Moments

It’s hard to put into words the opportunity I was given last month!  A teammate, Ana, and I were given another chance to travel to Granada, Nicaragua to work with Soccer Without Borders.  It is an incredible program that gives girls an opportunity to play the beautiful game and form bonds and friendships that may not have been possible otherwise. 

I traveled to Granada last year to work with this same program.  Last year was an eye opening, all around great experience that led me to find a little more of myself while meeting some great people along the way.  However, the trip ended on a negative note.  The group of college students I was with played a game against the Nicaraguan National Team.  It was so much fun! But in the second half I sustained a serious injury to my left knee.  I returned home the next day on crutches and had knee reconstruction surgery about a week later. 

After telling a few people about my upcoming trip, the typical response was, “Wait, isn’t that where you got hurt? Why would you want to go back there?”  Everything I was able to experience in the past two weeks is exactly why I went back.

I could go back for the view alone.  Almost everywhere you go in Nicaragua, you can take in a different yet equally breathtaking view.  The sunsets, the lake, the volcanoes, the rooftops.  Simply looking out the window of Tres Pisos everyday will open your eyes to God's amazing beauty and grace.  What moves me the most about the program, however, is the people!  After a hug and hello, the coaches and many of the girls immediately asked how my injury was and were genuinely concerned about how I was doing.  But I knew that about two weeks after my surgery when I received three beautiful handmade get-well cards in the mail from the Mariposas, the Estrellas, and the Nicoyas. 

Ana and I were able to do and see so many things in these short ten days.  We attended and participated in practices with the girls, as well as the activity nights.  There is so much energy with these girls! I was also able to run a couple of goalkeeping clinics, which was a lot of fun.  The three, year-long interns we had the pleasure of getting to know were incredible and are putting so much hard work into bettering the program.  Their enthusiasm day in and day out was so inspiring.  One of my favorite things were the school visits.  The excitement and enthusiasm of the children at a chance to play soccer was unreal.  Pure passion for the sport! 

We also were able to see some of the beautiful country.  As we hiked Mombacho, kayaked the Isletas, and horseback rode up to Lake Apoyo, I couldn’t help but think about how fortunate I was to be able to experience each one of those moments.  Every moment I experienced while staying in Granada this month expanded my adoration for the country, the people, and the program.  So when people ask me why I went back, I tell them for the view.  For the mangos, and for the sunshine.  But most of all, I went back for the moments with the people and program that I have come to love.

Ana, Alejo, and I after a quick game of pick up at a school visit!

 

Outside of Tres Pisos, our home for the week!

 Swinging through the forest, no big deal!!

Ana and I at the top of Mombacho after an incredible 4-hour hike!

Kayaking the Isletas, the view is unreal.

The view we were able to see everyday outside of Tres Pisos. Looks like a painting.

These pictures are just a small glimpse into what Ana and I were able to experience this summer in Granada.  Another amazing experience that I will never forget.