He Must be a Dreamer

I have no doubt in my mind that our Father in Heaven knows what it is like to dream. To want something so much that you would be willing to sacrifice heavily to get it. How else could he be so concerned and understanding about the dreams that move us through life?

This reality has been more apparent in the life of my little brother than any other life I am acquainted with. Kayden has, what some may consider, some very lofty dreams. Impossible to achieve and impractical to consider, some may say. And yet, we are continual witnesses to the miracles surrounding his life that make it possible for his dreams to come to fruition.

The night of Thanksgiving, my father and brother flew out of the state to a tournament in Los Angelos. Kayden had to take two "byes" in the beginning of the tournament just so he could be to Thanksgiving dinner. (Meaning he had to forfeit the points he would've gotten if he had won the games.) He started playing games the next morning and won his first two games. Both games lasted for several hours, far into the night time (2:30 am).

Saturday brought out some incredibly tough players (adults) for this small boy to contend with and, unfortunately, he lost both games on Saturday after 11 hours spent on two games. My parents were feeling very discouraged after the losses. The lack of sponsors and financial aide have caused incredibly heavy sacrifices on their part to help my brother fulfill his dreams and help to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. My dad prayed very late into the night to know what to do in order to help Kayden. The next morning an answer came which would have been impossible for my dad to know himself. It amazes me that our Father in Heaven continually puts so much thought and consideration into the feelings of one little boy. How great is the love of our God!

Kayden played strong in the end of the tournament, beating players many wouldn't ever consider contending with. He ended with 4 1/2 points out of 8 and earned $72. Considering the 30 hours of work he put in it is certainly a good thing he loves to do it!

The real miracle came with the ratings. The new Top 100 lists for America came out while Kayden was gone (the lists are published every two months). He is still #1 in the country for quick chess for all players 13 years old and under (he's been #1 for 8 months in a row now). He is also #2 for quick chess for all players 16 years old and under. But the most exciting part of it all? His rating is now exactly 2200. Meaning that he has now earned the rank of NATIONAL MASTER. This is a title that Kayden will hold his whole life and one more giant step on his journey to be an International Grandmaster.

I am so proud of this 11 year old boy who is using his talents to spread the gospel throughout the world. No one who meets Kayden could deny that he is a very unique boy and that there is something special about him. Father in Heaven has truly blessed our family.

I am putting this part in bold because it is the most important part for everyone to read:

Kayden has been invited to the Pan American Games in Brazil next year. The trip will cost around $2500. At this time of the year when we celebrate selflessness and giving, I would ask a special favor. If anyone has the means to donate even a few dollars to this boy who is proving that dreams, however impossible they may seem, can become a reality, please take the time to do so. There is a link on Kayden's website for fast and easy donations. It will only take a few minutes and it would mean the world to Kayden and our family. You can find his website at the following web address: http://kaydentroff.blogspot.com/.

Thanks to everyone who has assisted so far and who has been a heaven sent blessing in our lives. God lives and loves His children. I know this to be true.

Love, Shayla