Peace Passer attendees: Caleb Cooper and Marley Hagerstrom.

This morning, I woke up to the sound of roosters crowing and dogs barking. A truck drives by full of fresh fruit with a man on the megaphone saying “Pina, aguacate, platano!” The offshore wind blows and I am cooled off momentarily. This morning feels especially good in Nicaragua because of the events that took place last night. I witnessed approximately 100 kids from San Juan Del Sur gather at the local community center ‘Comunidad Connect’ in great anticipation of the upcoming games.

As I walk through the gates of the cement court, I nearly get hit by a kid on his bike pedaling away from a friend who is trying to rip him off it at the same time. The chase continues into the middle of the court where a “futbol sala” league game is being played but the kids continue playing like nothing has happened. The field is the size of a typical basketball court so that both sports can be played on the same space. The Chaos is topped with smiles, laughter and the sound of Latin funk blaring from the speakers in the background. “These kids are having fun” were the first words to come out of my mouth.

I feel proud of the Peace Passers Team and friends immediately b/c of the feeling that our cause has really gained some true meaning and momentum. Unexpected generosity is one thing to give when handing a ball out of the window to a complete stranger who replies “si” when you ask if he plays futbol in broken Spanish. But a true team effort in raising enough money to sponsor this league which has a spring and fall season is something completely different. The kids are all trying extremely hard as their parents cheer them on in the stadium seating surrounding the court. One of the forwards on the yellow team scores a goal and runs over the crowd with his arms out like an airplane. Sweet.

6 hours earlier, after carrying two boards and a full ‘bag of soccer’ through the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, I am relieved to get offered the use of a cell phone from a local Nicaraguan who sees the panic in my face when I realize my ride is nowhere to be found. I call Jon Thompson and he tells me he is right around the corner. When he pulls up I immediately get a good vibe or ‘Buena onda’ from the stranger that I only know through emails and internet chat initiated by one of the Peace Passer team members Seany Frye. Jon is highly influential in the guidance of two non profit groups including Comunidad Connect in SJDS, Nicaragua. A guy that has done more for the town and people of SJDS that most would be ashamed to compare to. I give the stranger who lent me his phone a ball from the bag and we pull away as he points to the Adidas symbol and says “bueno.”

After being honored in front the crowd and given a true ‘futbol sala’ ball signed by all of the team coaches, a local dad leans over to me and says “Muchas Gracias”. “Con mucho gusto” (much pleasure) I reply. Not two minutes later, I look up to see the words ‘Buena onda’ painted on the brick wall facing the field. Then it strikes me, what we’re doing is spreading a good vibe to the people we encounter with the people that support us…a true team effort. The Peace Passers Team would like to thank everyone who has donated gear and monetary gifts. We appreciate your support and assistance in the continuation of spreading a Buena onda throughout the world.

Paz!

— Caleb Cooper and the Peace Passers Team

View the photos of my trip by clicking below:

Los Pargos Escuela – Costa Rica

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua