July 10- La Coupe de Chambrun

I’m Emily Wicher, a soon to be senior at the University of Idaho. I am
studying psychology and pre physical therapy. I was lucky enough to be part of the student staff and have had a great time getting to know
both the staff and other students from all over the US and Haiti.

Yesterday was the La Coupe de Chambrun, the grand soccer tournament that we’ve been planning for over a week. It was definitely a group effort and it was so great to see everything fall into place. Many of us were disappointed on Tuesday when the rain delayed our plans but God came through in a huge way. It was bigger and better than anything we could have ever dreamed.

We received a delivery early in the morning with tons of balls, trophies, a net and other things that made the tournament that much more special and official. Everyone did their part to get the all the details ready. People from the village were so excited that when we came out they had already lined the field with white rock.It seemed like everyone from the village showed up to watch “futbol”.

There were four teams in the tournament: The American National Team of America, the Haitian university students, staff from Nehemiah Vision Ministries, and men from the village of Chambrun. The Americans were the only team to have girls playing. For the first game the U.S. played the Haitian students and I think everyone was shocked we won (even us).

In between the two qualifying games and the Championship we had a
drama performance, a gospel presentation by a Haitian student, and a
testimony by an American student. Hopefully similar to the format of
Athletes in Action.

For the championship game we got creamed. Little did we know that the city of Chambrun had an official soccer team. We were very intimidated before we stepped on the field and some of us left with some battle wounds after.

Seeing all of the people go crazy in celebration after the win hit me
in the heart. It was a privelege to be a part of something so special.
When presenting the awards the team was so honored. Each kissed the
trophy and held it proudly high in the air all wearing their new bags
around their backs. We couldn’t take two steps without running into an
adult or a child.

Soccer is a huge passion of mine. It played an active role in laying
the foundation of my faith with God and I have been so blessed with
the game down here. It is something that instantly bonds people
breaking all cultural barriers. If our team was able to bring the
slightest joy to the community renewing any hope then everything was
worth it.

Saying goodbye to this beloved country will be difficult. But it has
left a lasting impact on my heart.