One last post

We have all arrived home safely. It was a long day of traveling but as we landed in Buffalo, the whole plane clapped. The girls were excited to be home. We had a wonderful trip. We were able to play four games of soccer and learned from each of the teams what it means to be dedicated to your sport. There are some very talented soccer players in Costa Rica.

On our last night we spent some time sharing about our favorite parts of the trip and things we learned about ourselves. It was agreed that the ways we served others either through food distribution, praying with families, feeding the homeless, or spending time with the orphans; those were our favorite memories. No one even mentioned soccer! We were able to bless so many people during our week. And thanks to the extra support that was raised we were able to donate to the orphanage, a local pastor, and to the missionaries at Score. They have committed their lives to this work. To be able to help and encourage them with monetary support will have lasting results through the relationships they build in Costa Rica.

Many thanks for your prayer and support before and during our trip. Now we can start planning for next year!

Thursday is already here

Thursday July 15th

We cannot believe today was our last day! Something we had been looking forward to all week was to go Zip-lining at a park in the rain forest. And it rained the WHOLE time. We did a lot of hiking and then took a series of 5 zip lines down to the bottom. It was fun while it lasted and then as we got to the end, and we were dripping wet and shivering, we looked forward to the authentic Costa Rican meal we were going to have for lunch. Soup, fruit drinks, garlic bread, chicken, beef, rice, beans, fried plantains, and salad. And then dessert!

The afternoon of our last day was left un-planned so we could decide as we went along if there were any other sightseeing things we wanted to do. The girls decided that it would be better to spend our time serving again while we are still here. We were able to buy groceries for five more families in the poor area we had visited before. We also donated food to the Pastor and his family because they sacrifice so much for their community but need so much themselves. They are in the photo below. It was a great way to end our to end our week of service.

Game 4

Wednesday July 14th

Here in Costa Rica, there two national teams. One is Saprissa, the other is La Liga. The whole country is divided over it and now our very own Coach John and Coach Tony are divided over it! Our last game was played on the La Liga practice field. It was quite an impressive complex in comparison to the two other grass fields we had played on. The other team was very well disciplined and had impressive control of the ball. The resulting score was 1-6.

During our time of sharing after the game Danielle gave a testimony and the missionary with us, Hevelin shared the gospel with the girls. They shared with us that before every game they recite their motto which includes "We believe in God, we believe in our country, we will obey the laws, and we will play according to our values." It was encouraging to hear from the assistant coach that they try to instill these morals into their players. Hopefully, they will open the doors for Score to become involved with them again.

At our last game, the coach honored Coach Tony with a La Liga jersey as a souvenir. And by the photo I think you can see that Coach John highly disapproves by covering up the logo!

Fut.i.val

Wednesday July 14th

This morning we packed up all of our donated cleats, socks, shin guards, jerseys, and soccer balls then headed into a very poor part of San Jose. There are two former Costa Rican World Cup team soccer players who have organized a soccer ministry called Fut.i.val. It stands for soccer with integrity and values. These players just retired from playing professionally and have been spending three days a week working with 125 kids from the 'ghetto'. They also spend time teaching about God and how to live with integrity. The things we donated are going to be handed out periodically as new kids come and their needs are made known. Today the cleats were given out to four kids who didn't have any.

The girls divided into 3's and joined with the nationals. They played games for about an hour and a half. The field was in very poor condition. When we pulled up we weren't sure if we were going to be playing soccer or swimming! At the end of it all, everyone learned a lot, even from the 5 year olds. They will definitely go pro some day.

Kate and Jackie getting to know their team before the game.

Turf is our friend

Tuesday July 13th

Our game today started with a bit of an altitude change. We took the bus up into the base of the surrounding mountains. The views were amazing. It was a well played even match with a score of 1-1. The girls felt at home on the turf and didn't have to deal with rain or mud. The time of sharing after the game was well received. The coach was very enthusiastic.

Today's mid-day weather was the nicest we have seen. After the game we drove around in the mountains and stopped to take photos of the the scenic views. It was nice to have a little time out of the depth of the city. And to get some really fresh air.

Then this afternoon we went down town to Mercado Central where we got to see all kinds of vendors. Many were selling souvenirs but there were also chicken feet, bunnies, puppies, hammocks and local fare. We then stopped at the grocery store to pick up supplies for the food packages we would deliver to the homeless. After we packed up sandwiches and drinks, we took them downtown and gave them to the homeless. This is an area where Score takes food a few nights a week. They use this ministry to satisfy physical needs while also reaching their hearts and sharing the hope that they can find through Christ. In less than five minutes we distributed 1oo packages. The girls commented afterword that it was actually 'fun', and they would love to do it again.

Jackie & Abby making cheese and bologna sandwiches

Jody and Chelsey packing cookies and juice

Today was a good day. We accomplished a lot and now need rest for another full day tomorrow.

Distributing Food

This afternoon we had a chance to buy some groceries at the market for 5 families who attend the church of Pastor Gabriel. It was an experience that is very hard to describe. And we were not allowed to take any photos. Most homes were made of wood, and scrap metal. But to see the smiles on the faces of those we were visiting was life changing. These new Christians have such strong faith and happy hearts despite their circumstances. And they were a testimony of the strength they have to persevere through their day to provide for their families even though they are some of the poorest here.

Game 2

Monday July 12th

Our game today was a pretty even match resulting with a 0-4 score. The hard part was the rain. Right at half-time the clouds came and the field became very slick. The grass here is very different. Mostly thick crab grass that is soft but slippery. The girls did great with quick turn arounds despite the mud and rain.

Similar to the game before, they shared jerseys and tracts. Then Lauren shared a testimony to the other team about how God has used some hard times in her life to remind her to draw near to Him and stay strong.

Lauren with our missionaries Edgardo & Hevelin

Some days are slow days

Iglesia Bautista, San Jose

Sunday July 11^th

Today was a slower day. Most of the missionaries and staff at Score are off on Sunday. We attended Iglesia Bautista for church in the morning and then headed out to a restaurant for pizza. We happened to arrive at the same time the World Cup game was starting. So we ate and watched and then finished the game back at the villa. Then we headed out in the rain to shop. One of the highlights of the day (especially for Coach Tony) was seeing a group of professional soccer players having a juggling demonstration in the grocery market. Most of the girls stood up to juggle and in the end we were all given small soccer balls from all different countries in the World Cup. Everyone had a great time on our slow Sunday.

The games begin....

Saturday July 10^th

We were up at the crack of dawn…warmly welcomed to Costa Rica by the neighborhood roosters and watch dogs. By 6:30 we headed out to our first game. The opposing team was made up of players from three different levels of skill, ranging from 25 years of age to 13. The girls played well in the heat and were able to sub out often. The final score was 0-4, however the time we spent with the team afterword was the real win of the day. They shared tracts and jerseys with the other team and spent some time mingling to get the players contact info. Score uses this information to keep in contact with teams and find ways to witness with them. The missionary traveling with us said that the coach requested that Score visit with them monthly and talk to the players about Biblical principles. It was exciting to see them so open and friendly.

After lunch (The food is amazing by the way. We love our cook!) we took a long bus ride to an orphanage here we were going to celebrate on of the boy’s 9^th birthday. After we surprised him and gave him a cake, we joined all the other kids in the recreation area to play and bond. Most of the girls joined with the older boys and played a game of soccer. Some others sat with the little girls and played with their hair. There were silly bandz for everyone! They were a big hit. We were all struck by how happy they all were. At this orphanage, the kids are between 4 and 18. They live 8 to a house with 1 house mom. There were many tears when it was time to leave.

It was a great pairing of events today. Allowing us to put things in perspective and think about what is really important.

1 day down...

Friday July 9th

We have arrived here safely in San Jose, and made the nearly 2 hour bus ride to the Score Villa where we will be staying. After an orientation and time getting acclimated, we were briefed on the details of what our week will entail. I will fill you in on those details as we go along.

We started our week with a word from Coach John about “making friends and being a friend.” 1 Samuel 1:1-4

The sun comes up here at 5 am, and sets around 5:45pm. So our days will have early starts. Tomorrow morning our bus will leave at 6:30 for our first soccer game that is an hour away. Then after lunch we will visit an orphanage where 80 children ages 4-18 live. We are looking forward to seeing how experiences like this will open the minds and hearts of the girls.

Please pray for rest for the girls and that there will be a strong start to their bond as a team.

Diane