WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM TO SERVE IN PARAGUAY

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011
PARAGUAY TRIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM TO SERVE IN PARAGUAY

CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH THE SPARTANS TRIP VIA THE TEAM'S BLOG

LANLGEY, British Columbia – The Trinity Western women’s volleyball team left Tuesday for what will be a 15-day mission’s trip to Paraguay.

In partnership with Athletes in Action the team’s main focus will be helping to run local nutrition stations in a variety of locations. The nutrition stations are places where local people can receive food while also being educated about nourishment and developing workplace skills.

“I think it will give us a new appreciation for what we have here and how much we’ve been given,” said Spartans women’s volleyball coach Ryan Hofer. “I think it also helps to develop a heart for the less fortunate. I hope it changes us in the form of entitlement, in the form of what we have and the importance of giving back.”

There are 150 of these nutrition stations in Paraguay and the Spartans will go to six different ones where they will help in whatever capacity is necessary. The team will also help in orphanages, help run sports camps with the local children and ultimately immerse itself into the villages with a spirit of missions.

“What I'm personally most excited about is all the opportunities God is going to present for us when we're down there,” said second-year Spartan Lindsay Dykman. “We're going to be exposed to an entirely different culture than what we've grown up and grown accustomed to, and I can't wait for all the differences and challenges we're going to experience. I can't wait for being placed into an entirely different environment and just having to placing our faith and trust in God to use us in new and exciting ways.

“I'm hoping for so many different things on this trip. First and foremost, I'm hoping for personal and communal growth in our relationships to God. We're all in different places in our faith and I hope this trip provides an opportunity for everyone to grow in some way or form. I can't wait to be able to dedicate these two weeks entirely to just helping the Paraguayan communities and being able to live out our faith. I also hope that we can grow even closer as a team, which has already been happening these past few months as we've shared our testimonials. This past season has been one of connection and such close friendship, and I can't wait to continue to strengthen that on this trip.”

While down there, the team will also continue to train on the volleyball court as they have planned for six matches against a variety of different teams from national to university to club squads. But for this particular group of 15 women, it’s abundantly clear the trip is so much more about serving the people than serving volleyballs.

“I have a feeling we’re going to be more excited about the service than the volleyball,” Hofer said. “The volleyball is going to be a side part that we’re going to enjoy but I think we’re going to look forward to serving.”

Dykman added: “After this trip I'm hoping Paraguay will have united us to be even closer and stronger. I know we will trust each other a lot more and we will simply know a lot more about one another on a deeper level. I just can't wait for all the good times, memories, and emotions that we're going to experience together.”

The Spartans women's volleyball team is coming off winning a bronze medal at the 2011 CIS Championship.

-TW-

Last Updated: 2011-08-16
Author: Mark Janzen
Email: Mark.Janzen@twu.ca