The recap from the ETBU Women’s Soccer TAME trip to New Zealand is provided by Junior Addison Funk, a secondary education major, and graduate student, Ashleigh Rondon.
"Today started off with a team run on the beach with a beautiful sunrise. In New Zealand, we are really able to see the authentic beauty of the Lord’s creation. Shortly after that, we attended church at Manukau City Baptist Church. The people there were so genuine and I was able to speak to a couple and learn more about their heritage. Then, we went to the gym by the church and we played a game of Rondo. The game lasted for a while and we were able to learn more about the language style here in New Zealand. Before we left, the boys that were playing soccer with us invited us to listen to their Hakka. This was a moment of respect that was amazing to see and we were honored to receive it. Afterwards, we went to Mount Eden. There, we saw beautiful views of New Zealand. As I was at the top, I took a moment to take it all in and commune with the Lord. As I was doing that, a teammate of mine saw me and wrapped her arms around me and asked to pray for me. At that moment, the Lord was speaking through her. Her boldness is something that I admired and love her for. We shared an intimate moment together that I will never forget. This trip has been able to allow my team and I to connect spiritually and I am grateful for the growth we have had already. It has been such a joy being able to meet the people of New Zealand, create friendships with the girls of Evangel University Women’s Soccer, and the great staff of ISF. I am looking forward to this next week and can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to work,” Funk said.
