The Bethel University volleyball team is traveling together in Costa Rica from May 25-June 1. While there, the team will be playing top level club teams on three different dates and serving the community in three different cities. In addition, they'll enjoy several group activities that showcase the beauty and culture of Costa Rica. Each day the group plans to compose a blog post from different members of the team, answering the questions "What was good?", "What was hard?", "What'd we learn?", and "What's next?" To see more photos follow the team on Facebook or @BethelRoyalVolleyball on Instagram.
From Celia Blattner
What was good? What did we learn? (It's all mixed together today!)
Today was filled with some of the most worthwhile experiences I've had throughout the course of this trip. We started out the day by visiting a day program and community for adults with disabilities. Asociacion Talita Cumi is a non-profit organization that represents people with disabilities and advocates for improving their quality of life. I was nervous knowing that a number of the individuals did not speak any English. We had the opportunity to get a glimpse into their everyday lives and they were overflowing with joy and happiness, while demonstrating to us the jobs they do such as gardening and recycling. Later on in the day, we got to have a dance party with them that brought a smile to the face of every individual in the room. It was so amazing to see how something so simple as dancing could completely erase every language and ability barrier in the building.
This evening, we traveled to a university and played our final match for the trip. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to eat dinner with the host team and it exceeded my expectations. I was again nervous about the language barrier but soon realized that I had learned a great deal of Spanish this week and was able to utilize my new skills during conversations. It was so cool to meet a group of women with the same passion and love for the game of volleyball, and who are busy navigating the same season of life as all of us…college. Furthermore, it is motivating and (only slightly) emotional to know that the next time the team is on the court – I will finally be healthy and able to join alongside them.
(Editor's note: Celia is recovering from ACL surgery!)
Overall, this trip has been nothing short of amazing and I have been challenged in all the best ways possible. I have grown deeper in my love for this team and the way that the Lord's light shines through everyone in a unique way. I kept reminding myself to "be where my feet are" in order to be fully present and enjoy every minute of the trip. It's unbelievably bittersweet knowing that tomorrow is our last day as this team, with this specific group of girls, but looking back – I wouldn't change a thing.
What's next? (From Coach Hunt)
Tomorrow we get a little bit of time in the morning to explore downtown San Jose' before heading to the airport to return home!
A quick note from me about today… it was one of those days where so much happened that it's impossible to explain. Our time at the Asociacion Talita Cumi was a powerful way to end our trip. There were so many meaningful and tender moments, and also so many humorous and fun-loving moments. From the moment we stepped off the bus and were greeted by their drum corps, along with carefully crafted welcome signs, we felt so warmly received. We are grateful for our time spent "off the beaten path" of traditional Costa Rican tourist destinations. Finally, watching our athletes share a meal with a university team of Costa Rican athletes was such a joy tonight. Our Spanish speakers helped fill in the gaps, but everyone was working hard to make a connection. I am proud of them for all of the ways they have been willing to be uncomfortable on this trip!
