Day Eight: 5th Invitational Rehoboth Cup

A 5am is never ideal, but it is what was needed for us to get everything ready for the 5^th Invitational Rehoboth Cup. The soccer tournament is held on a vacant lot in a local cemetery. Teams from the surrounding area are invited to play in the competition that also features a team made up of us students here on the trip.

We got to the cemetery bright and early (around 5.40am) and began the task of setting up everything. There were table and chairs needed to be put out, grounds to be cleared and nets for the goals needed to be attached. The land its self was in construction mode with workers already on sight building a large set of catacombs just meters away from where our games were to take place.  Around 6.15am teams started to arrive. This was a sight to see as many came in trikes, jeepeneys and on the back of scooters. One particular u12s team managed to pack all 10 players plus the coach onto 1 small trike, it was like watching the ants come out of their nests all over again.

There was only one field for all the five u12s and six u18s teams to play on, so we knew we were in for a long day. Those who weren’t playing for the Reho team were helping out with scoring, recording, first aid and of course cheering. It’s a big task putting on the soccer comp and it becomes a big day for all involved. It’s made even more so by the fact there is no water or toilets on site.

The games themselves were fierce. With only limited time and space the games were reduced to be only 12 minutes long with 6 players per team. This made the games incredibly quick and played with a lot of heart and energy. The Reho team started their round-robin campaign of strongly with a 3-1 victory. However, they were not the dominant team of the competition as they tied there next 2 games, lost the one after that, before finishing out the round with a 1-0 win. That win was enough to put them into the 3^rd place final. The boys came away 1-0 victory thanks to Cam slotting a free kick through the wall of the defence and into the back of the net. The actual finals for both the u12s and u18s competition were both nail biters that had to be decided by penalty shootouts. It was fantastic to be part of a community event which allowed players, coaches and kids from all around the local area to gather and have a fun filled day of football.

After more than 10 hours at the soccer field we were all a little tired and in need of some relaxation. The leaders weren’t letting on at all about what we were getting up to tonight. We were just told to meet down stairs at 5, so that’s what we did. Glad we did too, as after being shuttled into vans and driven out to Eastwood we were treated to humongous pizzas from yellow cab and the most incredible massages. Exactly what was needed at the end of today.

Shout outs:

Mr Butson: My wonderful classes I hope you’ve been looking after the relief teachers because next week is DODGEBALL WEEK! Thankyou for all the prayer while I’ve away. Mum cheers for the comments they were super encouraging to the team, please send my love to Grandma. My beautiful wife, I will see you soon. X

Miss Smoker: Hi Charlotte, Rhys, Olivia, Hannah and Sienna – Aunty Marilyn misses you all so much and can’t wait to give you all a big hug. Mum and Dad – I promise I am taking care of myself, please say hi to Nan for me.

To all of the incredible staff and students at Rehoboth, thank you so much for your prayers and support. Will see you all soon.

Day 8: The Ants Come Marching In

“Leaders you’re coming with me,” and like that the year 12 leaders were taken away with Mr Butson and Miss Smoker leaving the rest of the group to fend for themselves.

The Leaders were off for a mini debrief and to prepare for the final push to the end of the trip. As we know the best thinking comes when coffee is involved so obviously, the meeting took place at Starbucks. Coffee wasn’t the only order of the day, there was also the task of purchasing food and supplies to gift to Myles and the kids at Journey for Hope.

Back at the ministry centre the remaining team members were split to go out to just 2 rotations; a feeding and a construction site. Those on the feeding team snuck in a quick trip up to the children’s home to play tag and push kids on the swings. The smiles on the kid’s faces continue to make are hearts swoon. After the short 1 hour visit it was time to head out to Angona for a feeding. A new team from Melbourne came to KIM overnight and joined us on the feeding. We were more than happy to show them the ropes and how it goes down Reho style. Some of the guys played basketball with the local Filipinos while others put their balloon making skills to the test. They pumped up enough balloons to completely fill the back of the van and then were able to quickly distribute them to the excited children.

The other team headed off to construction where they were impressed with the development of the site and the progress that had been made since the beginning of the week. They were handed the task of tidying up some land and creating a gradual slope for water to runoff towards a drain. The task became difficult when we unleashed a plethora of raging ants which made their way into our socks and gloves. After shaking off the unwelcome visitors we headed back to the dining room where we enjoyed a delicious lunch of rice and beef stew and the most delectable chocolate cake.  

Afternoon rotations began and blue team headed to the construction site where they were giving the “arduous” task of removing nails from wood so that it could be reused. Its sounds simple at first, however, the only tools available were a couple of jimmy bar(nes), a (russel) crow bar, a claw hammer minus one claw and another hammer minus a handle.

The feeding team instead hopped into the van and headed to the cemetery where we will be holding a soccer tournament tomorrow. The job was to clean up the field and prepare it for the 100 plus kids who will be coming along tomorrow. After clearing the grass area, the team then tackled the mountain of blue metal that was encroaching on the field. It was tiring work, but it was incredibly fun and rewarding.

At Journey For Hope, the team lead a craft activity of t-shirt painting. They used hand prints, footprints and finger painting to decorate the shirts which will have Micah 6:8 written on them; Do justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly with your God. The same activity was also done with the older one at Journey in the evening and the kids at the children’s home.

The hardest part of the day was having to say goodbye to our friend Christian Gonzales. He was our go to guy on all things, an extra driver and just a happy smiley face for us to be around. He is going back home to the States for Christmas, but we couldn’t let him leave without a massive bear and a prayer to send him on his way.

Love from the Yellow Team.

Richmond: Heyyy Mum, Dad, and “Rvcho”! I just want to yell you guys that I am having an incredible time and I feel like I am strengthening my relationship with God. I hope you guys don’t miss me too much ;) But I miss you all, Richard the most. P.S. I’ve gotten so much fatter because the food here is just too good.

Josh: Hope you’re not missing me too much and that it isn’t too quiet without with me. I can’t believe these past 8 days have gone so quickly, but I have enjoyed every moment. Love you all Josh

Matvey: Thank you to Mrs Henderson’s amazing Year 1/2 class for your encouragement, it got a lot of “aww”s from the girls. Josh, Maxi is now my best friend, and we checked out the house we were working on last year, I’ll send photos when I come back. Thank you Bishkek family and home family too. Also shout out to the better Butson half.

Keziah: Hi Fam! Enjoying it over here J hope all is well, will be home soon(might sneak a small child or two into my suitcase)

Rachael: Hi everyone, everything is still going well and I miss you a lot. I’m very excited for the soccer tournament tomorrow. I also met some girls who remember Ryan so that was cool! Lots of Love, Rachael

Gloria: Hey all, really miss you guys. Paul If you’re reading this please tell Todd to purchase gifts for some people (he’ll know what I mean) he can’t forget cause it’s really important & he can’t do it last minute lol. Ok love u all. Can’t wait to see you guys soon J xoxo