Day 2
We woke this morning to the torrential rain as we gathered for breakfast. The Mago, where we are staying, is located on a hillside overlooking the water and we have a full close up of the famous Piton Mountains here on the island. Because it's on a hillside, our walk from our rooms to breakfast borders on a hike itself. The same holds true for our walk downtown to the soccer fields and service areas…. Not bad going down but like a pre-season workout on the way back up. It is hard to describe how steep these steps and the hills are, and it is very hot indeed. Though the town of Soufriere is a small town, people travel through here just to see the Pitons, a spectacular sight indeed. We are fortunate that everything is within walking distance from where we are staying this week and that makes things a bit easier for sure!
We were excited about our first day truly interacting with the kids in the town as we sat eating breakfast hoping the rain would stop. We had watched the local soccer match last night and knew the field was water-logged then and knew well the conditions we were about to face… none-the-less, we were ready to go and make the most of what we had to work with. Before we knew it, the rain had stopped, the sun came out and we made our way to the soccer fields.
“Island time” is a common phrase used here and we are experiencing it to the fullest. We arrived at 8am to start our camp and we eventually got going at 9:30 or so as the kids strolled in bit by bit. Once up and running, it was a great day for all involved. Great kids, soccer balls, wet and muddy conditions, and a whole lot of fun! It was around 100 degrees and it sure felt like it. We wrapped up at Noon, hurried back to Mago to shower and headed back down to the school for Shauna to present the CHAMPS life skills program at 1:30. She did a fantastic job and did us all proud.
In attendance were PE teachers, community coaches, and many others involved in youth leadership on the island. There was also a representative from the Ministry of Youth and Sport in St. Lucia. The workshop was coordinated by Jen Leshnower, a Youth Civic Engagement Specialist, here on the island who works with the RISE Organization.
We have five young high school age locals who are assisting us this week at camp and we have partnered them up with SRU student-athletes and coaches to assist with the camp and gain experience in such. They are excellent soccer players and we are optimistic they will become coaches and mentors to the younger children of Soufriere. Instant friendships have been made and they are excited to show our students the island and all associated with it.
After the day's scheduled activities, our island friends took our athletes to the beach to enjoy cliff jumping, and yes, we can sense some eyebrows being raised, but it was safe (at least that's what they told us, ha! ha!) and exciting. Pat Cormac was most adventurous, and we will leave it up to him to share (if he choses!)
The night is coming to a close and yet the island is still very much alive. Music from the island fills the air and the crickets are in full voice… it's wonderful…it's St. Lucia!
Until next time….
