Oregon Student Athletes and San Rafael de Brunka Make the Days Count

Greetings friends from far away from me but who in my heart will be forever. The project for me will be something I will never forget, I learned many things with all of you, from playing to working. I learned that for friendship there is no age, thank you for so much love that you gave me. I miss them all very much, it was very difficult for them to leave. My house always awaits you and so do I. Rafael, Community Youth Member

20 student-athletes. 9 days. 1 shared purpose. Prior to June 16th, 3,380 miles separated the village of San Rafael de Brunka and the city of Eugene. A distance so great that the two worlds would likely never collide. That was, until Courts for Kids. The gift that was this service trip gave rise to unbreakable bonds, core memories, massive bug bites, well-nourished bellies, deceptively hard “nature walks”, and a handcrafted sports court.

From the get-go, San Rafael welcomed us with open arms. Just moments after our arrival, six young-ins performed an incredibly lively dance routine to kickoff our stay with a bang. The youngster of the group, Rafael (5) even dropped to the floor with some advanced movements, dancing well above his age bracket. Although fairly wiped by the long travel, our heads hit the pillow in high anticipation of the action-packed days (and rice & beans) ahead.

Ex: Chapter I: Los Gringos Locos

As we awoke from the rooster letting us know it was time to wake up, we were all ready to get to work and complete this mission. Although we were unsure of where to start, what to do, and who to follow, I know for a fact that we all just wanted to jump in and get our hands dirty. As we went to breakfast, we were welcomed by the ladies with a plate of rice and beans, and also other protein/veggies on our plates. In addition, we were served with some of the best coffee I have ever had, and a sweet sugar cane water that was very comforting. We all finished our meals that would fuel us for the day, and proceeded to put on our work gloves, bucket hats, bandanas, and work boots. As a whole team, we all walked out on the work site wondering when we would get this done or how we could complete it together. However, the land wasn’t prepared right away, and we had to level the land first before we could start building the court. Despite this, we all grabbed a shovel and a wheelbarrow to start helping out. Although we had absolutely no idea what we were doing and were always waiting for the next instruction, our spirits were constantly at a high energy and there was never a dull moment.

At first, it wasn’t a smooth process and we weren’t able to get a good flow going, but after about twenty minutes or so, we got the hang of it and soon started to move super fast with the court. As we were working each job, we took the time to talk to some of the locals and the workers such as Johan and Max. We got to know each of them pretty well just by asking them questions with our broken Spanglish, and although there was a language barrier, we were all doing our best with hand and facial expressions. Even though we were on the job, we never forgot to have fun and dance with the music playing in the background. Everyone had a smile on their face, and I don’t think I have ever seen a group of college students so happy to be around such genuine people. After we were done with our work for the day, we had coffee and a snack to relax and wind down. We also got to know the ladies who prepared our meals, and they were all so grateful for what they had and to have us there. We also played with the kids and participated in a soccer match. Everyone was having a good time, and then we headed in for dinner. After dinner, we reflected on the day, which included us telling each other about our challenges for the day and what we learned. We also talked about what we could do better for the next work day. As our meeting ended, we all played some card games after and hung out on the playground. We also got accustomed to cold showers, which was very refreshing after a long day in the humidity and heat. Soon it was time to sleep, and all of us slept gracefully ready for the next day.

Chapter II: “Numero Dos”

Day two started exactly like day one, with the rooster calling our names. Most of us haven’t had an issue waking up early, because of the sun that peaks through our blinds at around 5 am. There were no complaints about waking up, and we were all so excited to work with the community on day 2. After breakfast, we started the work on concrete mixing and pouring to complete two more sections of the court. Day 2 continued just as day one did, with more instruction and experience. During breaks between our jobs, we would talk to the locals about our ‘daily challenges’ and learned about who they truly are. We met more locals as well, who made the experience so welcoming and guiding. These locals names included Javier, Holdemar, Christian, and Brandon. For example, one of my challenges included talking to a local about how similar the romantic/personal relationship life is compared to US relationships. It was interesting to learn that there were many traditional ways back then compared to the US, and that a lot of people today do not follow the traditional relationships just like the US. Each one of us learned about their culture, communication, gender roles, games, activities, sports, economy, politics, and even the community gossip. Yet again, just like day one, we had dance parties in between breaks and enjoyed our time with the locals, making the most of every moment. The boys would always joke with each other, and the girls would play with the kids and have a good time. Each one of us were very respectful to each other and always on alert whenever someone needed a break. Although we were all drenched in sweat, cement, sand, gravel, dirty concrete water, and dirt, it didn’t matter what the conditions were, everyone had such positive spirits and never complained once. All of us were exhausted and tired but regardless, we just embraced the atmosphere and the present mindset. We all knew to just live in the moment and not take anything for granted. We were able to complete about two and a half sections of the court. After our work was done, we hung out with the locals and played with the kids. Some people even went to the local’s houses to tour them. Some of us learned how to do certain things that they did in everyday life. I think most of us talked about how the community was so welcoming, always taking care of us, and being so kind and helpful. They are grateful for everything they have and always put their community first. It is very refreshing to see everyone be so supportive and present in daily life. Despite not having as much, they were still grateful for everything they have. .

Chapter III: “Si, se puede!”

Day three started as usual. I think most of us were exhausted and tired from the days before, constantly lifting heavy buckets and shoveling. Although we were exhausted and tired, the group never complained and were motivated to complete the court. Our jobs continued as usual, but on this day, we had to partially mix concrete by hand because we only had one cement mixer working. This process took a quite bit of time, because it took a village to grab all the material and mix it together with just a shovel. Despite this process and the added manual labor, we continued with joyful expressions and unrelenting attitudes. We were able to finish the court with the whole community, completing the rest of the court. As we finished the court, you could hear all the cheers from everyone. We celebrated with a dance party on the court with the whole community. I think we all learned that it takes a village to accomplish anything. Goals are not just individual-oriented. From the kids, to the ladies that cook our food, and to the whole community, all the support was needed to do this. The feeling that we all add as soon as we saw the last concrete pour down was indescribable. As a group, we felt so grateful for all the people that helped and worked with us. In our reflection, we all talked about how everyone in the community lives freely with carelessness. We all were so amazed by the attitudes that the community shared. Including the kids in the community, who always enjoyed their time playing outside with us, not even caring about the language barrier. It is so refreshing to see the kids interact with all of us, because back home, it is not like this. They are happier than ever to just live and be free while playing soccer, football, frisbee, or even the traditional games. It was a very joyful day and filled with a lot of core memories that the whole group made together.

Chapter IV: Almuerzo Fantastico - MONSOON

On this day, we visited a biological corridor called Rio Canas in Santa Maria. We had three groups, some of us walked for a bit while the truck took different groups closer to the mountain/forest. When we got there, we were greeted by tour guides. We hiked for about ten miles in this forest, where we came across bridges, natural rivers, and pools of water where we dipped our feet in. It was a long hike, but we were creating memories that would last a lifetime. Our group was super adventurous and very open to new things to experience. During these long hikes, we all have our own personal memories shared with each person as we were walking. Along the way, we also tried some new fruits and tasted some interesting lemons. One of the fruits is called a water apple, which had a sweet yet bitter aftertaste. The lemon we had looked like an orange, but it was a very sour one. The tour guides were able to pick them out for us. None of us cared about the time, which is such a rare experience because as student-athletes, our lives are so structured and scheduled. After we finished our hike, we began the trek home, but on the way, a monsoon came over us and completely drenched everyone. We were all soaking wet, walking with wet shoes in the pouring rain. We saw the biggest raindrops I have ever seen, and none of us even cared about the rain. Back home, I don’t think I would ever experience something like this ever again, because I made the best memories on this hike. As we were walking along the trail, a truck came to pick us up, and about twelve of us were in the back of the truck while he drove us back in the storm. We were all having so much fun in the truck and living our best life. Although we were all getting rain in our eyes and standing in soaking water, we didn’t care at all. And I think that is one of the life lessons that many of us took away from this day. To live freely and carelessly is something that we all strive for. Us student-athletes are always living for something and are constantly on the go. That feeling I had was indescribable. I felt so care-free and made so many memories with everybody on that truck. That freedom is something I will always be chasing for in the future. Being around my fellow student-athletes, as we’re all experiencing something so unique and special, it’s something that I’ll never forget and carry with me for the rest of my life. When we got back to the community, we were all with the biggest smiles on our faces. We ended up creating a slip and slide on the field and played with the kids. It was a special moment that will probably never be relived again.

Chapter V: Me gusta nadar

On day five, we woke up early again to go on another hike to the river and a lookout over the Costa Rican mountains. We hiked for about ten miles total. We walked the mountains of Costa Rica, seeing mountain cows and creating memories with each other. None of us had any idea what we were getting into. We kept following the locals who were guiding us, which was Max, Johan, and Brandon. We didn’t know how long it was going to last or how far we were going, but as we kept walking and walking, we saw the sights and heights of Costa Rica. One thing that we all have definitely taken away from this trip is that when Costa Ricans say that something is 10 or 15 minutes away, it’s actually about a four hour hike. Besides that, we had so much fun hiking to the lookout where there was a school bus and we all climbed on top to take a picture. Finally, we walked back down to Max’s house where he had an entryway to the river. We all jumped in. The river had a little pool where the current didn’t carry water away as fast. We all relaxed in the river for a bit until we headed back into town. When we got back, we ate lunch together and played card games and bingo with the kids. Bingo was our activity for the day, and we had a ton of fun winning prizes if we won the bingo game. After bingo, we all danced together with the kids and community to their traditional songs, and also some of our songs such as the Dougie and keep-it-shuffle. We taught them our horrible dance moves, carelessly moving our body to the music without any care in the world. We ended the day with a barbecue meal which included rice, tomatoes, a plantain, carne, and a type of spam meat. It was so delicious and we cleaned the plates up. After dinner, we reflected on the day answering questions such as what our greatest memory was and why it will be difficult to go home. As night fell, we were all so sad that it was almost the end of our trip, most of us dreading the goodbyes to the community, filled with a bittersweet heart to go to sleep.

Chapter 6: Vidas Cambiaron

Day six was a day of celebration and happiness. We were so excited to play with the children on the completed court. The community workers put up the basketball hoops and a volleyball net. We all got dressed in our nice outfits for the opening ceremony. The community shared their gratitude for us, but in reality, they will never know how grateful we are for them. Their words swayed so many emotions in the crowd. We were all so teary-eyed, hearing all the words from the community. They changed our lives for the better, and there will never be enough words to express the way we feel for the community. The lead lady of the project, asked for Tico Mallo, which meant bad boy, to one of our group members named Dane. He cut the rope and we all celebrated with performances. Our group performed a song called Riptide by Vance Joy, and then our classic cheer-on dance at football games called Shout. After that, the children of the community performed their traditional dances. Our acrobatics and tumbling girls performed their own show of tumbling and tossing. We celebrated and enjoyed the good food that the ladies made for more than 50 people at least. After lunch, we all played and taught the kids sports on the new court we made with the community. It was a good time, bonding with the people on the last day. It was so bittersweet saying goodbye to the community and the kids. They changed our lives so much, and our perspective on life. I personally, have never lived life to the fullest without all the expectations back home in college. The people and the group of student-athletes that I went with changed my life forever. They taught me so much about living in the present and appreciating more of what we have around us. Everyone had such great attitudes, and never complained once. I appreciate each and every person that was on this trip. We all came together for a reason, and there is a reason why we were all put together. The bonds we have created will never be severed nor forgotten. These relationships will carry throughout our life, and I am so excited to have shared this life experience with a select group of special people. Like they say in Costa Rica, Pura Vida!

Concluding this trip, as the great Karl “Money” Holmes always says, “Don’t count the days. Make the days count”. We took those words to heart and lived on tico time, embracing every afternoon sprinkle turned flash flood, evening game night turned morning sunrise, and 15 min walk turned 4 hour hike. The feeling of the unknown became familiar, exciting and at times, freeing. An unexpected happening was now just ordinary living. Because for Team Costa Rica, there was no time like the present.

Jo-Yee Chan, Malia Pivec, University of Oregon Student Athletes

It was very motivating to see each person working, with enthusiasm, showing each other that what they want, can be done as a family. They left us great memories and a teaching that wherever you go you have to leave a mark. Adriana Villalta Jimenez, Youth Community Member

We are grateful to them and it was a week where they won the hearts of all of us, we learned from them and we hope they learned from us, too. There is no doubt that working together achieves great things. We enjoy their company very much, we will always carry them in our hearts. Paola Aparico, Adult Community Member

Guys at the University of Oregon, thank you. You are a formidable group, kind, friendly, eager to collaborate and very hardworking. You will be engraved in our hearts and our memories. If one day you want to return, we are waiting for you here. Brandon, Jhojan, Dilan, Jose e Iliana, Community Family

Having shared with other people from different places and with different customs was something very beautiful, and despite the fatigue and everything, we were super happy with the experience lived and the many memories they left us. Thanks a lot. Karol, Community Member

I really liked that some, although they could not communicate with words, looked for sounds or signs. I really liked that they liked to taste the fruits they were given and tell us if they liked them or not, I really liked their great education and humility. I have a great memory of each one and I saw their great group effort to conclude the project. The farewell was very sad but someday we will see each other again. Gaby, Adult Community Member

For me it was a very nice experience since I was able to help and share with new people and also have fun. Thank you for helping us to have a sports court which is very beautiful. Leonardo, Community Member

As we stepped off the bus, before we even interacted, they extended their loving arms and welcomed us as if we were their own. This has taught me so much because often times we overlook the way we embrace each other. This community has taught me to love and embrace people as if they are my loved ones because at the end of the day everyone just needs to be loved. ~Hannah Seubert, UO Student Athlete

Their constant positive energy is contagious and I wish that we can bring this back home. I did not once see a local look sad or mad at anything. I am going to head back home with such a different outlook on life because of this trip. I’ve learned to be myself, stay positive, and be grateful for the life I have. ~Makena Carrion, UO Student Athlete

Coming to a community so full of joy was very refreshing. I have learned so much, but one word I can take away is the word together. The adults and kids in the community act as a big family. A family with no hate, no judgments and no stress. The people have taught me to be so welcoming and caring of one another. They taught me to have intention behind every conversation and stay present to where I am. ~Italie Macchiavello, UO Student Athlete

I feel like this trip has changed me by giving a new perspective on what I believed to be a fulfilling life. The pressures of lacrosse, school, and social life made my ideas on what I needed to accomplish, be centered a lot around just my successes. After leaving this experience I have learned to appreciate the day, and not focus solely on the future outcome, as well as the importance of family and close relationships, never taking advantage of the little privileges I may have over someone else and how the smalles acts of kindness can make the largest impacts on those around you. ~Cassidy Eckert, UO Student Athlete

The locals showed me that every person is accepted for who they are which encourage me to embrace every feeling and comment. I made many close connections in which the conversations taught me that I am enough and I am admired. ~Kaylie Barrera, UO Student Athlete

I met complete strangers who welcomed me with open arms and who love so freely. I hope to somehow take this home with me because it is something I am truly going to miss. It’s a blessing waking up in this community everyday and all the love I have felt will never be replaced. ~Katie Keogh, UO Student Athlete

What I learned about myself is that I need to disassociate from social media and caring what others think. Just to keep living no matter what and be myself, because at the end of the day I’m a small speck on earth so make the most of everything. ~Luke Dunne, UO Student Athlete

What I learned about the world is that we are all more similar than we think. The people here speak a different language, live very differently, and don’t have access to many things we take for granted, but we were still able to connect in so many ways. We worked hard to bridge the language barrier and discovered many similarities about each other. We connected through sports, movies, and games. I found myself having a better time with these people I could barely communicate with than a lot of people from back home. I’m grateful for this opportunity and the new perspective it has given me. ~Andrew Boyle, UO Student Athlete

I learned that the world is filled with not only beautiful land and sights, but even more beautiful people. We all are so unique but filled with such similar desires, such as the desire to be happy. We have the power as people no matter where in the world we come from to fill each others lives with love, and open peoples eyes to different ways of life. ~Emma Keogh, UO Student Athlete