Heiku was the RISSE Goaltender, and while I know nothing about soccer, I know something about grit and determination. Heiku was all over the goal, blocking kicks and diving after the ball. He was limping  for much of the game, but managed to hide it. He was defiant and impressive.

It’s interesting about the refugee children, they process trouble and disappointment differently than many kids I have seen in America. They have a different perspective on life and accept hardship and suffering as something that is inevitable, not shocking. Many have been through a great deal an are grateful for their lives and for the chance to learn.

Heiku is from Thailand and I loved his pose when I asked if I could photograph him.

Ali shouted out praise of Heiku a hundred times. He kept the game close for almost all of it.