I have a lot to catch you up on since my last blog post! I’ll fill you in on what went down at debrief, for now. 🙂
So, debrief is such an awesome time! It’s when our squad mentor, Vanessa, and squad parents, Roger and Rozy (and this time, squad logistics person, Josh) come down to invest in us–spending time with us, looking at where we are at individually and as a team, calling us higher, etc.
Our surprise for this past debrief was that it was in Costa Rica, so we actually got to spend a week at Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica! I enjoyed a beautiful sunset or two! I played (or maybe not so much) volleyball on the beach with some of the girls. A few of us really enjoyed the Subway that we went to for lunch just for the simple fact it felt like we were back in America when we were in there. I learned that I REALLY like some sushi! I got a tattoo. I had a North Carolina style bbq pork sandwich (because the hostel/restaurant owner was from NC)! If we wanted, we could go play putt-putt, or go on a sunset dinner cruise, or zipline through forests that house lots of monkeys…you name it.
That wasn’t what made me love it so much, though… It was, honestly, just such a blessing to spend that time with my squad and our leadership team! I loved learning new card games with Amanda, Kelly, and Kathrine. I loved my one-on-ones with all the leadership team! I loved our squad worship time! I loved all the hugs and snugs from some of my sisters I don’t normally get to live with on a daily basis. I loved the time me and Allison took soooo many selfies on Ryan’s phone while he sat accross the table watching us do it. I loved late night (9:00) gelato runs with my Team Relentless girls. I loved getting to be a part of Ryan’s baptism. I loved spending an afternoon shopping with Mish and Claire. I loved getting my tattoo, and having Sara and Carls with me. I loved every moment I got to spend with my squad.
I even loved team changes! That was another thing that took place while we were at debrief… I’m no longer in a season with my Relentless girls, and I miss them bunches! But I am SO excited for my Libertadoras!!! 🙂
We’re now in month 5 of this thing, so we aren’t exactly newbies anymore. I loved the safety and closeness that I experience before we had finished our first week as a new team. I love the intentionality and desire each of us has to create that safe place to be vulnerable with each other and share with each other, and how we each are diving in and taking those steps to make it that much better. I was with Betsy and Canada (a.k.a. Katrina) during the Beauty for Ashes retreat back in October, before training camp, and I have been wanting to have them on my team for quite a while–so excited about that!! Sara is one of my Relentless girls, and I’m glad I got to keep her with me a little bit longer! Charis is so sweet and caring! She is quick to notice if something is wrong and to encourage you along the way. She is also an AMAZING cook! And then there is our fearless leader, Mel Jo… Oh, Mel Jo. We love her! She is a great leader–leads by example, and the way she cares for us so well is just awesome.
Simply put, debrief was awesome, and I LOVE my Libertadoras!
And now we’re a little over halfway in to our month in Panama, with only 6 days before we leave for our Squad Leadership Weekend! As usual, time is FLYING..
With love,
Ash
