It’s hard to put the sentiment into words properly, but something very special happens when people who are financially challenged invite you for a meal at their home. And so, it happened on our most recent humanitarian soccer mission to Marrakech, Morocco.
After conducting and coaching a free soccer clinic for local children in Marrakech this past July—most of whom came from economically difficult family settings—the soccer coaches and I were invited to a magnificent celebratory meal in their humble neighborhood setting. The background was extraordinary in all of its simplicity, and their hospitality could not have been more exceptional and welcoming. They—the people of the NAHDA, Azouzia, and March neighborhoods of Marrakech—poured out their hearts and souls to thank us for coaching their children. They (the parents of the children we had coached) gave us all that they had and, you might say, they even “slaughtered” the proverbial “fattened calf” to be sure that we—the coaches—we’re well fed.
Rarely in life are we gifted with such an outpouring of love, gratitude, and generosity. When people give of what little they have so as to welcome their guests in a most hospitable manner, it is certainly humbling (particularly and especially when you are on the receiving end—just as I was in Morocco). For the four days of training their children received on a soccer field in Marrakech, we received so much more in return. What we received as recompense was not financial, of course. Rather, it was so much more. They—the parents and coaches of NAHDA, March and Azouzia neighborhoods—demonstrated the magnificence and splendor of their beautiful hearts and souls. And they did all of it with and through that one meal inside their most humble abodes.
They cooked up a literal “tajin feast” for the coaches, and they even wrote a poetic note of gratitude for each and every coach, bar none. Those short poems, read aloud by our hosts after the meal, literally brought tears to our eyes. It is amazing to know and understand the brilliance, grandeur, and glory of a compassionate human heart. It provides us with hope that the future can be about so much more.
As much of a cliche as it may seem, a very high degree of peace, harmony, and cooperation are indeed achievable in our world today. Regardless of race, religion, and creed—and while fully respecting one another for our many differences—we can find common ground. We can also do our part to help build a better and more cohesive global family. I know that it is possible from just a few short weeks in Morocco. God bless you and thank you for sharing your hearts with us.
