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Chapter 12: Rodrigo Learns a Lesson
Rodrigo could not believe this had happened to him. He was looking forward to his whole spring soccer season. He was going to be one of the star players. Being from Guatemala, he had learned to play soccer from the time he was a little boy. Soccer was his whole life: soccer practice and drills, hanging out with the team, and the big game on Saturday mornings. Rodrigo was very upset and feeling left out. Ellie and Manuel were sitting during lunchtime on Monday talking about what they could do to help Rodrigo. Ellie said, “Let’s call a meeting of the Explorers after school today and come up with a plan to help Rodrigo.” Ellie found Jake at recess and explained the situation. She said, “We must do something for Rodrigo, Jake. It is easy to be someone’s friend when they are fun to be with, but it is hard to hang in there when your friend turns into a grump like Rodrigo.” Page 2 of 5 © RCL Benziger
“Alright,” said Jake, “let’s meet after school at the soccer field and come up with a plan.” The Explorers met up at Cotter Field just as Rodrigo’s team was starting practice with their coach, Mr. Fowler. “Coach Fowler, can we have a word with you?” asked Tobi. Coach Fowler responded, “Sure, what’s up?”
Manuel explained, “Our friend, Rodrigo, needs help. I’m sure you know about his broken leg, and not being able to play this season. What can we do to help him?” The Coach said, “We sure are going to miss him. Rodrigo is one of our best players. But, he seems to have really good friends in you all. I am sure you will find a way to help him realize that playing soccer isn’t everything in life. Rodrigo has many talents.” The Explorers looked somewhat happy, but still not sure how to best help their friend, Rodrigo. Coach Fowler then said, “I’ll stop by his house tonight and talk to him, okay?” Keiko was inspired by what Coach Fowler had told the group. She said, “What if we find someone who could show Rodrigo a way to Page 3 of 5 © RCL Benziger
see some other talents he has besides soccer?” Benjie enthusiastically responded, “That’s a great thought!” “I’ve got an idea,” said Manuel, “Rodrigo’s grandfather is a great guitar player. What if we asked him to teach Rodrigo how to play guitar?” Marissa added, “We all know how musical Rodrigo is. Remember his song at last years’ talent show?” “Great plan, Manuel,” said Jake. “Then, it’s settled. I will call Grandpa Ortiz and ask him. Meanwhile, I propose each of us stop by Rodrigo’s house a couple times a week to visit him.” “Done!” they all shouted together. Later that day, Coach Fowler had dinner with Rodrigo and his family. The Coach was up front with Rodrigo and said, “Your attitude is really off base, Rodrigo. God didn’t do this to you. It was just an accident of nature.” Rodrigo responded, “Yeah, I know, but it still hurts.” Coach Fowler then told Rodrigo, “Rodrigo, you know it is your response to difficult situations that shows the kind of person you are. In sports as in life, you can push through the hard times with the help of others, especially with the help of God.” Manuel eventually talked with Rodrigo’s grandpa, Mr. Ortiz. He was thrilled to help. Page 4 of 5 © RCL Benziger
Later in the week, Grandpa Ortiz presented Rodrigo with one of his guitars. Rodrigo was shocked. “I can’t play that,” Grandpa. Rodrigo said, “I am a soccer player.” “Oh grandson, you are not just an athlete. You are smart and talented in many ways. Why would you turn away from all the wonderful gifts God is giving you? Come let us try.” So Grandpa Ortiz gave Rodrigo his first guitar lesson.
That weekend, the group decided to visit Rodrigo together. As they approached his house, Benji said, “Stop! Do you hear that?” They followed the sound and discovered Rodrigo and Grandpa Ortiz on the back porch playing guitars together. They couldn’t believe their eyes and their ears. Rodrigo was laughing and playing a beautiful song with his grandpa. When they finished, the Explorers started clapping. Then, they saw something they thought they would never see again: Rodrigo’s big smile. “Grandpa, you were right,” said Rodrigo, “I am not only a pretty good soccer player, but a really good guitar player too.” His grandpa then said, “Well, you can thank your friends for those lessons.” --------------TIME TO VOTE Exit out of this page turner. Then scroll to the bottom of the web page to place your vote. Page 5 of 5 © RCL Benziger