We kicked off our day with a great devotional meeting and church service. During the devotional meeting, we talked about the importance of spreading love and understanding the different forms of “Greek” love that can be applied to broader aspects of our lives. For example, there is a difference between our love for a certain food or commodity and the love we share for our respective partner. We also prayed during devotions for God to give us the ears to hear and the eyes to see so that we could spread our love throughout the entire day to the Haitians.
The
major focus of the day was soccer. We held a soccer tournament, which included TWO
New Life Teams, and two teams from local orphanages. When the local orphanages
arrived, we had their jerseys, shorts, socks, and cleats laid out for them to
go through and select so that they would be able to play in the tournament. It
was a remarkable experience seeing their eyes light up when they began to look
through the cleats and all the jerseys. They were truly grateful for what we
were doing for them. It was amazing to see the language barrier broken because
we were able to communicate despite speaking different languages through hand
gestures and gestures of appreciation such as handshakes and hugs. Once all the
players were equipped, the games BEGAN!
The
tournament consisted of four games, including two semi-final games and a third
place game and the championship game. In the first game, the first New Life
Team, the red squad, won their game 4 to 2 against the Blue Team and advanced
into the finals. In the second game, the second New Life team, the white squad,
tied their game in regulation 4 to 4 against the other red orphanage team. In
penalty shoot-outs, unfortunately, the New Life Team lost 5 to 4. After these
first two games, lunch was provided for all. We had the opportunity during this
time to interact with everyone and to eat together. Many of us shared snacks
together and enjoyed many laughs! After the break, it was time for the third
place game between the second New Life team and the Blue Team. The second New
Life Team won in a convincing manner, taking the third place trophy with a 3 to
2 win. In the championship game, the first New Life Team faced the other red
team who was wearing red AJAX jerseys. At the end of regulation, the score was
tied 3 to 3, and therefore penalty kicks were once again necessary.
Unfortunately, the first New Life Team lost in penalty kicks 4 to 2 and the red
orphanage team captured the first inaugural New Life Tournament Championship.
Throughout every game, the entire community was infatuated with the whole
spectacle. In this, we mean that everyone was cheering and playing drums and
etc. to motivate the players. There was also an announcer who commentated the
ENTIRE time which was amazing. The atmosphere was incredible. There was music
being played in the background and everyone was focused on soccer. It was a
remarkable get-away for all the players because everyone’s minds were lifted
from the struggles of the world during these games.
After
the tournament, Pastor Coach Bob conducted an award ceremony, where the
champions were crowned. The fourth place blue team received medals, the third
place New Life Team received a world cup-like trophy, the second place New Life
Team also received a world cup-like trophy, just slightly larger, and finally,
the first place red team received the largest trophy. For all teams, it was
like they had all just won the World Cup, one of the biggest accomplishments
possible in terms of athletics. It is incredible the impact soccer had on all
of us today. There was pure joy in everyone’s eyes. Being able to hold a trophy
together for each team was truly a gratifying moment. For us, the tournament
today was an incredible experience because we were able to participate in and
witness first hand, the insurmountable power of soccer to unite and release. In
this, we mean that all struggles, all hardships, all cultural barriers, all
distinctions, everything, was thrown away because of the unifying abilities of
soccer.
The
next portion of the day was spent coloring with the handicap children! We were
able to interact with them and color bags for them that we gave them. This was
truly gratifying because knowing we made a major impact in a small way felt
good. This event was also very humbling because the kids were all so happy even
though they have been dealt a tough hand in life. It truly makes you appreciate
everything you were blessed with in life. It also makes you feel slightly ashamed
for the small things we complain about in our everyday lives. Thus far, this
has definitely been an eye opening experience for us all, even if this was not
our first trip.
Finally,
we concluded the night with dinner. We were blessed with yet another meal and
we are optimistic for another incredible day tomorrow during our feedings.
God bless
Nick and Will
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