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TEAM MEMBERS
Marci Jobson
Katherine Johnson
Karlee Summey
Elizabeth Perkins
Heather Smith
Melinda Miller
Jackson Herman
Lauren Piercy
Maggie Burton
Ally Henderson
Audrey Johnston
Raegan Padgett
Kennedy Brown
Kylie Ross
Ariel Leach
Emily Bunnell
Hannah Parrish
Sarah King
Sarah Norman
Zionah Browne
Baylor Soccer Guatemala Mission Trip
May 12, 2018
By Marci Jobson
Before I share, I want to apologize for not posting anything during the trip. I wanted to challenge myself to `be in the moment' and not be caught up in trying to `share the moment.'
Guatemala!? Why was Guatemala the place I chose for my first international mission trip one year ago, and why did I desire to go back?
This is my `Why.'
First, I had the opportunity 2 years ago to meet Julio and Jen Gomez through Ben and Katherine Johnson. At that meeting, I felt somewhat interested in visiting Guatemala to share my love of soccer, but I probably couldn't solidly give you a great reason for it. It was more of a leading or a nudge from the Holy Spirit. I went last year for the first time, and came back with a love for the Guatemalan people. I was truly impacted and inspired by all those I met, particularly the selfless staff of FCA Guatemala. I challenge myself to live like them.
This year I went back to Guatemala for a few particular reasons. First, the people totally rock! I see Jesus in so many of them; Julio, Jen, Osmar, Carlos, Chini, Beto and Allison to name a few. I also experience Jesus through the team of people that we brought with us. When you start a trip and finish a trip, you cannot deny an unspoken special unity you have with the people around you. I love that many of the BU soccer players get to experience that. Unity of purpose is a special thing, and things that once were impossible seem achievable with it.
Second, God blessed me with the opportunity to play professional soccer and for the United States National team years ago. I feel now I have a responsibility to be a trailblazer for women who love soccer and want to play it. I want to continue to remind them to not give up on a dream or vision when someone tells you `YOU CAN'T.' I want to remind these young Guatemalan girls to dream big and in a short soccer session push them to be the best they can be. It is ok to be aggressive and COMPETE and push yourself. There were so many women that paved the way for American girls to play soccer in the USA and I want Jobson Soccer to be a leader in helping the Guatemalan girls believe it is possible for them.
Finally, we have been given the opportunity to use soccer as a platform to share our love of Jesus, and that ability to share begins with a soccer ball on a field. When I accepted Jesus as my savior years ago, it was primarily because I watched certain people do life with a unique light inside them. I wanted that light and I wanted to be like them. When I saw Michelle Akers (famous soccer player) out on the field, there was something incredible about watching her play. The way she did her job and played for the Lord was incredible to see when I was young and I wanted what she had. The Bible talks about `doing our job for the Lord, and to work for God and not man.' When you play soccer in such a way, people can feel a magnetic Jesus pull (Holy Spirit) that leaves them wanting to know you more or are at least sometimes opens their ears to listen. Soccer gives you a door to share your faith in a different way, that isn't possible for those that don't play soccer, and that is my greatest `why' of doing any trip. We can serve through a game we love, and let Jesus be the one kicking the ball.
There were so many great moments of this trip, but before we left to go to Guatemala God gave me a word. That word was `enough,' which in Spanish is `suficiente.' I believe the most important message is that Jesus is enough for all of us, and that HIS power can be perfect in our weakness. Sometimes when we feel weak, we feel lost. But that is when God is able to take over and make us strong if we let him. Trophies, awards, money, accomplishments will never be enough. Jesus is the only one who can fill that void that we all feel time and time again. With him, all things, ALL things, are possible.
Baylor Soccer Guatemala Mission Trip
May 11, 2018
By Kennedy Brown and Emily Bunnell
This morning, we woke up and enjoyed breakfast with great company, realizing it was our last day in this beautiful place. Taking in every moment, we prepared for the morning session training.
When we got there, there was a little change of plans (one of the things I love most about this group of people is that we all just roll with the punches). Even though things didn't go as we planned, we made the most of it.
We each split up among different age groups and joined them in soccer training. It was awesome to hear the different stories each of us had to share from our groups.
God used HIS plan to change what we had planned so that we could show the light of His kingdom in an unexpected manner, and we are so thankful.
Next, we went to the beautiful city of Antigua!!
We road-tripped to Antigua for an afternoon of shopping and tourism. When we arrived at the square, we saw a ton of colorful little vendor shops. We ate lunch at Tacool (taco cool). The tacos were amazing. At the taco shop, we saw the Duke football team. It was nice seeing another team from the states working for the same mission we were: helping Guatemala.
When we were done with our tacos, we went to a coffee shop. Guatemala is known for its coffee so we were in for a treat.
Next we drove a few minutes down the road to see one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua: Cero de la Cruz. It overlooked the city with the volcano in the backdrop. The city was quite literally in the shadow of the cross.
Then, we made our way to the open air market where we did some bargaining and shopping for our friends and family back at home. The vendors were very forward and some people did better than others when negotiating prices (haha), pretty sure everyone got some coffee grounds to bring home.
To end our day, we rode back down the mountain to Guatemala City where we had a nice hardy and healthy meal at Carls Jr. :) Dinner was full of laughs and memories shared from the trip.
Back at the hotel, we said our goodbyes and thanked Julio for the light he is to us and Guatemala. The FCA Guatemala team are God's hands here in Guatemala and are doing amazing things in the life of the children here and empowering women through sports.
Even though our trip is ending, the story continues for the FCA team that loves on these kids day in and day out.
By Hannah Parrish
Thank you to everyone that helped make this trip happen. You are the hands and feet of Jesus.
The FCA team is still in need of funds to continue their mission of spreading the love of Jesus to the people of Guatemala through sports.
God is active and alive in the hearts of these people. Despite the hardships in this life, we cling to the hope of Jesus. Love is a universal language and God is Love.
We are so thankful for this trip and the blessing it was to share in the joy of Jesus and soccer with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Guatemala.
You can donate to continue the FCA Guatemala mission HERE.
Baylor Soccer Guatemala Mission Trip
May 12, 2018
By Jackson Herman
Today was our third day in Guatemala. We started the day viewing an area described as the "dump." In America, we would call it a landfill but here it is where many of the poor families work making approximately two dollars a day. I was surprised at how large it was and I was told it was 17 football fields long.
The "dump" is also where children go to pick through garbage to find something with any value at all. Although it made me sad to think about this, it also made me think about how we take things for granted in our country.
We then moved on to our soccer clinic where we were able to coach some of the kids that we had met the day before. Even though there is a language barrier, we all share the joy we have for the game of soccer and our shared love for God.
My favorite buddy was a boy named Saville. He was 10 years old, his favorite player is Lionel Messi, and is the best 10 year old I have seen in a while! Maybe someday, I'll see him playing professional soccer.
Later in the day, we worked with the club named Aurora. Their stadium was beautiful just like many of the soccer stadiums in Guatemala City. We played a scrimmage and these women were very tough.
We ended our day having dinner with two of the clubs we played. It was nice to celebrate with them, share smiles, and connect off the field.
What a day it has been. As I lay my head down, I'm absolutely grateful for this experience, the kindness of Baylor girls and the FCA Guatemala staff.
And with that, I'm ready for day four in Guatemala City knowing that no matter what, God is sufficient tonight, tomorrow, and always.
By Sarah Norman
Today was filled with humbling experiences, the sweetest kids, and some amazing girls.
On the morning before our first session we were taken to go see the city dump, which is about the size of 17 football fields. Most of the kids we worked with in the morning sessions' parents scavenge through the dump looking for stuff to be able to sell. I?t was a huge reminder of how blessed we are. A very humbling experience.
At the first session today we got to see the same kids we met on our first morning. I?t was so much fun getting to see the kids again and like Thursday morning, they were all smiles and fun! At the end of the morning session we got together for a group prayer and they said to raise your hand if you wanted to be prayed over. I was sitting next to the sweetest boy who rose his hand and allowed me to pray for him. I?t was so cool to me how a 10 year old boy, who has such a reason to not be so loving and nice, rose his hand without hesitation.
After our lunch of fried chicken, a perfect pre-soccer snack, we went to Aurora's FC stadium and they welcomed us into their locker room. I?t was really cool getting to talk to them and know them a little better. The girls were so nice and excited to see us and talk with us and even with the language barrier we had fun getting to know them. Later when we had dinner with the girls i?t was great to play games with them and to just relax and learn more about each other.
These girls and all the people we have met so far have been amazing and so full of joy. They are the ones teaching me what i?t really means to be a Christan. Today really put into perspective how it is important to appreciate our many blessings and to find joy in the simple things.
By Zionah Browne
Our second full day here in Guatemala kicked off with a trip to an area known as "The Dump." The Dump covers an area equitable to the size of seventeen football fields put together.
This was an especially eye opening experience because a large majority of the children from AMG's parents work there. These parents scavenge through the trash all day hoping to make somewhere around two dollars by finding a couple things worth keeping to later sell.
Next, we went to the fields to hold another clinic for the kids from AMG. My group taught the children how to play Freeze Tag and they absolutely loved it. The kids had large smiles plastered across their faces and were filled with laughter.
During share time with the older group, the boys asked us a very simple question, "Is life in Texas hard?" We immediately told them that life in Texas is not hard, and they responded by saying, "Life in Guatemala is hard, we are hungry." This was a short, yet powerful statement that absolutely broke my heart.
A reminder not to take the little things for granted. We later shared some moving testimonies with the group and prayed over the children, letting them know that God is always with them and through Him they will find solace and strength during the hard times. This journey to Guatemala has been something I would not trade for the world and I am so excited to see what else God has in store for us on this trip!
Baylor Soccer Guatemala Mission Trip
May 11, 2018
By Lauren Piercy and Raegan Padgett
Our first full day in Guatemala was so exciting and eye-opening! Today we experienced the full spectrum of the Guatemalan people, from the most extreme poverty to the most successful, thriving parts of community.
We were able to walk through the communities of the children we were working with. The living conditions and the lifestyles of those people was truly shocking. Rows and rows of huts made of tin and dirt acted as homes, and we walked along the same dangerous pathways these children walk through each day.
Once we got back to the school, we had the opportunity to interact and share God's Love through our mutual love of soccer. Later that day, we were able to give a Guatemalan Women's semi pro team a glimpse of what a D1 women's soccer team's practice looks like.
During this time we showed these young ladies that they are powerful, strong women who can also play soccer at a competitive level! Soon after, we headed to Futeca, a soccer club in Guatemala, where we were able to play against the back-to-back women's national champions.
It was so awesome getting to see these young women compete and play at a higher level, and we were able to see a glimpse of the potential in these girls' skill, hard work, and love for the game of soccer and for Jesus Christ!
Today we learned that no matter what situation you're in, there is always a way to seek and find joy, and that can only be found through the love of God.
We are so grateful and blessed to have this platform Baylor soccer has given us to share God's word through the sport that he gave us! Soccer is a universal language that has showed us that love has no language.
Baylor Soccer Guatemala Mission Trip
May 10, 2018
By Ally Henderson, Sophomore Midfielder
Update on Guate!! We had a wonderful breakfast as a team and prepared for a long day of soccer and ministry.
First thing we did this morning was a community visit to where most of the kids that we get to work with live, our group of 20+ was lead by local FCA staff through tight alleys to a really undeveloped community full of houses made of mostly tin and cinder blocks, it was definitely an eye opening and humbling experience for everyone involved.
We trudged down a narrow and rough alley to the bottom of the hill that the community sat on to witness what most of the people there did for a living, which was sorting through the river filled with trash trying to find something to salvage and sell to buy basic needs for the day. Our hearts broke as a leader explained that many of the children weren't allowed to attend school and instead had to fish for trash in the river everyday.
On a lighter note, we moved on to the school for the best part of the morning- soccer! the clinic that we put on had around 100 kids with ages ranging from 6-18. we had such a blast getting to know the kids, playing soccer with them, and they all got a kick out of us practicing our broken Spanish :) we were able to share a couple testimonies and encourage them to "join God's team".
We are super excited and expectant for God to move during this afternoon at another clinic with a more advanced team and then a chance to scrimmage the local women's semi pro team. Thanks for your prayer and support, God is stirring us and the people we're encountering and we couldn't do it without you.
By Maggie Burton, Junior Goalkeeper
This morning we had our first soccer camp with the students of AMG. Before we started, we went on a short walk through the surrounding community.
Seeing homes built of mostly corrugated tin and blankets reminded us of how amazingly blessed we are, and allowed us a glimpse into the lives of the kids we would be playing with. We learned that for many of them school is a refuge, where they can learn and play sports instead of working with their parents or being alone at home.
The camp itself was all smiles and laughter! It was amazing to hug some of the same kids from last year, and to meet so many new ones. Their joy and enthusiasm was contagious!
Marci was especially popular when she taught them to play "Combat," and challenged a few of the boys to play her. After each group had been to each of our stations, we scrimmaged their teachers. Just saying, we won.
Baylor Soccer Guatemala Mission Trip
May 9, 2018
By Sarah King, Senior Defender
When we were first presented with the option of traveling to Guatemala with our soccer team through FCA, I immediately knew I wanted to go.
I had never been on a mission trip before, and I was really excited to be able to experience one surrounded by my soccer family. What I was most excited about was the opportunity to serve God and to serve the young girls of Guatemala.
As I am sitting here in the airport getting ready to board the plane, I think about how we have such a special opportunity to serve these girls not only through the sport we love, but through the spirit of Christ as well.
I'm so pumped to share with the girls how we have incorporated our faith into our game. I am looking forward to a week filled with soccer, fun, and fellowship!
By Audrey Johnston, Junior Defender
I am so excited to have the opportunity to go back to Guatemala. Last year, I had the opportunity to go, and it was such an amazing experience.
I want to go back again to continue to build the relationships we made last year. We were able to empower the women and show them the love of Christ through soccer. I went there to have God work through me to change the girls, but I think it changed mine even more.
The verse that has stuck with me throughout the trip last year was Galatians 6:9 which says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
I was so touched by the joy the people had coming from so little. I can not wait to continue working with the girls, and I am so excited for what God has in store for this trip!
