THE LOVELIEST OF ALL

I took paper and pen
went to the seaside
I wanted to write about you
I knew it would be inspiring
to write about my lovely orange team
at an orange sunset on the beach

But I could not write any word
I had no time, no inspiration for that

There was One who captured me
I could not but contemplate
at the work of His hand
and magnify Him in his might

Yes He took pre-eminence over all
It is but his due
For He is glorious in everything

I forgot you for the moment
for at such wonderful a sight
I only had to pay homage
to the power of the One who made the sea

Every now and then the waters,
with great might proclaimed His praise
I was astonished at the power
of their worship
of the One who made them
They would not stop

Powerfully and mightily,
the waters praised God

And I meditated on these things
The sea was immense
I could not see the end thereof
But as far as I could see
There was the sky
it was at the end of the sea

Then I remembered the scriptures,
the words of His mouth
“Let there be a firmament
to separate the waters
beneath the firmament from the waters
above the firmament.” Gen 1:7

The waters and the sky were one
Space only separated one from the other
But on the horizon they joined together

I perceived by the seaside
that from generation to generation,
the waters praised their maker,
and that mightily

How great are the waters,
they constitute 70 percent
of the earth’s surface,
and they display so much energy,
how powerful they are
Their maker surely must be powerful
to have made something so enormous
He must be a giant
Mightier, bigger, greater
than the waters themselves
Why, because He created them

And this is only Earth
what about the whole universe?

And the One who made the waters
tells me in the secret of my heart
That he will rebuke mountains, vales,
and even these great waters for me

‘Though the mountains be removed
and be cast into the sea,
though the sea should roar
and the foundations be shaken to its roots
We will not fear
for the Lord of Hosts is with us
and God is our refuge.’ Psalm 46

Isn’t it a wonderful thing
that He is so strong and mighty?

In Unity with the waters,
the sky, the breeze the sand,
the trees, the birds
I lifted up my voice
and sang the might of his praise

But could I rival the waters,
they still praised him mightily,
and loudly they roared:

“Blessed be God,
who was, who is and who is to come,
the Almighty, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen.”

Sorry Oranje, do win your match.
I was struck by the loveliness of One
He who gives you victory
Join me in praise
for He is your loveliness
and of all that is lovely

The Loveliest of all
To Oranje
Newmeli Margaret
Written in Kribi,
Brest, 13 May 2008

THE DUTCH TEAM AND ME

THE DREAM TEAM
My favourite clubs were defeated in the football season 99/00. Dutch nationals played in most of the clubs I supported When I thought about it, I came to a conclusion. They were losing in order to win an even greater victory in June, the Euro, to be held on their soil. Those losses meant they would all come together in Oranje and seal a victory for that talented generation of football players.
I came to know the Dutch team, officially, at World Cup ’98. They struck me when I first saw them and found the beauty of their team. Their football style was delightful; I was amazed when I saw them play. I am convinced they formed the best team at the 1998 FIFA’s World Cup and the 2000 UEFA’s Cup though they didn’t receive any trophies. .

My Players

These are the players that formed the Dutch dream team. First, Edwin van der Sar, the famous Dutch goalkeeper. He was amazing at the goal with his impressive height. I could hardly see him smile when he was younger. He had a proud look with a heart of gold. He has been one of Europe’s best keepers. He was assisted by Ruud Hesp, Sander Westerfeld, and Ed de Goey….
Ronald and Frank de Boer are my best football players. Frank and Ronald are identical twins. I love them because they are always together, The Inseparable Brothers. I was unable to distinguish one from the other in the past. Later, I found some differences between them. Frank was defender while Ronald played forward. Ronald looked more emotional than Frank. I judged this when I compared their attitudes when they lost their penalty kicks at World Cup ‘98 and Euro ’00. Frank was not as dejected in 2000 as Ronald was in 1998.
Dennis Bergkamp was the emblematic figure of that generation. It was Bergkamp’s Generation. He was the cornerstone of the team because of his exceptional talents. One would have expected him to be captain but Bergkamp was full of humility. He was calm yet liberated a joyful rage whenever he scored a goal. Bergkamp knew how to score goals but was not its master. The master of goals in the orange team was the tireless Patrick Kluivert.
Patrick Kluivert was the leading goal scorer of the team. Kluivert was terrific when he played. He was always ‘in the zone.’ Yet sometimes, Kluivert was badly ‘out the zone.’ In such instances, there was no way to bring him back. Marc Overmars, the bicycle, was relentless. He was able to make a 100m race and Usian Bolt would see nothing He knew how to transport the ball from Frank and Numan’s defence to Patrick’s attack. And he also scored goals. Edgar Davids was very combative but it was difficult for him to score a goal. Clarence Seedorf was the great midfielder of the crew together with Philip Cocu, who sometimes got lost only to emerge decisive. Ruud van Nistelrooy was one of them though unfortunate to be selected in those times.
Since I am short of information about other Dutch players, I will only list their names: Boudewinj Zenden, Winston Bogarde, Michael Reiziger, Wim Jonk, Roy Makaay, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Jaap Stam, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Aron Winter, Pierre van Hooijdonk and all the Dutch players that you know so well.

Coaches
In addition to these lovely players, you have coaches who have been very close to them. Some had played in Ajax and later became coaches of Dutch and European clubs. They knew the younger players since some were their trainers and others formed part of the old crew within the emerging generations. I see the Dutch team as a family of grandfathers, fathers, sons and grandsons.
I only know a few of them but let me begin with the celebrated Dutch player Mr Johan Cruyff and the legendary Marco van Basten. You also have Ronald Koermann, Dick Advocaat, Louis van Gaal and Gus Hiddink. There is also the inevitable Frank Rijkaard, and the mythic captain Ruud Gullit, first person to brandish a trophy for Oranje.
This is the Dutch team that I knew whose players have been excellent in their game. They played in Europe’s best teams and many can testify that they played good football. At the club level, they won countless titles with Ajax and PSV. Many were successful at the European Champions’ League. They were named among the best players and FIFA ranked them among the best teams in the world. But the sad thing is that Oranje has won only one title, and Bergkamp’s Generation has retired without winning any title. This ordeal is the subject of my story, The Dutch Team and Me.

LOVELY
My passion for football started at Euro 1996. I watched a match at the quarter finals where an orange team was eliminated. I was moved by the tears of a man who missed his penalty kick. I sympathized with them for I had once admired a Rastafarian who had a beautiful laughter and who used to wear an orange jersey.
After that match, I continued watching football though nothing made me remember the Dutch team. Imagine the passion of someone who comes to love football at 15! I was eager to know all football players. I noted down the names of every new player I came across. The name ‘de Boer’ was in my list though I never knew who he was. I didn’t have the chance of watching football often but there was a competition our national TV would show. I had the possibility of watching two Champions’ League‘s matches on Wednesdays. It was the only opportunity I had of seeing football players. I was always excited so that I would do the cleaning on that day.

Ronald & Frank
There was a certain match I watched one night. It was the quarter-finals of the Champions’ League between Atletico Madrid and AFC Ajax. As I was watching the match, I heard the commentator call someone ‘Frank de Boer.’ After I had written it down, I saw the same player and this time, the commentator called him ‘Ronald de Boer.’ I glanced on my paper and saw that it was Frank. I thought the commentator made a mistake. Soon after, I saw the person defending trying to score a goal. I said to myself that they were playing disorderly.
My surprise and excitement were overwhelming when I saw two identical people making their way to the field after break time. Football astonished me in those days. I was so amazed to see two people who were exactly the same.. Ronald and Frank de Boer became my best players from that day onwards.

Dennis & Patrick
I later read a magazine talking about the ’98 World Cup qualifying matches. There was a picture of an orange guy who liberated an exciting rage after scoring a goal. I mistook his name for Kluivert. I also saw the picture of a young Blackman. I thought his name was Bergkamp. When I realized my mistake, Bergkamp became Kluivert’s big brother to me because they formed a terrible attack for Oranje.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity of seeing these players often. I could only see them once or twice a year. But by not seeing them, I grew to love them more and they became part of my life.

BERGKAMP’S GENERATION
World Cup 1998
I was happy during World Cup ‘98 because I could see my players. And how lovely they were! It was the first time I was watching such great football. It was a feast for the eyes to see the Dutch team play. They scored many goals and beat every team they met. I was really fascinated by Marc Overmars. He was perfect in his game. Bergkamp scored the terrific goal against Argentina and Holland made its way to the semi-finals.

Holland versus Brazil. I remember that night, how our house was crowded with neighbours who came to watch the match. My brothers and sisters were there and I was in a thrill. Ronaldo scored and Kluivert equalized. I don’t remember if there were more than two goals but I do remember the penalty shoot-out. Frank and Bergkamp succeeded, Cocu and Ronald lost and the Dutch team was eliminated from the World Cup. I was grieved, not only because Holland was beaten but because Ronald lost his penalty kick. I prayed for him and asked Frank to comfort him. It was even more pathetic to see Overmars’ tears when Holland lost the little final against Croatia.
After the World Cup, I supported clubs where I could find any Dutch player. I supported Barcelona most because it was a little Dutch team. Frank and Ronald had joined Kluivert, Cocu, Reiziger and Hesp there. Barcelona didn’t win any title that season. Neither did any of the clubs wherein the Dutch players were found. I can still remember what I said on the night Barcelona was eliminated from the Champions’ League 2000: “Aren’t they all falling now because a greater victory awaits them in June? And won’t it be greater to see all of them winning in Oranje?”

Euro 2000
Euro 2000 was hosted by Holland and Belgium. The Dutch team played at ‘their Euro’ and won. I supported them even more. I did not doubt them though there were moments of fear. I prayed for them every time and sought for the latest reports concerning them. I was with them daily and their joys and hopes were mine as well. They had a lovely coach whom I didn’t know before; thus it was my first encounter with Frank Rijkaard. I was impatient as I waited for that moment when Bergkamp’s Generation would be crowned as the best football team and their names forever sealed as Europe’s champions.
During the quarter-final, I made some comments which revealed my doubts. I said: “Why score six goals in one match and not keep some for the other matches?” When I saw Overmars very confident about the semi-final at the press conference, I feared the World Cup tragedy might happen again. Unfortunately, these words and fears came to pass.

The Match
I thought the match would be played on Thursday night. I had not prayed nor had I done the cleaning when I realized that the match was about to start. I made a quick prayer and went before the TV. The semi-final of Euro ‘00 between The Netherlands and Italy kicked-off. Holland played like they did in ‘98. They were so combative and the Italians would see none of the ball. Oranje was dominating but my fears would not allow me appreciate their amazing game.
Then it happened that a penalty was awarded to the Dutch team. Frank de Boer, the captain, specialist in free kicks and penalty shoots, shot and lost. When I saw that, I knew something was wrong with my players. I kept my outward calm but I was so scared within. I thought to give-up watching the match. But I remembered that their struggle was my struggle.
At break time, I retired to pray yet became more troubled when the match resumed. They were not able to make concrete any of the many chances they had. They were controlling the game but were unable to score a goal. And a second time, they were given a penalty and it was Kluivert who lost it this time The TV showed Frank Rijkaard and he seemed disturbed. Although he kept his outward calm, I knew he did not understand what was going on with his team. The stress was heightened as the match drew unto extra-time. I could not tell what was in the mind of the Dutch players; there was no way for them to put the ball into the nets.
What do you think I was still sitting there to see, the penalty shoot-out? Hadn’t they missed two penalties in the normal period? When the time was over, there was the penalty shoot-out. And again, Frank lost. Was it because Ronald wasn’t playing that day? Stam lost, Bosvelt followed the tune, and the Dutch team was eliminated from ‘its’ Euro.

The Nightmare
I could not believe what had happened. I had projected the joy of their victory but that was then impossible. I soon thought that it was not true. Holland was at the final. How could it be otherwise? All that I had prayed and hoped for? But the nightmare was there.
I could not stay in that night. I wanted to be where I could free myself. I left home and went to a small field at the roadside and poured out tears. I was crying out: “Lord, why do you do me this? O Frank, why Lord, the Dutch players are not the champions, when then?” People saw me and wondered. I then sat down and started thinking. I asked the Lord why I loved people who brought grief to my life. I thought of going to the clouds to be free from the pains. But when I remembered Frank and the Dutch players, I refused to be comforted. Where would my players go? Their pains were my pains and I had to support them in everything.
I set myself to imagine their pains, how long the night would be to them. I did not want them to feel the pains I was feeling. I shouted the names of Ronald, Frank and of the Netherlands as I ran back home. I spoke to no one that night. Only, these pains encompassed me. I went to the veranda and looked at the stars wondering how the pains could be assuaged. I prayed God to comfort them and then I would be comforted.
On Friday, Frank Rijkaard said he did not know what happened to his team. He said he was disappointed for his players and had gone to give them his support. I felt sorry for him for I had seen his worried face during the match and knew he was going through the same pains. I wept even more when I heard that Dennis Bergkamp was retiring from international football. That generation was Bergkamp’s Generation and if he was retiring, the rest would follow and they would never win a trophy together in orange.
I did not speak to my family for three and a half days. One of my sisters asked if those players knew me that I was moved to that point. She did not know anything about the Dutch team and me. Even though they didn’t know me, I loved them. As time went by, I felt better and by Monday, I began speaking with my family, convinced that the Lord had comforted the Dutch players though the scars of that night were still there.

Lovely
I happened to see some reports about the Dutch team during the Euro which made me very happy. I saw Davids being applauded by the others when he came to the pitch. It was beautiful to see Van der Sar bowing down to Kluivert who scored three goals at the quarter final. My best image was that of Ronald embracing Frank after scoring a goal. I was idealizing the love these brothers had for each other. And it was noble of Kluivert to refuse to be accorded one goal which would have made him top-scorer of the competition. It was a pity that they didn’t win when they were so lovely and so united. Aren’t they more than champions?

The Last Straw
In January 2002 I sat down to write another episode of the Dutch Team and Me and it was more than enough. I saw the way things were unfolding in the world and stopped asking questions.
In September 2001 I received sad news from the radio. I wanted to get the results of the qualifying of Korea/Japan 2002. I remained still when I heard the journalist say that Holland was already out of the race. Surprisingly, it did not come as a shock. I continued listening to the subsequent items until the news was over.
I went to the veranda and saw a group of stars which I had named after the Dutch players. I suddenly got an intense desire to change the life I was living. My youngest sister noticed that I was sad and she came to me and insistently told me not to cry. I could not answer any of her words. I went within myself pondering more about the Dutch team and their fate. My sister would not leave me alone. She came nearer and sang a song and I gave her a smile.
Then I tried to imagine the implication of this elimination for the Dutch players. I was thinking of writing down what I was feeling and what the players were feeling. I accused football of being responsible for the pains of my players. Was I sad for myself or because I knew the Dutch players were sad? I wondered if all was finished for that generation.

Oranje my Love, Oranje my Heartbreak
After Euro ‘00, I did not want to hope in the World Cup because I was afraid the same story might be repeated. But they had to play qualification matches for World Cup 2002 and I could not forsake them. Their struggles were also mine. I prayed that all should be present at the World Cup so that none should be absent in case of their victory. Even though Bergkamp had left, Ruud van Nistelrooy was his right substitute. I hastily projected the team at the World Cup forgetting that they had first to qualify. Finally, it was Bergkamp who was right. Maybe he foresaw this final blow and retired before it happened.
And what about Ruud van Nistelrooy? I was particularly sad for him for he had never taken part in a big competition. And 2002 was his year. He had been so bright and emerged the best striker of the season. He wanted to confirm that at the World Cup. And wouldn’t he have been the revelation of Korea/Japan 2002?
Many of the Dutch players were aged 29-31 and I doubted if all could be present for World Cup 2006. What I wanted was that all of them win a trophy in Oranje. I continued to support them though I knew no victory could be beautiful as it would have been in ‘98 and ‘00 with Dennis Bergkamp.
Football has been the passion of Ronald and Frank, of Patrick and Dennis, of Edgar and Cocu, of Edwin and Arthur, of Michael and Marc, of Clarence and Ruud. Football has also brought sorrows in their lives. Guus Hiddink was disappointed in ’98; Rijkaard had remorse in ’00. Can van Gaal still believe in the Dutch team?
I used to ask many questions about the ways of the world during those times. Was it possible that the best do not win? Yet, no one can take away what they have lived in Oranje. The orange team was the loveliest dream of my players though also, their nightmare. Yet they have won an undying trophy, their friendship, unity and loveliness. And you have won me, if at all I could mean anything to you.

The Dutch Team and Me
Don’t tell me that this is how football works and that people do not win all the time. Have you ever seen such lovely and talented players before? I wanted their names to be sealed as those who gave the Netherlands its first world trophy. I don’t know if van Basten’s generation was as talented as Bergkamp’s Generation though they won.
When I started writing this article, I thought the pains the Dutch players felt in 2000 would never be removed. And I was so grieved that they would carry it all their lives. Now I know the Dutch players did not allow that sad experience pull them down. Their victory was to be gathered together for a single destiny: Oranje. Lovely people as the Dutch players that you know! Look at them when they line up in orange for the anthem and see how lovely they are!

A Letter
I love you the Dutch team and have written The Dutch Team and Me to share my version of your career in Oranje with you. I have sought to meet you these last ten years. How many letters did I send, with drawings, making phone calls, to your various clubs? I wrote articles, poems and composed two songs for you Oranje and Always Oranje. I would like to meet you who have become part of my life. Let me meet you my lovely players and tell you face to face what I have lived because of you.
If the Dutch players have not won here, certainly there must be a place where they shall win. There is a greater victory to be won and that is greater than the World Cup.


CHAPTER TWO
Holland vs.Portugal, first half of the 8th finals, World Cup 2006.Holland concedes a goal through a terrible shoot from a Portuguese defender. Don’t panic! It’s not yet half time; they shall equalize and score the winning goal. Just look at them, youths gifted with talents! Van der Sar, van Bronkhorst and Cocu make a link with the former generation. Gaze at the tireless Robin van Persie, and Arjen Robben, Overmars’ double. Stare at Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babbel, and Andre Ooijerl. There is Oranje, though with no de Boers, Kluivert, Bergkamp. Certainly it is Oranje for that is the same loveliness. At the bench, a wealth of substitutes! Isn’t their coach the legendary Marco van Basten?

Marco Van Basten, Coach
Holland has always been coached by fantastic technicians. After giving all they had, each retired leaving the post for someone likely to be more fortunate. For it was a matter of fortune rather than of talents in Oranje, for none could doubt its potentials.
At long last he came out of his shell. Many had wondered at his silence over the ordeal of the Dutch team. They didn’t qualify for World Cup 2002 and they were not impressive at Euro 2004. Seeing how things unfolded, he had to come out. He led his team-mates to victory in 1988. Good luck was with him. The time came for the legend to retire from isolation and repeat the marvels of the past.
Marco van Basten took over the Dutch team after Euro 2004. Taking the team at a transition point, he wanted to reform it by creating a new generation of players. The team he was bringing up would be at its peak at World Cup 2010. Marco was very confident and knew what he wanted to achieve with his players. And his race for World Cup 2006 was extraordinary. Oranje lost none of its matches and finished first in its group. Yes San Marco has returned. And when the legend returns, history surely repeats itself.

The New Generation
It surprised many that Van Basten did not retain active players of the former generation in his 23 squad for World Cup 2006. His rejuvenating campaign was extreme. And the World Cup started timidly for the Dutch team. They played S. Montenegro for their first match. Ruud, Edwin, Cocu were present and Robben was remarkable. Holland won the match with no little painstaking.
Margaret you were in a dilemma during the match they played against Cote d’Ivoire. It was a match between the team you love and the team of your continent. Your heart versus. your race, whom shall you choose. You were afraid and didn’t watch the match. You disappeared and came back to know the scores. You found out that Holland had won. Were you happy for your players or sad for your people?
The Dutch team qualified for the 8th finals and their match vs. Argentina was more of a friendly. The real test was at the 8th final vs. Portugal. Portugal was one of the teams I loved because of its former players Joao Pinto, Sa Pinto, Paolo Sousa, Fernando Couto, and Nuno Gomes. I thought I would be divided in my support but at the kick-off, there were no doubts about the team my heart preferred; it was always Oranje.

8th final World Cup 2006
Oranje was not in orange but in blue and white, their national colours. It was remarkably rejuvenated. Still, these young ones were talented. They were masters in tact and techs. They played in Europe’s top clubs and contributed to the successes of their clubs. Frank Rijkaard won the Champions’ League together with van Bronckhorst and van Bommel. Robben won the Premier League. Van Nistelrooy was top scorer in Manchester United and Clarence Seedorf was making a festival in AC Milan.
A catalogue of great players with amazing talents! If you open the orange book, you would only find gifted players. Yet, there was still this sad reality. They had only one trophy with Oranje. Don’t despair; for Marco van Basten has come. The manifold techniques that amazed Europe in 1988 are back. 2006 is your year. You are in Germany to win.
Sunday June 2006, second half of the match between Holland and Portugal, Portugal leading 1-0. They tried all to reverse the situation. Sneijder was splendid in the midfield, Van Persie, relentless in his shoots, Cocu struggled hard for ball possession, Kuyt recovered all lost balls, van Bronckhorst never gave up till expulsion, Ooijer tightened the defence, Van der Sar saved threatening balls, Van der Vaart came in to fortify the attack. Oranje struggled hard but the old story was told again that night. Holland was eliminated from the World Cup.
Did Marco van Basten put too much trust in these young players? Were these young men prepared to handle the World Cup? Are experience and maturity not decisive factors in football? Marco van Basten received so many criticisms, mostly because he didn’t allow Ruud van Nistelrooy to play the match.


Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy! Wasn’t he the best player in 2002, who would have been the revelation of Korea/Japan 2002 except that Holland did not qualify for the World Cup? Wasn’t he the unlucky one who did not take part in Euro 2000 because of injury? Wasn’t it the same one who was not selected for World Cup 1998? And wasn’t it the same Ruud van Nistelrooy who was not allowed to play the 8th finals of the World Cup 2006?
Ruud van Nistelrooy was agitated during the match waiting impatiently to enter the pitch. Ruud made some warm-up but soon realized he would not play since the three substitutions were already made. Ruud was not only Holland’s but also one of Europe’s best strikers at the moment. That was his first World Cup only and Holland was eliminated without Ruud playing the match.
I could not tell what was on van Basten’s mind though I trusted he did all for the good of the team. But doubts arose in me on that Sunday night, and I asked: “Van Basten, did you sincerely believe that these children were able to accomplish such an exploit of winning the World Cup, or did you go there only to participate? And why didn’t you line-up van Nistelrooy? What would van Nistelrooy feel henceforth about you, his model in football?”

Unity
I am very concerned with the spirit of unity in the Dutch team. Their friendship, to me, has compensated the fact that they never won the World Cup. I love the solidarity between and among coaches and players. You can hardly find only one Dutch player in a club. They love to be together. Rijkaard’s was assisted by a compatriot in Barcelona, Van der Sar joined Ruud in ManUnited, van Persie was Bergkamp’s younger brother in Arsenal. Louis van Gaal nearly turned Barcelona into a little Dutch team when he was there. The Dutch team is a family of many generations; it is a team of relationships.
Marco Van Basten made a choice for the team which no one could understand.. I became afraid when I thought Ruud would be angry at Van Basten. I don’t want any disagreement among them. Don’t nurse any grievance against each other Remain united and un-break my heart. I can quote this scripture for you– see how they love each other. Isn’t World Cup 2010 taking place in my continent? Won’t you win on my soil? But O what will I do, I am divided between my heart and my race, whom shall I choose?


Consolation for Bergkamp’s Generation?
Van der Sar, van Bronckhorst, Philip Cocu, survivors of the all-time talented Dutch team of Frank de Boer, Bergkamp’s Generation, have encountered another defeat. There are no consolations to take to their former team-mates. Was it ordained that that generation would not win any trophy? Hasn’t the nightmare been prolonged in them?
Didn’t you know that there was no justice in football, and even in the world? Isn’t there injustice in football else I see Bergkamp winning many international trophies. Why do you want to understand any logic behind the fact that the best do not win? Don’t try to install justice by your own strength. Haven’t governments and organisations failed to put an end to terrorism, famine, wars, racism, global warming leaving many in misery today? You’ll be disappointed and tempted to give up when your work for the cause of justice appears to be vain
Don’t set your heart on things of this world. Don’t you know that it is the Lord who establishes all our endeavours on earth? Rely on the Lord, who Himself is Justice, and your efforts will be recompensed. He will establish the work of your hands and you will never work in vain. He shall comfort you always as he has done for the Dutch players.

A worthier victory
You’re champions already, when you love each other and live in unity like Frank and Ronald? Weren’t Ronald and Frank separated from each other in Barcelona only to be reunited in Qatar? Weren’t Frank Rijkaard, van Basten and Ruud Guilit inseparable in their days? Wasn’t Bergkamp always with Kluivert? Isn’t van Basten the model of van Nistelrooy?
God has given you talents in football. When you win the World Cup one day, it won’t be a matter of pride. It will only signify that in the Netherlands, there have been great generations of football players. What else do we want the World Cup for?
From Johan Cruyff to Patrick Kluivert, from Ronald Koerman to Dennis Bergkamp, from Guus Hiddink to Edwin van der Sar, from Frank Rijkaard to Marc Overmars, from Ruud Gullit to Edgar Davids, from Marco van Basten to Ruud van Nistelrooy. It is the same beauty, the same loveliness: Always Oranje.
Isn’t this our victory, being a player of Oranje? Yes Oranje, there is a more excellent way.

To the Dutch Players
Margaret Newmeli

WHEN LIVING BECOMES AN EXPLOIT

They may have known days of relief, when the bitter memories disappear. They may have loved a beautiful song, enjoyed a delicious meal. They may have met someone special, lived a great love story. They may have entered into a deeper relationship with their maker. They surely may have known days of happiness again …

Though there are no ideals in the world, let your family be one for you. Keep on surviving for them. No matter what you might think, they are the ones who really love you. They are the only ones you’ve got in this world.

When the dark days come, the sadness and the anger overwhelm you. One thing remains on your mind: get rid of this body which produces such suffering.

Life is synonymous with happiness, joy, gladness. To be happy is not a privilege for human beings. We are actually ‘living’ when we are happy because it is the real nature of life. You can live a hundred years in this state without getting worried about the act of living. Some people are blessed with living these days. It is great grace to be always cheerful in your life.
Others are not thus. There are some people who find it hard to enjoy living. Some come into the world with a sad countenance. Some become gloomy as they grow up. Some isolate themselves, especially when they are highly sensitive to the functioning of the world around them. Some withdraw from society in rebellion to the ways of the world. Others lose their joy of living due to some sad events that come their way.

To these people, living has become a burden. The dark days are so frequent leading them to question the meaning of their existence. The bright days may be 99 but the one dark day is so dreary that you forget you had ever been happy in your life. It erases from your memory all the beauties you had ever cherished so that you are tempted to cause the irreparable damage.

I ask myself in the dark days: “How have I been able to live 26 years on earth when it is so hard to live?”

This article is for you. You who are often taken in these dark days: those days in which you feel of no importance to anybody; in which you feel guilty of the evil that happen to people; in which you think you are to blame for the negative events that occur in the world; in which you hate all people around you and feel they hate you too. For you whose dreams have been crushed, who loath your dreams that fell short of your expectations. For you whose hopes have disappointed, who have given up in your search for happiness.

I had my crisis in 1998 when I was 16. I felt to be the most evil person in the world. I numbered my sins and they were more than the sand on the shore. I was ashamed of them. I hated my family and believed they hated me too. I wanted to kill everybody and didn’t care anymore about the realisation of my dreams. Then I thought of putting an end to my miserable life.

There were about 12 of us in my family and the house was not always quiet. The building was overcrowded, the neighbourhood, full of noisy people. Yet I was a solitary being. I had no friends and rarely spoke to anyone except at school. Extremely quiet at home, I lived in my mind's eye. I imagined fantastic stories and was taken in a world of my own creation.
I was in Form Four and was certain to fail my exams. I thought my success at school was the only thing that made my family a little relieved of me. I considered that if I failed, my family would hate me completely. Apart from school, I could do nothing well. I went on nursing evil thoughts and these invaded my heart. I soon made a resolution and didn’t care about the consequences. Thus, all was set for my departure in 1998.

This is 2007. I thank God for saving my life. If I had left in 1998, I wouldn’t have seen the beauties of the year 2000. What a memorable time with my family! If I had gone earlier, I wouldn’t have known Don Moen’s and Paul Wilbur’s music, Rivers of Joy, Jerusalem Arise and Baruch Ha Ba which made me so joyful. I wouldn’t have seen the Olympic Games of 2000 and 2004 or the World Cups of ’98, ‘02 and ‘06. I wouldn’t have written songs to the Lord and known Him as He has been revealed to me these last years.
I am so grateful to God who did not allow me to take away my life in my ignorance, deceived by my thoughts. If I had left in 1998, I would have lost much and most important, would have caused tremendous suffering to my family.

I am writing for you who are passing through difficult moments right now; you who are in these dark days. You who are desperate about your situation. You who are angry with the people around you. You who feel nobody understands you. You who are undergoing a hard time and something mounts up in your mind as a solution.

Nobody Violence Nobody Suicide

Today, the dark days are even more frequent. I sometimes question God “Where is the abundant life you have come to give? All I see around is my misery. Yes, I am in Europe. I am an African in a European university. What a prestige! I have a room all for myself. I have all things I need. Everything is great materially. Thank you Lord.
“But now, say not that I am ungrateful but permit me to tell what I feel inside. I am terribly, deeply, profoundly SAD. In Cameroon I was sad and told you to bring me here for me to be happy. I promised I would do many things for you when I get here. Forgive me; I feel I can't because I hate this place. I hated Douala and today, I hate this city even more. I don’t care about good food, watching films, meeting the Dutch players, de Boer, van Nistelrooy… whom I have sought for 10 years. I don’t want to return to Douala, I don’t want to live in this place, I don’t want to go to school, I don’t care about anything. I hate this life. I don’t want to live. I don’t want to make any efforts. Set me free.”

One evening, I stood before the cross on a churchyard and wept for the pain. I felt that I was nothing, that I had nothing, that I knew nothing. All I could utter were the words of this song; I believe in the Lord, I believe in Jesus. I doubted the sincerity of my words but I trusted in my confession. I felt these nine words were all I could claim as mine in this world. This was all I had though with no faith, no works, no love.

And you will cry, cry and cry again till you are worn out. You will cry until your strength fails. You will cry so that you won’t sleep at night. You will cry all night so that you won’t wake up in the morning. You will cry so that you won’t get out of bed, so that you won’t eat.

Had I ever known living to be so difficult?

I can’t bear it. The sadness is piercing; it penetrates right into my heart. I am so sad. I can find no way out. God what is this? The solution is to get rid of this body so that the sadness may vanish. But my family, my family loves me. Do unto others what you want them to do unto you. I will not forgive if any commits such act. How could I do this to them? But why do they love me?
Look at me, see the evil in me. How can they love me who want to repay their good with evil? They did everything for me to further my studies in Europe so that I may succeed and ‘save’ them from poverty back at home. Now I don’t want to do anything in this place and I am scared of facing them. I don’t want to see their disappointment. Why do they place their hopes in me? I can't help them. I am nothing, I don’t know anything. Let them forget me and let me go to my place.

In 2003, I recounted my crisis of 1998 to one of my sisters and she was alarmed and utterd: "How could you ever think that we didn't love you?” Yet I had spent most of my childhood and teenage believing that they hated me; to the extent of considering something beyond repair.

I wrote this article after seeing a report on American soldiers who committed suicide after returning from the war in Iraq. One was 23, another was particularly handsome. I was still in my dark days yet I was grieved to see young people taking away their lives. I felt sorry for them though the day wasn’t bright for me. I had understood that the dark days, though may last for a night, for a day, a week, a month, a year, for years …, yet shall pass and the bright days shall come. As sure as the day comes after the night, so will the bright days come after the dark ones.

You who have been crushed by life, who don’t find your place anywhere in society, who see yourself on the sidelines, who feel that there is nothing again for you here on earth. You who think that all is finished for you, you who are lonely and feel nobody loves you, who have lost hope, who are desperate about your life; who are on the brink of suicide. You who are stranded in life with an impression of being caught in a trap; you didn’t ask to be here yet you are forced to bear with this hard-knock life.

Living is an exploit and we are all heroes.

I had a nightmare. I was in a church before the Blessed Sacrament. As I prayed, a horror fell on me. I heard an overwhelming voice rebuking me: “You say that you want to leave. Come now.” Fear seized me. I knew the voice had come to take me away. That was what I had asked for before I slept that night. I was afraid and started to cry saying: “No, I don’t want to go.” Then I woke up terribly frightened. I became scared of death. I rose up and prayed that I didn’t want to die anymore.

No matter how hard live has been afterwards, I had never wanted to die

Everybody’s suffering is unique in the world. Nobody can know what you are passing through. But as a companion, now passing through hard times, one who once had given credit to suicide, this message is for us. There is still hope, there is still a dream for us, we are called to do something great. We are called to be heroes.

What is your exploit?

To cry, to cry and yet to sleep again, though at 4am. What is your exploit? To sleep, to sleep and yet to wake up again though at 3pm. To fast, to fast and yet to eat again, though after 2 days. To stay indoors, to shut yourself in, and yet to go out again though after a week. To go out, to forget everything, to greet people, to laugh, to eat, to watch TV, to play, to come back home in the evening. To feel the sadness swelling up again and… to cry again. To cry, to cry yet to sleep again though at 3 am. To sleep, to sleep and yet to wake up again though at 6 am. And this, for the rest of the day, for the rest of the week, for the rest of the month, for the rest of the year, years...

This is your exploit: to live, to live and to live, again and again, and always to live.

We are living beings and have been created to live. Don’t question why it is so. This is what we are. It might be unfair, but that is what we are. Live, though it is so hard. Live again and again and again, for that is what you are, a living being. And this will be your exploit in the world.

Another certain fact is that one day we shall all leave this world. We all are pilgrims here. We could live two hundred years on earth, yet we shall one day depart. None of us was here two hundred years ago. Where were we when the things we read in history took place? I wasn’t here during Bob Marley’s time but here I am. I was not, now I am. After a time, I won’t be. Why then hasten the departure?
No one can create life; no one can bring back to life those who have died. This miracle is great. I live though I don’t know the mysteries thereof. I am certain Someone does know the reason of my life. It cannot be purposeless. I have been given this life; it is not of my own making. I won’t lift up my hand to it take away for I don’t know the power that lies therein.

I will endure, I will bear all things, I will survive, I will live and I will be a hero. Though life had been like a burden to me, I have accomplished an exploit. I am of the category you would call heroes. What is my exploit? I have lived.

I am writing in one of those dark days.

Live though you have no work; though you have no money; though people laugh at you; though you have no one to love; though you have no husband, no wife, no child; though you still depend on your parents; though your juniors overtake you; though you have failed; though you feel so bad inside. Live still. You are a hero because you keep on living, even in the face of such shame, humiliation and bitterness. Live still.

Remember always: you are a Hero.
Live buddy, LIVE.

Written by Margaret Newmeli
16 November 2007
Modified in October 2009, February 2010

LA RAISON POUR TA VIE SUR TERRE

Il a mis l’éternité dans ton coeur
Tu as été créé pour avoir la vie éternelle
Ton destin c’est d’être couvert de la gloire de Dieu
Ton bonheur c’est de voir Dieu
Et de vivre avec Lui pour toujours

Dieu nous a crée à Son image
Mais nous ne sommes pas enfants de Dieu
Nous avons perdu ce privilège à cause de nos péchés
Adam, l’ancêtre de l’homme était fils de Dieu
Lorsqu’il pécha, il perdit ce titre
La punition de son péché était la mort
Les descendants d’Adam, que nous sommes
Ont hérité le péché et la mort

Dieu qui est amour, a tenté maintes fois
de racheter l’homme pécheur,
Mais l’exigence de la justice ne le permettait pas
Dieu ne tolère pas le péché, car Il est juste
Et la justice demande que ceux qui pèchent meurent
Car le salaire du péché c’est la mort
Comment Dieu sauvera t-il l’homme tout en restant juste ?

Puisqu’il est Dieu, il n y’a rien qu’il ne puisse faire
Dans sa sagesse insondable
Il a trouvé la solution pour sauver l’homme
tout en étant juste

Car Dieu a tant aimé le monde qu’Il lui a donné Son Fils
Enfin que quiconque croit en Lui ne périsse point
Mais qu’il ait la vie éternelle

Tu as peut-être entendu l’histoire de Jésus Christ,
ses miracles, sa mort et sa résurrection
Sache que Jésus Christ est venu pour te sauver
Il ne serait pas venu,
si tu n’avais pas besoin d’être sauvé
Ou si tu pouvais te sauver toi-même

Jésus Christ est venu sur la terre pour une mission
Accomplir l’amour et la justice de Dieu
Jésus Christ est mort à ta place,
La colère et le jugement de Dieu pour tes péchés
Sont tombés sur Lui

Jésus Christ est Fils de Dieu qui prend la nature de l’homme
Pour mourir pour l’homme afin que celui-ci
soit réconcilier a Dieu
Seul le sang de Jésus Christ est accepté par Dieu
pour le pardon des péchés de l’homme
Pour montrer que Son sacrifice sur la croix était valable
Dieu l’a ressuscité des morts
Sa résurrection prouve que Dieu justifié
ceux qui croient en Jésus Christ
Désormais, rien ne pourra te séparé de l’amour de Dieu

Jésus Christ a payé le prix fort pour toi
Par sa mort sur la croix, il a subi le châtiment de Dieu
pour tes péchés
C’est toi et moi qui devions souffrir et mourir
car la justice exige qu’on paie pour ses fautes
Et le prix a payé dans ce cas
est la mort, l’enfer, la séparation avec Dieu

Si tu reçois Jésus Christ comme ton Sauveur et Seigneur
Tu n’auras pas à subir le châtiment de tes péchés
Puisque Jésus Christ l’a subit à ta place
Lorsque tu es baptisé, tu meures avec Jésus
pour ressusciter avec Lui,
Dès cet instant, tu as la vie éternelle
La mort physique ne sera que le passage
pour entrer en plénitude dans ton héritage

Dieu aime tous les hommes
c’est pourquoi Il nous sauve tous
par la foi en Jésus Christ, Son Fils
Jésus Christ est le Sauveur du Monde
Car il n y’a aucun autre nom qui a été donné aux hommes
pour qu’ils soient sauvés, sauf le Nom de Jésus
Il n’y a pas de salut en dehors de Lui

Si tu ne reçois pas Jésus Christ dans ta vie
comme ton Sauveur et Seigneur
Il ne pourra pas te sauver
Tu ne bénéficieras pas de Son salut
Tu payeras alors le châtiment de tes pêchés toi-même
La colère de Dieu contre les pécheurs s’abattra sur toi

Que pourras-tu donné pour sauver ta vie ?
Ton argent, ton époux, tes enfants,
tes parents, tes biens, ta religion,
tes bonnes œuvres, ta bonne conscience,
ta souffrance, ta mort ?
Ils ne seront pas suffisants
Car le prix a payé pour le rachat de ton âme est lourd
Seul le sang de Jésus peut te racheter
Aucun autre sang n’est assez pur et juste devant Dieu
Jésus Christ est le sacrifice parfait
qui anéanti la colère de Dieu

Seul Jésus Christ, le Fils de Dieu, le crucifié, qui était mort,
qui est vivant, qui est glorifié, Lui seul peut te sauver
Jésus Christ seul est Fils de Dieu engendré
Pour devenir enfant de Dieu il faut être né de Dieu
Nous sommes nés des hommes
Lorsque nous recevons Jésus Christ dans notre vie,
Il nous donne la puissance de devenir enfants de Dieu
Nous sommes alors nés de nouveau, nés de Dieu
Nous devenons enfants de Dieu, Ses héritiers

Tu peux recevoir Jésus Christ par la foi
Car si tu confesses de ta bouche Le Seigneur Jésus
Et tu crois dans ton cœur que Dieu L’a ressuscité des morts,
Tu seras sauvé

Tout ce qu’il a fait à la croix, Il ne l’a pas fait pour Lui-même
Il l’a fait pour que tu vives avec Lui
dans la gloire de Son royaume
Tu ne peut imaginé ce qu’Il a préparé pour toi au ciel,
Tu seras couvert de Sa gloire Car tu Le verras tel qu’Il est

La raison de ta vie sur la terre est de recevoir Jésus Christ
Et faire en sorte que toute ta famille, tes amis, tes voisins,
tes compatriotes, ton entourage Le reçoivent aussi
pour qu’au dernier jour, nous soyons tous glorifiés
dans la présence de Dieu à jamais

Ton objectif dans la vie doit être de suivre Jésus
Jusqu’au royaume de son Père
Ta vraie place, ton foyer, ta demeure est au ciel
Là où se trouve ton Père, Celui de qui tu viens, et à qui tu vas
Lui seul t’aime car Lui seul t’a crée.
Il t’aime énormément alors Il t’a donné Jésus Christ comme
Ton Sauveur

Ne laisse pas que les vaines choses de la terre te privent
de la gloire qui t’attend au Paradis