Christian Ouding

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

It was a blessing to have known and loved Christian Ouding. An exuberant young man, he expelled warmth and care to everyone he came in contact with. With a smile that could light up a room, he lived each day with a genuine spirit fueled by his love for the game of soccer. In the few short years Christian walked beside family and friends, his impact touched the hearts of many in profound, exceptional ways. It is difficult to comprehend life without him, yet the season of his life journey has now come and gone. There was a purpose for Christian, who defied the odds of his beginnings. In the end, he leaves a loving legacy that will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

As the outbreak of the Second Liberian Civil War in 1999 placed many in danger, it was through decades of strife and struggle that many left the country of Liberia as refugees. In the United States, attempts to help the people of Liberia amongst a difficult Liberian government were thwarted by those with motives far removed from those of the U.S. During this time, America joined the world in preparing for the New Millennium, Osama bin Laden made the FBI's most wanted list for the first time, and the Columbine High School rampage tugged at the hearts of all. Nestled in John David Town, Liberia, Cecelia Barpee gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Christian, born on April 4, 1999. He would come to leave his imprint on the hearts of many.

Christian had several brothers and sisters, and life was a challenge for such a young boy. He experienced much as a child, and had to grow up fast. He not only learned to take care of himself at an early age, but also the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings. They often went without basic necessities. If Christian left his shoes on the porch at night, they were sure to be gone by morning. He earned money for his family to live on, and learned how to hunt and prepare food, as well. Many times he sold popcorn on the street, earning just enough for them to get by for the day. Despite these harsh days, Christian also experienced fun times with his brothers.

In 2005 tragic events in the family left Christian, Blessing and Victoria in need of a new family. With hearts longing to adopt, Mike and Katie Ouding of Kalamazoo, Michigan received an answer to prayer. Discovering they were going to become the parents of Christian and his little sisters, they quickly began the lengthy process of completing the adoption paperwork. On December 5, 2005, they met for the very first time as a family and began their long trip home to Michigan.

Christian was used to making decisions for himself and it was evident he wasn't giving up his independent spirit. He completed kindergarten in Kalamazoo before the family moved to Grand Rapids where he first attended West Side Christian School. He then was enrolled at the Child Discovery Center before he went on to Walker Charter School where he has been for the last three years. While not naturally gifted in academics, Christian put forth his best effort. He worked extra hard, and did homework in advance to catch up with the kids his age at school. Christian loved school and in general was a very social boy which helped in being overwhelmingly accepted by his peers.

All things considered, Christian adjusted well to his new surroundings. From day one he took a keen interest in a soccer ball they had in the yard and loved kicking it about. Clearly evident he was naturally gifted in the sport, the following spring his new family began a branch of the AYSO, American Youth Soccer Organization. People were naturally drawn to Christian, on and off the soccer field. He was a natural leader, and always stood up for the underdog. He went on to become a highly respected player and individual, and when he became protective of others, he didn’t care what others thought of his interference as it was the right thing to do. Due to being held in high regard, he was never at odds with others.

When Christian put his mind to something, his determination and tenacity was remarkable. He was resourceful to the core, and would have made a great salesman.He often made his money from playing games with other kids, doing yard work, and even selling his lunch. In the 5th grade he sold candy for a fundraiser, easily selling his share, yet went on to sell even more to help others.

Christian loved all sports. It took time, but he even came to like football. Like his dad, he became an avid Packers fan. Through soccer, he even had the opportunity to go out on Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. On Fridays, Christian enjoyed going to The Three Mile Project, a community youth center, where he liked hanging out with his friends. He loved playing video games, which of course were all sports based, and when stuck inside the house, he was usually into some sort of electronics. As a youngster, Christian never took to toys or the sort since he was never exposed to them developmentally as a child. However, his parents were amazed at his knowledge and ingenuity.

This last year Christian enjoyed a memorable vacation with his family in Florida. He so enjoyed Disney World, and loved the time spent together as a family. While there he also went fishing and caught an abundance of fish. Every December 5 the "family" birthday was celebrated by doing something extra special, and he always enjoyed times spent with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. With a clear distaste for getting dressed up, it didn't much matter the occasion. He loved the outdoors, even the winter . . . at first, and was often the first one out to play. As an older brother, he was typically obnoxious towards his siblings, and his parents encountered the usual spats between them. But when it came to the many other areas of Christian's life, he was never vain or smug, but simply a kindhearted soul who cared about the welfare and feelings of those around him.

Soccer was Christian's passion. He lived and dreamed soccer day and night. From his very first AYSO soccer game it was clear that he was given and extreme talent. He quickly moved on to play club soccer, first playing for the Fire, then the Rangers and finally spending his last four years with the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors. His Crew team was like family to him and as a team they were extremely successful. His leadership on the team earned him the title of captain for the last three years. Christian's individual success as a player was beginning to become evident as well, as he was being singled out and invited to national level scouting camps. His parents had no doubt that their hard working, determined and gifted son would go on to become a professional soccer player and fulfill his life long dream.

Christian was an outstanding friend and someone people were naturally drawn to. Although not too great with his communication skills when it came to feelings, he led by example, and simply "walked the walk". His last moments before his unexpected death were shared with his family and his soccer friends and families to celebrate their successful season. He overcame much in his young life, but through his faith and pure determination, Christian was going places. He lived with purpose, and leaves much to be remembered.

Christian Ouding, age 13, of Grand Rapids, entered the glory of his eternal home with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, June 16, 2012. He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Cecelia Barpee. Christian is survived by his parents, Mike and Katie Ouding; siblings: Blessing, Victoria and Evangeline, as well as Josephine, Opong, Prince, and Evelyn; grandparents: Dick (Carol) Ouding, Georgeanne (Scott) Miller, Peggy (Dave) Hershberger, Gary (Cathy) Knebel; aunts, uncles and cousins, Keri and Andy Jackson (Grace, Brady and Drew), Alex Knebel, David Ouding, Tami and Charlie Dragicevich (CJ, Chyane, Ciara), Beth and Dean Buttery (Ryan, Corbin, Jena and Lainey); and many friends. Friends are invited to come together to remember and celebrate Christian's life with his family on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 from 1-4 and 6-9 PM at Monroe Community Church, 800 Monroe NW in Grand Rapids. His family requests that extended soccer family and school friends please come during the evening when parking is more available, and they encourage everyone to bring photos and ideas to express memories and thoughts on paper during that visitation time. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 20122, 1:00 PM at Sunshine Community Church, 3300 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Christian Ouding Memorial Fund are appreciated. Please see www.lifestorynet.com to share memories and photos, to sign the guestbook, for directions and further information about the services and memorial designation.