The bus squeals to a stop and we look to our right to see an overgrown empty soccer field. It’s a rainy day so our feet squish into the mud and we begin to play soccer and hope people will show up. After awhile some kids come and we awkwardly exchange names. We soon learn they’re actually really good at soccer, but we sooner learn that they are patient and kind. Before we leave they run to their house and come back with oranges from their tree. We tell them we’ll be back next Tuesday and the Tuesday’s after and get back on the bus. This is San Box.
Oh man, San Box Tuesdays are the days to look forward to. Playing knockout with youth from the community and laughing with them when my foot completely misses the ball. Hearing God speak to me through each of the kids and the ways they love. Sharing testimonies with them and eating more oranges from the orange tree. The first couple weeks get more and more wet until eventually you just expect to get soaking wet and take a couple embarrassing falls when you’re on the field. The grass gets cut one week and another week you finally start trying in playing soccer and not worrying about how you’re not the best. Through all this though, one thing remains constant: The Lord’s heart for each of His children that reside in this town. Panama mountains serve as our backdrop when we chase our dog through the streets during a game. Another testimony each week and more roots and seeds planted. We exchange our weekly waves and small talk with the girl in the house nearby who is too nervous to play. But we know she’ll stand outside and watch every second anyways. We play soccer in another town one week, but we make sure to stop by the orange tree house with a jersey for our friend.
I think back to the first day at San Box. Pulling up slightly carsick and a little annoyed of the rain. I never knew how I’d look forward to soggy shoes and overgrown grass. I never knew I would spend mornings praying for our faithful friends. But, I should’ve known. I should’ve known when I pulled up, God loves His people. Jesus was thinking of them when He died on the cross. That makes it worth it.
I see God’s heart in getting hit really hard while playing. I see God’s heart in trying new things when I didn’t think I could. I see God’s heart in the way the same people show up every Tuesday. I see God’s heart in Angelica’s patience when we miss the ball. I see God’s heart when Kervin is on the opposite team and we laugh as he tries to steal the ball from me. I see God’s heart in Roberto when he bombs the ball across the field. I see God’s heart in the girls who came to watch and hear testimonies. Or the middle-aged man who just wanted to play. I see God’s heart in oranges and in hearing the same Christian Spanish rap song for the 20th time that day. I see God’s heart in our host, Rasta, poking fun at Tate for never making a goal. I see God’s heart in overgrown grass and muddy shirts.
San Box, I see God’s heart in you.
