Day 8 - This Is The Day

So it is the day of my departure, and I am more excited than a new puppy on its first day home from the pet store, aside the excessive peeing on the floor. In anticipation of what I believe will be a trip that is packed full with awesomeness, here is where the blog begins to look a bit different. I assume that every blog, from here on out, will begin to look more like a description of my day rather than some message in religious fervour. For that reason I have decided to begin this process, by highlighting what might have been one of the most fun, inspiring and eventful days of my summer thus far - My University's annual celebrity golf tournament, which was held yesterday.

I must admit, initially, I was not impressed by the whole idea of having to wake up at 6am to be at a golf resort at 7am. Upon arriving at the site, I was so tired and hungry from not having breakfast that I could hardly associate with the rest of the athletes. I found myself sitting on the 17th hole for about two hours with just one other teammate, waiting for the rest of our group to show up. It was freezing! To the left of our hole was some backwoods, and the sun was just over the horizon of the trees. The morning was quiet and damp; and aside the birds chirping, my teammate and I were sad and apathetic.

Then, suddenly, the sun appeared at around 9:30 and the day took a glorious turn. About 25 golf carts began to come around the bend of the cart path - a sign that the tournament was going to begin. Our other group members arrived as escorts for the four-time Stanely Cup winner, and one-time MVP, Claude Lemieux. He spent the day at our hole signing golf balls and chatting with the other golfers; likewise, he was constantly encouraging and relating with us athletes, as he talked about his countless war stories about his time spent playing in the NHL. There were also three other Canadian Olympic gold medalists, and countless other wealthy business executives all looking to make investments into our futures, as athletes at Trinity Western.

The entire experience was amazing! I have never been at a place where I felt more welcome, or more significant, or more prized by so many important people. I had some of the most motivating and gratifying conversations with men and women that I would, normally, be too nervous to find the words and speak to. We were at the resort from about 7am until 11:30pm, and there was never a dull moment in the day (well, actually, cleaning up at the end was pretty brutal). The entire experience was breathtaking, and something that I will cherish and never forget. As athletes, we were on stage the entire day; and to show how much we were, simply, adored and appreciated, we raised over $500,000 at the tournament which will go towards scholarships for athletes within the TWU program.

As an athlete receiving scholarship money, I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I was to be a part of such a wonderful school, where people are so passionate and enthused about contributing to the lives of students. I felt important. Standing in front of about 100 or so people, clapping their hands and cheering at the accomplishment of such a large number in donations, I felt like God was affirming me of my place within the university. I felt like I belong, and I am in the right place.

All praise goes to Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Saviour. Only God knows how he has saved and redeemed me. I almost dropped a tear at the banquet dinner - to think that only four years ago, I was struggling to admit belief in an existing God. I thank God for reviving me! And, I accept His calling upon my life to lead and truly make a difference for His kingdom, in His name. Furthermore, I cannot wait to arrive in Cape Town so that I may inspire and incorporate people with the Love of Christ. I just pray that at least one person is able to feel the same amount of love and spiritual harmony that I felt at yesterday’s event. I praise and love God for how amazing He is! He is Truly Amazing! He is! I appreciate all your prayers as I travel today. And, I look forward to telling all of my stories. God Bless!


~Tristan