rule when it comes to diving. I never could learn to dive off the side of the pool let alone 3 stories high going 30 miles an hour.
* Watching the beach volleyball contests on the 3 million dollar sand specially brought in and sifted and re-sifted for the Olympics made me wonder if it's really like the beaches I've been on? I was very happy to see the Americans win!!
* Really wasn't that into track and field. I did consider what event I think I would excel in if I were in any way interested in running though... hurdles. I think I would be good at that. But since I do not like to run and I especially hate to sweat, I'm pretty sure that will never happen.
* The USA athletes represented us well. I can't help but feel pride for our contry when I hear our song and see our flag raised. Perhaps my most favorite times of these olympics were the nights when Ben and I were on ichat together and sang along while the "Star Spangled Banner" played. At the top of our lungs. Off key. And in the form of a round, since my tv is a little ahead of his. It was beautiful, though in the way that only a mom could love it and I seriously doubt even our mom would have loved our singing. It was priceless. And we laughed like crazy!!
* The interview with President Bush and Bob Costas made my heart happy when I heard the President mention his discussions with the president of China and that he had on this visit and previous visits specifically the issue of freedom of religion. Specically, his response to this question:
Q As you attempt to press these points with them, do you find Hu Jintao not just warm toward you personally, but is he receptive? Do you sense any movement?
THE PRESIDENT: It's hard to tell. I mean, it's -- all I can tell you is, is that it is best to be in the position where a leader will listen to you. I went to church here, and I'm sure the cynics say, well, you know, it was just a state-sponsored church. On the other hand -- and that's true. On the other hand, it gave me a chance to say to the Chinese people, religion won't hurt you, you ought to welcome religious people. And it gave me a chance to say to the government, why don't you register the underground churches and give them a chance to flourish? And he listened politely. I can't read his mind, but I do know that every time I met with him I pressed the point.
I cannot even begin to imagine the sacrifice it takes for the athletes and their families to make it to the Olympics. For those who did not win... my heart goes out to them. I pray that win or lose, all the athletes will find their true worth is not in winning gold medals, but in being a child of the King. And I am so thankful for the athletes and visitors who were bold in their faith during their time in China and shared the good news in a country where it's not always safe to do. May the Lord use the seeds planted during those two weeks to make His name known in that country and the hearts of its people.
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