Day Three - Opening Ceremonies

Yesterday, after our first breakfast in the cafeteria (looks pretty much like MoJo, down to the plates) we made our way to the fields for a scheduled practice and chalk talk. Definitely still hot. 

We then returned to the dorms for a quick lunch and to get all cleaned up for the opening ceremonies...

To prepare, the FIL directed us all to the indoor field, which suddenly became an incredible maze of colors representing each of the 19 countries that have come this year to play in the World Cup.  Words can't really describe what it's like to essentially get to see the globe right in front of you, and to know that each of these girls came to do the exact same thing as you did - to play lacrosse, a game that esteems high values of community, friendship, and honor. 

Finally though, after several group shots and milling about, they organized the countries into alphabetical order and handed each country's team it's flag.  A soon as our captain began to stride towards us, with our Israeli flag held high, we erupted into cheers, and you could feel the immense sense of pride emanating from each and every girl.  We were here, representing Israel - a country with so much history, culture, and above all, strength, with the opportunity to show everyone there who we are and the country we stand for. 

The procession then began, with each team, in order, filing into the stadium. At the entrance, each team was introduced, and the very minute Israel was announced, we could see a sea of fans and supporters jumping up, all in blue and white with flags in hand, cheering loud enough to drown out all else. That was truly a wonderful moment. 

The teams continued around the track to the beat of traditional First Nation drumming, and lined up to watch a tribal dance to the beat of those drums - I felt this was a really great reminder of the origin and roots of the game of lacrosse - a game with a long history, and that has now managed to spread beyond Native American tribes to so many tribes of the world (including the Jewih tribe!).  Once the dancers made their way around the field, the line of teams stepped back on to the field and began to spiral in on itself till we swirled and mixed and found ourselves integrated with each other.  From there we stood amongst each other and listened to speakers share with us, although we could feel it all on our own, just how special this event and opportunity was, to be a part of something that could unite us all in one language - the language of lacrosse.