Today was our final camp day. We did a lot of soccer drills and then Coach Ray had the kids play games to practice the skills they learned. We did skits, songs and contests during the break. We ended camp at 10:45am, and then have a massive water balloon fight. The parents supplied us with hundreds of water balloons, so we had many rounds of kids throwing at us and vice versa, 2 balloons at a time. It was a lot of fun. We had our final skit at the end led by Danielle about the story of the fiery furnace. Paul gave the closing message and prayer.
After the program was over, lunch was provided in the pavilion. It was great to see the kids mix with the Seahorse coaches, signing autographs on the team brochure and the shirts.
After the camp ended, we had a couple of hours of free time, and then it was catch a train south again to play the high school girls that were part of the game on Tuesday. We played some 6 v 6 first as the entire field was not available. We won 2-1, with goals scored by Ashleigh and Natalie. Then we played the full game and won 1-0 on a goal by Savannah. Before the "full" game started, the team was really sweet and wanted to honor Breeanna who couldn't play all tour because of a broken foot. They had her do the initial kick-off at mid-field.
After the game, it was the team and Japanese song, and then a testimony by Alex L. Then we mixed with the team for a while until they had to leave. After they left, we had some final words from Danielle, who was staying down south with some friends who had know her grandparents.
The missionaries who sponsored this event, Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, came and told us about the impact that our Tuesday visit had. Apparently, the faculty at the University didn't think the President should be paying for our food because we are a Christian organization. Even though he (the President) is also not a believer, he insisted and said that if they wouldn't approve, that he would pay for it himself. The faculty also came to the event and were moved by what they saw happening. Apparently in Japan, they are stressing E.Q. (emotional quotient) as much as I.Q. and they really liked the E.Q. they saw happening. Also, when Jonathan was asked by Paul to pray, it was the President's own initiative to explain to everybody what prayer is and why we do it (which he knows from his wife who is a believer). The Luethy's were very encouraged by this.
We were so late getting home, that we just went to bed
It was an early morning 5:30am wake-up call to have the bus packed and loaded by 6am. Then it was 5 hours up to Osaka, fly to Tokyo, and then fly to LA, landing at 11:45am, Japan Airlines JL0062. (This is being written in Osaka). While on the bus, we did our third and final hynack session, and then each person had a chance to share their hi-light and low-light from the trip. One of those hi-lights is you all who have supported us faithfully, financially and through prayer. There will be many more stories you will hear when your individual participant gets home.
Pictures
Day 18 Video Montage
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