First Practice & First Game

Greetings from Turrialba! Here is the fantastic view from our hotel of the nearby volcano:

Today began the volleyball portion of our trip, and the team had its first practice this morning.

After practice, we ate with the Costa Rican national team.

This afternoon we brought toys & supplies to a local children's home and had a blast playing with the kids!

Then it was back to the gym for the games. We played the national team from Costa Rica as well as a local club team from Turrialba. It was great to start the season with some international experience!

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is our last full day here. Where did the time go?

Reflections

Today everyone wrote a brief note reflecting on the trip. Here are the coaches' favorites:


"Pura vida" is the phrase that could best describe my trip thus far. Embracing life by helping others through physical labor for a community less fortunate than my own was the first life-changing experience of my week. When I learned to surf I stretched not only my physical limits but also my mental limits as to what I thought I was capable of. The canopy zipline tour was a once in a lifetime experience that made me realize how fortunate I was and enabled me to live my life to the fullest in those few moments. This trip has truly opened my eyes, mind, and heart to the meaning of "pure life."


--Lora


Today I woke up hearing a bird whistling so loud it was absurd. Today I ate breakfast in cool fresh air, with teammates I've grown towards with love and care. Today I climbed down a million stairs that led down to only who knew where. Today I swam towards a beautiful waterfall that was so incredibly and amazingly tall. Today I played with players all from MC, who each want to leave behind their legacies. Today I saw us work hard and sweat, no matter the heat we tried our best. After today I can no longer think only about me, so from here on out it begins with: Today we...


--Linley


Dear Heavenly Father,


Through this experience I have truly grown closer to you in body and in spirit. Tonight as I lay in a beautiful wooded cabin I remembered your power and love for all of your children. Today at the waterfall I was first scared standing in awe of power nature holds. I was nervous of the great pull the water had on me, I was soon reminded of the littleness I had control of. As I was being tossed among your powerful creation I embraced the humility that overwhelmed me. I am nothing without you, and through your creation I am closer to imitating your precious love.


Amen.


--Casey

Volcanoes & Ziplines

Today we left the beach and made our way to the Arenal Volcano. The weather was fantastic, and we had clear skies all day long.

We did a little shopping...

Posed for pictures...

And made our way to the Ziplines! We had a saftely lesson, got all our gear, and headed out on the course. We passed some gorgeous waterfalls and had a great view of the Arenal volcano as well. Enjoy the photos, and there are more in our online album.

Sea Turtles

Yesterday at sunset, we had the amazing opportunity to help release newly-hatched baby sea turtles into the ocean. We formed a straight line on the beach and were each handed a turtle--they were very strong and squirmy!

We put them on the sand and watched them make their way to the ocean. Some were very fast and made a beeline for the water, while others took a little more time.

Afterwards, we watched a gorgeous sunset over the Pacific. More pictures in the online album.

Later that night, Madri got a phone call that a turtle was laying eggs near our hotel, and some of the team went to watch--it was another incredible experience!

Surf's Up!

This morning's agenda was surf, surf, surf! We drove to the beach, lathered on the sunscreen, and attacked the waves while the tide was low.

Madri, our multi-talented guide, gave group lessons on the mechanics of getting up on the board as well as going over how to stay safe and avoid injury.

With that, the first brave group went out!

Madri helped each person get into the correct position to catch a wave. Everyone tried it at least once, even Coach Schram, and there were some very impressive rides! Here are some highlights, and there are more pictures in the online album.