POCATELLO, Idaho- Women's volleyball
Nikole Cook and women's soccer
Meaghan Bare have a mission, literally. From July 11-25 they will be traveling through Peru as part of a mission trip established by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Pacific Northwest Region.
During the two week mission, they will host eight different camps as they visit schools and orphanages to teach not only the basics of volleyball and soccer, but the word of God.
Cook has been a member of the FCA since her transfer to Idaho State her junior year. Her interest in the fellowship began in high school when she helped out with the Northwest FCA Sports Camp at Northwest Nazarene University.
Her dedication to the FCA has grown over the last few years leading her to want to go on her first mission trip.
"I've really stayed involved in this for the people," Cook said. "I feel like this is a good first step in growing my faith. Doing a mission trip regardless of faith is something you should do in your lifetime. When this trip came up I really wanted to go."
Bare first joined the FCA her freshman year at ISU after her teammate invited the team to an FCA barbecue.
"It's been a great experience meeting other Christian athletes in the area," Bare said.
Although this will be her first trip with the FCA, Bare went on a mission related trip with her mom to the Dominican Republic over spring break in 2018. She loved the experience of serving people outside of the country so when the opportunity with FCA came up, she had to jump on board.
Along with spending time with the kids, Bare is looking forward to learning about the culture.
"I've always been interested in other cultures and it will give me a better perspective on other people's experiences," Bare said. "I think there's a lot to gain from it."
Aside from serving, the group has planned an exciting hike at Matchu Picchu as well as some of their free time being spent at local markets and engaging in the culture.
The two athletes are happy that they'll have a familiar face there.
