Outcasts United

Outcasts United

I don't care whether you're a sports fan or not. You have to
read Outcasts United. It's about young soccer players and their coach
persisting against seemingly insurmountable odds. I'm not talking
about white, suburban Bad News Bears type odds. Most of the athletes
in this book have experienced more heartbreak and tragedy in their
young lives than typical Americans ever do.
This is a story of young refugees from war torn nations we only
know about from the news media. They've had to flee murderous
regimes, sometimes tragically losing loved ones, travel long
distances, and endure the deprivation and uncertainty of refugee
camps. Even in America they and their families face daunting odds as
parents struggle to provide the necessities on low income jobs.
Then there's the coach, Luma. Originally from Jordan, she was
born into a financially well off family. Her parents could afford
private school where she enjoyed freedoms most girls in her country
couldn't. She was even able to play soccer with boys. College in
America left her with the realization that she could not go back to
life under Islamic law. Her father told her that if she remained in
the United States she would be cut off from her family. Can you
imagine having to make that choice?
Luma had to take on more than your average coach. Sometimes
it's a struggle to get even a far from adequate field. Many students
find school really difficult--denied education in their first
countries and having to play catch up in a foreign language. Economic
survival is challenging for families cut off from clan and community.
This is a true story and a compelling one. I hope it will
inspire you. I hope it will help you to see the very human faces
behind the immigrant stereotypes we are always being bombarded with.
On a personal note, one of my favorite signs of summer's arrival. The
hubby bought a bag of freezer pops. They are probably not so great
for my health. But they are so cold and sweet on hot, muggy days.
A great big shout out goes out to my friend Pam. The first time I saw
her she was saying something really wise that I could relate to a
problem I had. I decided I needed her as a friend. So I started
sitting with her at church lunch. It turned out she found stuff in me
to like too. How cool is that?


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