Mima Sànchez-parsons

For the Love of Soccer Mima Sànchez-parsons

This is the story of Juan Carlos Chavez, who found comfort from the pain of isolation, prejudice and his parents absence in his love for and dedication for soccer. Living on a ranch on the slopes of the San Vicente Volcano or in an inner-city barrio was at times difficult. Playing soccer became a way of surviving loneliness and internal unexpressed anger for him. This is the odyssey that he lived in order to cross the border to the United States. He helped to bring his two sisters and brother across the border and, in so doing, he discovered how much he loved his siblings. He came of age, and recognized the deep sense of responsibility he had for his brother's and sisters' safety. It was at this dangerous and perilous time that He made a strong commitment to return to his native country. He felt the strong tug that the land had on his life. He knew the only way for him to feel whole was to work on the ranch beside his beloved grandmother.