WE'RE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP!!!!!!!

Tonight has been a night full of miracles. Honduras, on the verge of elimination from the World Cup, was doing all it could to qualify for a coveted spot to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. Things looked dim. Even if they beat El Salvador in their match tonight, they were still depending on a win (or at least a tie) from the U.S. to earn them a direct ticket to the cup. In the second half of the game between Honduras and El Salvador, Honduras put in a beautiful goal, off the head of Pavon in what probably had to be one of the most challenging headers to pull down I have ever seen. It was pure magic.

However, the United States was currently losing 0-2 to Costa Rica. Soon after, the States pulled off a goal putting them at 1-2 with about 20 minutes left in the 2nd half. As time ticked down, I sat on the edge of my seat, praying the States could get their act together and put in at least one more goal.

I guess you have to live in this country to realize how important it is for Honduras to go to the Cup. In case you haven't been reading my blog (or the news), Honduras is in a time of political strife. Their national soccer team is the only thing keeping this country united. They needed this.

With mere seconds left on the clock, the U.S. was able to bang a shot into the back of the net, clinching a spot not only for themselves in the Cup, but for Honduras as well. Cheers erupted from houses up and down the street as people began celebrating their long awaited dream-come-true. It was glorious.

As we walked back to our house tonight, Hondurans leaned out of houses, car windows, and stopped on the street to scream "thank you" to us North Americans. They realize that our tie is the only reason they are going straight to the Cup, but what we all also realize is that Honduras, "the little country that could," put their heart and soul into these qualifying matches and their efforts have finally come to fruition. They did it. And it is a beautiful thing.

In this moment, right now, this country is more unified than it has been in months. What an amazing answer to prayer :)

WORLD CUP 2010 HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!

P.S. - Tomorrow was just declared a national holiday since Honduras is going to the World Cup, meaning there is no school!!!! A country that loves soccer so much, they shut down in order to celebrate?!?! God DEFINITELY knew what He was doing when He called me to live down here!!! This country was made for me!