The Argentine

     Walking into Providence Park, it’s impossible to not be consumed by the excitement. All of Portland seemed to be making their way to the stadium. I made absolutely sure to get tickets to stand with the Timber’s Army, the fanatic supporters of the Portland Timbers Football Club… (The sport my own countrymen sadly refer to as soccer)

     It was like diving into a sea of green. The Army welcomes new supporters instantly, and with great enthusiasm. When those nearest to me in the stands found out it was my first game, and that I had come all the way from South Carolina, I was immediately handed multiple scarves (a staple of brotherhood in the football world) and several beers.

     To those who have not experienced it in person, it’s nearly impossible to understand the camaraderie and euphoria of a live football match spent with the local supporters. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is on a level unlike anything else. For 90 minutes you are part of a family that roars and mourns and celebrates with one earth shaking voice.

     When the Timbers scored their first goal of the night, the stands exploded with noise. Flags, banners, scarves, streamers, flares and clouds of smoke filled the stands. In the mass mix of green and gold, I was pleasantly surprised to see a lone Argentine flag.  

    One little old man, with the most beatific smile on his face, proudly swinging a blue and white flag roughly twice the size of his body… I had never seen a grown man look so happy.

     The Timbers went on to win the game, demolishing United in a 4-0 stunner. The man never once looked tired, or anything less than overjoyed. Something about him kept my attention, and when the game was over I went to talk with him. He was more than glad to share his story.

     He was an immigrant from Argentina who moved to the United States several decades ago. While he was fully committed to becoming an American in every sense, he was always immensely proud of his homeland, and his heritage. He also desperately missed much of Argentinian culture, most of all football and football culture. In the 1970s, football was virtually unheard of in the United States, and definitely not celebrated. A passion that filled every inch of his personality and heritage was unpopular and unavailable to him, until the Portland Timbers were founded in 2009.

     The Portland Timbers have easily one of the top home atmospheres in the MLS. While their fans may not be as wild as the Ultras backing Boca Juniors or River Plate down in Argentina, this man found home in a place he never expected.

     A Home in an Unexpected Place.

     I have felt similar longings to have a place where I can be myself in my life, to find home in an unexpected place. I believe everyone has in some way. We move to new houses, states, or countries. We change jobs, and often even our closest friends. Our humanistic tendencies tell us that in these circumstances we may find something close to what we desire, but that we will also have to change ourselves or give up some passions to fully belong. Living in a flawed world, this is partially true. However, it is entirely true that God provides for his children.

     God blesses us with pieces of our true home even now. It is easy to see in close friendships and the highs of romance, but it is also in service and sacrifice. We see what it means to be supported by a true home when we are given the strength to outlast trials and suffering.

     Ultimately we find our home in God as he walks beside us through this life, and in that we are promised a fully restored and eternal home at the restoration of all things.

     After reading “All Things New” by John Eldredge, (an author I highly recommend) I have found a new excitement for the coming restoration. I firmly believe that the home that awaits me will fulfill all the longings, all of the broken heartedness, and surpass all expectations. 

     "For our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await our savior from there, who is the Lord Jesus Christ."

     Philippians 3:20

     "For we know that if our temporary, earthly dwelling is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the restoration, not made by hands."

     2 Corinthians 5:1

     “Our home is one of euphoria, joy, belonging, and complete peace.” 
     –V&V