World Cup Fever

One Friday morning in June, I woke up ridiculously early, picked up my sister, and drove to my dad's house. What for? To turn on the TV.

Crazy?

Normally.

But this was June 11.

The first day of the World Cup.

And this was South Africa vs. Mexico.

The first game of the World Cup.

And this was the 2010 World Cup.

The first World Cup in an African nation.

and when, on June 10, you get a message from a good friend in South Africa saying this, "You MUST watch the opening game tomorrow, and I'd better hear you cheering in the green and gold for Bafana from here, okay?" You get up early and go watch the game. Also, you reply with a cheeky facebook status update: "getting up at 6:15 am to drive to where I can watch the first match of the world cup. Cheering loud for Bafana!! If only I had a vuvuzela... Can you hear me *friend's name* ?! :D"

I, still considered to be a "new believer" in the church of "Futbol is actually an amazing sport" have been anticipating this World Cup for over two years now. Why? When I was in Uganda in 2008, already all the MTN shops (an African mobile phone provider and sponsor) had the 2010 logo painted on them. So between the shops and all my friends, we've been talking about this for two years now!

Since that day, I've watched many games, many different places (I as well as most of my friends don't have cable, so we have to get creative) and listened to ones I couldn't watch (via online radio) and cheered my heart out for different nations around the world.

It's been fun and exciting. I've watched games from my laptop in the kitchen with kids cheering around me and asking questions too (yes, I've even got the Greek kids hooked on soccer!) I've stood in a crowded restaurant in a nearby town for the Ghana vs USA game and cheered for Ghana (my life in peril, no less) (If you want my full explanation as to why I picked Ghana over the US, I am happy to give it) I've sat at my desk, heart on edge, listening to Chile collect cards and Spain manage to squeak by... and it's been grand.

I can see why the world gets excited.

It's a sense of community.

I can talk to people all around the world or down the street and we're talking about the same thing.

We can share in the same heartache.

Or dance in the same victory.

It's made the thousands and thousands of miles between friends feel a lot shorter.

and for that, I am ever thankful.

We started with 32 teams. Now we're down to 4. The world waits with anticipation.

And just so you know, July 11 is going to be a big day.

It will be exciting. and emotional.

and then I'll be sad that this fantastic tournament is over.

but for now, I'll enjoy the phenomenon and cheer my heart out.

GO URUGUAY GO!!