Ok.. boys don't really drool… haha
This year will be my first holiday season as a single woman in 3 years. And I am PUMPED! You see, I knew from the beginning that I would need to be placed on an all girls’ world race team. From previous blogs you know some of the reasons why. I had a dependency on men that was extremely unhealthy; it led to a lifestlye of sin. I needed to not be dependent on men and learn to depend on God. I, also, had very few close female friends. My best friend, Bryan, is a guy. I can’t imagine life without him. But, there are just certain things that you shouldn’t talk to the opposite sex about. I needed more girl friends. I needed women of God to walk alongside me. I needed to be on an all girls team.
This month our team has partnered with a co-ed team for a few days. I was a little nervous at first. I didn’t know what it was going to be like to live with men while in ministry. I knew that I had been working on changes in my life, character, thoughts, habits, and actions. I was being given a chance to test out my growth.
Well, the Lord has answered my prayers in abundance. I can honestly tell you right now that I am so content being single. I love having so many friends that are women now. I don’t need a man’s attention. I love the co-ed team that we are with and I have no need to be around the men for any extended amount of time. If you know me, this is BIG! At home, if anyone was ever looking for me, just find the group of guys and I would be right there with them. It wasn’t always in a flirty or romantic way. Most of the time it was completely platonic. I just enjoy being around guys and feel the most comfortable in their presence. This became an issue in so many ways. But, praise God, because I love my girls! I love the women of God that surround me! I haven’t laughed this much in so long! I love the freedom I have with them. I love being able to open up and share in ways that I never can with guys.
I am now on my second team of the race. My leader is Andrea and she brings me so much joy. Julie is with me from my last team and has an innocence that I admire so much. Nadia is so beautiful. Her words pierce my heart like nobody has been able to do before. Celeste is so real. She makes me want to be myself and no one else. Becca is honest and bold. She challenges me to not be afraid to say how I feel. Rachael was placed on my heart last month for a reason that is still unknown. What I do know is that I love her and I feel connected to her in some way.
These are my girls. These are my friends. They are women of God and make me want to be a better person. I will be celebrating my Savior’s birth in Malaysia with 6 incredible women! I couldn’t ask for more! (Check out their blogs on the lefft side of this page)
SHOUT OUTS to women who have been a major part of my life:
Christiana: you are a woman that has been a huge influence in my life for the last 7 years. I am so thankful for you.
Nicole: I want to be like you when I grow up.
Moni: We have been through some crazy things together. I love that we are so different but love each other anyway!
Cindy: You are an exemplary woman of God. You inspire me every day!
Michelle: You have supported me and loved me as your own. I will forever be grateful for the Christ-like heart you have shown me.
Dee: You are growing into a fierce woman of God and you are going to do incredible things for the Kingdom.
Carol: I have so much love and respect for you. I hope that I can be half the woman that you are to your family.
Ashley T: You are a rock star and such an amazing light! You bring joy to my life.
Kristen A: You push like me nobody else. You challenge to me walk in my true identity. You know I need that!
Mom: You will always be my mom. I will always love you. That will never change. Thank you for everything.
Morgan, Tiffany, Brooke, Tracie, and Laur(e/y)n (all 3 of you): Thank you for loving me so well and being amazing friends.
SURPRISE SHOUT OUTS:
(These women maybe haven’t been in my life long or may not be currently a part of my life but, they have made a lasting impact on me, some without even realizing it)
Mary J.
Mandy B.
Crystal L.
Ginny N.
Amber W.
Kelly W.
Caitlin A.
Mollie P.
RoseAnne H.
Holland C.
Shelli D.
Kelli W.
Tiffany R.
Grandma Susan
