barefoot running

I have been hearing that in the USA people are becoming more and more aware of the benefits of running in your bare feet. I have not personally been researching it, so I don't really know of all the advantages, but I found myself in awe of these young men and women who competed this weekend against the Hillcrest track team. Here we were with our jersey's and tennis shoes, ipods, etc... when up walks the other school, and I pretty much mean the entire school came to support and encourage their team. They literally came as they were and ran. Head wraps, no shoes whatsoever, shorts and t-shirts.

My guys competed in the 800 meter and the 5000 meter and they did very well. Here are some of their competitors. These three men to the right are on lap 10 I think. I lose track after awhile. Can you imagine though running a competitive race without shoes on? I bet I put myself in positions of thinking I cannot do things without the proper uniform and therefore, I don't even try. What would happen if I ran without shoes more often? Doing things I am not "equipped" for (at least not in my mind equipped). I know that goes against so much christian psychology, but what if we just tried, maybe I would find I am more equipped than I think. I don't know, all just thoughts going through my head.

These girls were sprinting a 200 Meter. I was so impressed with the sportsmanship shown between schools. It was also the last meet of the season. I was glad to be a part of it in some small way.

I have to admit by being a part of something outside of the "ministry" it has allowed my heart and soul to be a little bit more attached to the people and the culture.
I think there must be something about this. When we lived in Mexico, I was not as involved outside of what we were doing. Some of that was my own insecurity with language and not sure of my fit and some of it was the pace of ministry. Not much time left in my own energy level to want to give more than what was already given.

That was my error. I am learning for me anyway, my heart is so attached here and I know there are many reasons why: being involved outside of just the "said" ministry, the way I was created, my heart for the african people in general and I am sure there are more. I also know that I have had to work outside of comfort zone more than ever before and have been more emotionally encouraged and discouraged than ever before. I guess I just am amazed at how much someone can do, even without shoes. Maybe I should continue to try to take my shoes off and just see what happens.