Thursday was el Dia de Boquerón and a national holiday! And so I joined some of the girls at my church to compete in a soccer tournament among the CMA churches. What an experience! It was an all day tournament, with 6 teams competing, and I have to admit our team was not prepared for the intensity of this tournament. Our small team was comprised of both pastors wives (one has a 5 month old), three girls that went work during the day and go to the school at night, two sisters, two young girls that are from the neighborhood around our church and more or less pop around between places to stay, a new inter at the church and myself. We were certainly an interesting group, wearing our matching bright yellow shirts Oansa t-shirts (Spanish Awana). We had informally practiced twice for less than 2.5 hours combined on a small cancha in a little park that was tiled. 
The intimidation factor was definitely high! Upon arriving it did not take long to notice that all of the other teams had made official jerseys with their names and numbers on them. Some of the teams even had matching shorts, socks and balloon and signs! While we only played the girl teams, the boys’ teams were even more impressive, with several of the players having been pro! Some teams had rented out grass canchas for two months to practice and prepare. This was no Sunday barbeque with a casual soccer tournament.
Even though the intimidation was high, I was so blessed by this experience! It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know some of the girls on my team better. As well as a great chance to continue to minister and show love to the girls that basically live off the street or between houses. One of the girls has been encouraged by her mother to go and be a prostitute to help bring money into the family. These girls are starved for true love and it has been great seeing them grow at the church. The church has really been able to bless them both spiritually and physically in many ways!
Furthermore it didn’t hurt that our girls’ team got 2nd place! We were all very proud and impressed! We really came together and used our unique skills to encourage each and play as a team. I even scored a goal and got a header. : )
What a wonderful way to spend my holiday!
Prayer Requests:
1. Please pray for the new teachers coming in, and the teachers switching out
2. Please pray for our overnight elementary camp that will be Oct. 24th – 27th
3. Please pray for our classes and students as they go through transitions and what comes next.
Firsts:
- First time competing in a soccer tournament! Also the first time getting second place, scoring a official goal since played when I was 5, and first time getting a header in a game!
- Of course on top of my majorly leaking roof in three spots, two of my balconies would start flooding into my apartment at the exact same time that I was home alone making cookies and pancakes on my temperamental oven! The best part was when I put my oven mitts on to run out in the rain and furiously squeegee my balcony!
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