It’s a peaceful Sunday morning here in Beijing. The sky is clear and blue. The campus streets are bustling with new students and their parents preparing for the start of Monday classes. The few Christian churches in the city are filling with tourists for morning mass. And on any other Sunday, I’d be joining them. But today I have a different church.
For half a world away lies the promise land. You would not know its powers except for the large green field and booming voice from the heavens. My fellow believers are already there, dressed in the holy colors and praying the sacred hymns of our forefathers. I, myself, am at my computer – my altar – not being able to make the pilgrimage but still praising my savior. Thank god for ESPN!
My father asked me how a Tiger sports fan, like myself, could miss the football opener in St. Louis. I thought about breaking into Hooters Beijing to watch the game, but with it not opening until 11am, the timing wasn’t happening. 8:30am games really don’t work for me. ‘Tiger’ Mike Kelly is good to listen to, but I needed to see to believe. Just short of making my parents buy a webcam and pointing it toward the television, I was about to submit to the sacrifices of a foreign land when I had one more idea – ESPN360.com. The words rang from the heavens.
The Black and Gold never looked so good. With Chase Daniel presiding and JMac leading the procession, the church of football is in session in Beijing. Who would have thought that 6760 miles was only a minute delay. Laying on my bed and sporting my MIZZOU tee, the hotel staff probably thinks I’m dying with the rate I’m screaming. But I don’t care. My Tigers are on the prowl and looking for indian blood.
So, I will say my prayers and turn my rosary. And next week – Paralympics-schedule permitting – I will sit in the very front pew. But right now, the Almighty must be a Tiger fan. Miracles do happen, Mizzou. Now let’s take it to the house! M-I-Z…!
