ISRAELI BASKETBALL...A Special Honor.

This past week, I was surprised and truly filled, with being named to the Israeli Basketball Federation list of one of the greatest foreign players, in their historic league. It was the 60th anniversary of that country and what a wonderful festive time.

This was the week of the Israeli Basketball "Final Four" and it's professional league championship. The four teams were: Beni-HaSharon, Nehriayha, Hapoel Holon and the favorite-Maccabe-Tel Aviv. MACCABE- Tel Aviv is and always has been, the favorite of the most the people in Israel. Being that they have won several European championship (which is compared to our Super Bowl, March Maddness, NBA Championships) under the leadership of Ralph Kline. The people of Israel take great pride in supporting their national representatives and hero's of Maccabe-Tel Aviv. This team (deemed like the Yankees, Duke, etc) has the economic and financial support of many corportaions and municipalities in that country and has the biggest budget in the league. The contracts (some in the millions) that they give out are three times more than any of the other teams in the league. It is always a surprise when another team in the league, has a win or beats them, during the regular season and playoffs, especially the championship.

With a gala that rivaled the Academy Awards and Emmies ceremonies, this "Final Four" gala was rich in history, entertainment and Who's-Who, at this venture. I was so thankful and appreciative that I was included and honored, at such an event. This was also the time that the league gave out awards and trophies, such as league MVP, Coach-of-the-year award and many others. It also took the time to honor those that contributed to the league through it's history on and off the hardwood. NOW...I am apart of their history and I give God all the glory in that. It was His doing and grace, that allowed me such an experience.

They honored me with a lovely award, special recognition and a framed portrait of myself of recieving the award, which I will have to lug through the airport in my travels back to the U.S. It didn't matter, for I am beaming ever so happily and proud.

I also took this time to reconnect with friends and get in touch with my spiritual needs being there in the Holy Land. What a wonderful place, even with the threat of terrorism and unrest.

I can only say, you have to be there to really feel and know of how things really are and how safe it is, compared to what we see on the HD television sets. The food, the culture, the spirit, all that was fulfilling and needed for me.

As I set back for home, back in the states, to my lovely abode in the south (Greensboro, NC) I will hold a special place in my heart and soul for this place where our Lord and savior walked, talked and preached. I have a renewed strength coming back and going away. I will continue my service to my God, family, community, my christian brothers (and sisters) church and those that re less fortunate. I know that is what God wants me to do and my commitment is more stronger.

Oh...by the way, the team Hapoel Holon, upseted the favorite Maccabe-Tel Aviv with a .3 second half court shot at the buzzer, to win the championship. The first time since 1993, that another team in the league, won the championship besides Maccabe-Tel Aviv.