Three debates in and we really don't know what to think. One I was pretty sure we won, but the others were hard to tell. The judges gave us broad feedback discussing format and procedure of debate. Only natural, we we're all learning.
Then day 2 starts. The other team is noticeably better. However, so was ours. From the first to fourth debates the speakers control of their speeches' content, tone, and speed had greatly improved. After saying it was the best he'd seen yet, the very competent judge gave specific and more advanced feedback. The feel of the tournament was changing. We didn't feel like small fish in a big pond anymore. Our confidence was flowing and we started talking about having a shot at the finals. Remember that? We got really excited about just a chance that we'd make the finals, with all of us likely quietly dismissing it in our minds.
I knew when we walked into the fifth and final debate that something was up. Four confident looking young ladies strode into to take their seats across the room. The debate was close. The judge gave more higher-level. He also mentioned it helped clear some things up in the tournament.

Not long after came the moment I'll never forget.
"One team here has won all five debates. The only team to do so, La Dehesilla." My mouth gapes, as do the other students'. A moment of silence filled the room as our brains tried to believe what our eyes were seeing.
Then Rachel shrieks and breaks our trance. Reality sets in and the team bursts into smiles, laughter and hugs. I had goosebumps for half an hour after as we talked about it. We, an unknown school from little Cercedilla way up in the mountains, were seated first.
"What," the others must have been asking, "Cercewho?"
The car ride home was filled with talk of the day. An inspiring sensation was in the air.
The speakers went home to rest and practice. Rachel, Kiara and I stayed at the school for a few hours printing evidence before heading home to bed. I did, anyway, I think Rachel kept going, determined as she is.

The first debate the next morning was phenomenal. A true delight to watch. Felix nailed it. Olvido pushed on and fended hard questions, Javi was his confident self, and Carmen gave her best performance by far.
I was not surprised to hear we won with 9 points to 8.
The last debate was a hard one, the pressure was on and we were OPP. I honestly thought were were the better team. We can talk and complain about the judge all we want, and we should, formally, to the organization, but at the end of the day it doesn't change the outcome. Unfortunately, that's life. I know because I'm old and wise. But it happens, and we look forward. Remember and celebrate the wins, you deserve it!!
Let the loss make you stronger in the face of future adversity. There will be some, I promise.
In the end I'm blown away. Of course, by your intellectual capacity to have in-depth discussions of a complicated issue in your second language, but also by the way you composed yourself in moments of stress and pride and disappointment. I'm honored to be involved in any capacity in moving you along towards your eventual success.
Thank you all for an absolutely unbelievable and unforgettable experience."

Bobby, auxiliar de conversación