Mamoní Arriba, Panama, and University of Texas student athletes pouring buckets of love

If we could describe our experience with the community of Mamoní Arriba in three words, they would be joyful, generous, and strong.

We have felt their joy in the laughter we have shared together, joy in the love for their land, and joy in the faces of the children who played with us. We have received their generosity in the time they have volunteered in this project, generosity in teaching us about their culture, and generosity in the love they have poured into every meal they have cooked for us (we have never eaten so much in our life). We have seen their strength in how they've shown up to work on the court, strength in the commitment that they have with one another, and strength in the love they've shown for us by welcoming our group into their family. In one short week, they have opened up their hearts and their community to us, and they have poured buckets (tanques, especificamente) of love into our hearts.

Upon our arrival to Panama, we loaded into trucks driven by members of the community and made the trek to Mamoní Arriba. Throughout the drive, we were wide-eyed and in awe of the beautiful landscapes of Panama. Once we reached Mamoní, we were welcomed with a traditional Panamanian dinner prepared by the local women. We then began to unpack and set up our sleeping arrangements in the community church. We went to bed full of excitement to meet the members of the community and start the construction of the court.

The first few days of work on the court were long and arduous. We ran into many obstacles during the first 2 days of the construction such as weather delays, equipment issues (no backhoe), and a shortage of helping hands. However, despite these challenges, we gained momentum resulting in an abundance of community engagement, hard work, and efficiency. We made progress and did our best to stay on schedule by leveling the ground and removing rocks one by one. We were able to level the majority of the court before the backhoe arrived so that we could start pouring cement. On the last day of work, we had the daunting task of completing 2/3 of the court. None of us were sure if we could get it done, but our determination and positive energy prevailed through rain and sunshine. The joy we shared when pouring the final bit of concrete was indescribable, signifying more than just accomplishing our hard-fought goal but our true connection with the local community in doing it together. We celebrated with lots of cheers, the "wave", and swimming in the local river.

While we spent the majority of our time working on the court, we were able to steal moments during the days to make connections with each other and the community members.

We bonded with the community through sports, card games, making bracelets, and diving into the breathtaking river cut through the forest. In addition, we were given tours of the neighboring lands owned by people in the community. We tried many new and delicious fruits, saw many animals, and met the wonderful people living there. Every person we encountered was so welcoming and very kind to share their homes, life, and culture with us. While we came to Mamoní to build the court, the downtime spent with the community was just as special and rewarding. Despite the time or distance that separates us from the people of Mamoní, our connection will last a lifetime.

Often times as Americans, we think we have so much, but everything they have shown to us has given us a new perspective on what a united community is. It is Mamoní Arriba, the people who are endlessly joyful, generous, and strong. We came here to give, but the real gift has been what they have given to us. Thank you, Mamoní, from the depths of our hearts for not only welcoming us into your community but making us a forever family.

Hook 'em & Ciao pescao

- Marlee Zein, Gabby Cusano, & Claire Moreau, The University of Texas Longhorns Student Athletes

Community Quotes

I would like to express my thanks to Courtsforkids and 4EVER Texas for their generous donation. Thanks to your support, we have been able to provide our community with a safe and exciting space to play sports and foster camaraderie among our youth. Your contribution has had a significant impact on our lives and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to the well-being of our community. Thank you for making this wonderful gift possible that will benefit future generations! ~Jean Carlos Vigil

Really accepting ourselves as we are, even any barrier such as language is not an impediment to sharing smiles, games, hugs and all the affection that was given to each other among all of us who participated in the construction of the court in Mamoní. It was a beautiful interaction, and it was also possible to put other people in our hearts considering that God did not make races or languages or superior beings. God made us simply and simply HUMANS.” ~Pastor Juan

I will always carry the volunteers in my heart, in my mind and above all in my prayers. They have left a huge mark on my heart and also in the community for the work that they did and especially for the dedication of working shoulder to shoulder with the community without distinguishing to give joy and hope to this humble town. ~Luis Alberto Rodríguez

The Project in Mamoni above, enriched the lives of those who participated as locals and visitors, each transmitting their culture, with a single objective of building a social area (court) that would last for the next generations. Everything is possible with unity 🤗☀️. ~Hetziba Gomez

U.S. Volunteer Quotes

I truly think that unplugging and being outside has changed me back to a version of myself that I feel that I had lost. I didn't realize how much I missed just sitting outside and enjoying a meal with people, or reading a book in my spare time instead of scrolling through my phone or catching up on emails. There's always another time for that, but not a way to get back a missed opportunity. ~Emalee Nelson, UT Staff

I learned that I know more Spanish than I thought. I always put beginner when asked what level of Spanish I know. The reason behind this choice was an attempt to be humble and not to be presumptuous and to be open-minded about learning a new language. What I didn't realize was that by being what I thought was "humble" was me being timid and not challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone. I was also missing out on an opportunity to connect with the community and to help others do the same. I also had a fear that if I said something wrong or couldn't comprehend something, that I will be judged. However the more attempts I made to communicate, the more support I received. This was an important lesson for me overall, as I realized that being confident in your abilities and taking risks is imperative for growth and positive transformation. ~Kiana Lowery, UT Student Athlete

I've learned so much about adaptability, patience, resilience, and the power of communication from the community. Being located in such a rural area makes it very difficult to gather materials/resources. The ability for the community to use the resources they have available to fix, build or create something is truly astonishing. In every situation and every obstacle they face they are able to adapt and find a new solution to get what needs to be done, done. They are also patient with one another and kind to one another while working and supporting each other. ~Gabby Cusano, UT Student Athlete

I've loved being fully immersed in the community and not having access to social media, electricity or hot showers and being totally happy with being present and engaged with others and the nature around us. I don't want to go back to worrying about material things and not being present with the world around me. ~Grace Holland, UT Student Athlete

There were a multitude of stereotypes that I help prior to our visit to Mamoní, Panama. The chief among them that I live a better life in the US because of the opportunities, technological advances, and access. However, I have learned that while I may lead a more privileged life than these community members, I do not live a better one. The people of Mamoní have so much with so very little. A life well lived is measured in the quality of relationships and the people you surround yourself with, not money gained and items bought. ~Jack Luddy, UT Staff