By far in all the girls minds the visit to the orphanage was one of the most memorable and impacting aspects of the trip.  Both Coach Courtney and Coach Brock wanted this trip to be more than just a soccer experience...they were interested in giving back to the community of Queretaro and interested in giving these young ladies a life experience. 

Sarah Fazio and Bria West, two 94 premier Fire players, took it upon themselves to collect new or gently used soccer balls from their team and other familes.  Their goal was to collect as many soccer balls as possible and donate them to the orphanage the team was scheduled to visit.  All in all, Bria and Sarah collected over 70+ soccer balls....now the problem was how to transport all those down to Mexico!!!  What a great problem to have to tackle though!

It was decided that the team would visit the Pan de la Vida Orphanage on Monday, March 17th after their first game.  The team travelled through the city of Queretaro out into the middle of seemingly nowhere, down a dirt pathway to the Pan de la Vida, home to 120+ orphans ranging in ages from 3-18yrs.  The group was greeted with some hesitations and shyness which quickly turned into smiles and enthusiasm as a soccer match was organized between some of the local girls and the FIRE ladies. 

The soccer field, quite unlike our own lush, lighted and sprinkler system protected fields at Helder Park was no more than a leveled field of dirt complete with chucks of pottery and sharp rocks.  Beyond the soccer game, a few of the girls played basketball, performed juggling tricks with the soccer ball, or simply sat and talked with some of the kids from the orphanage.  New friends were made and it was an afternoon that affected all FIRE families on the trip.

"From before the trip to after the trip, there was a big difference in the way I saw my family.  I have always loved my family, even when sometimes I say and feel that I don’t, but after I saw all of those kids I don’t think I will ever look at my family the same.  Now when I see them I am thankful to God and try to cherish every moment with them."  -Sarah Fazio (u14 FIRE girls 94 premier)

   

"One of the most unforgettable experiences I had was visiting the orphanage.  If I could, I would love to go back there again...it was just so cool to see how much faith those kids had and so much fun to play with them and make them laugh."  -Teigan Mitcham (u14 FIRE girls 94 premier)