Dear o squad…I love you. In fact, I love you with all that I am. Coming onto the race I never imagined that I could love a group of people so deeply…people that I didn't even know at this time last year. However, I've found that over these past 6 months my heart has expanded to fit 40 some new people.
So here is a letter to my new family…my five new sisters or siters…as we say on team SIV…Carina, Alex, Amanda, Fretah, and Emma.
Fretah: you have a laugh that's like eating a piece of key lime pie on my birthday (and for those who don't know…that's my way of saying I really love it). Your laugh makes everything seem right in the world and there are few things that I enjoy more than when Emma and Amanda say something funny (which is often) my first response is look at you and wait for your beautiful laugh. Your encouragement brightens my entire day and I respect your words and praise so deeply.
Carina: From the first time that we talked at training camp you have been one of my closest friends. You have such a gift of servant hood and you are always willing to offer anything you have to both me and the rest of the team. You have overcome so much throughout the year and yet you persevere and continue to grow. There are few people who make me feel as loved and cherished as you do and having you on my new team has been such a blessing.
Alex: I love your silly/goofy spirit more than words can express and somehow your silliness seems to compliment my own quirkiness so well…creating such a beautiful dynamic. For me, one of the best moments on the race was when I looked down at that slip of paper and saw the word "Alex" written in pink lettering. Simply knowing that I was on your team was enough to fill me with peace and confidence in what God was doing. Each day you continue to lead with boldness and I am so honored to be a part of your team.
Emma: My dearest Emma…you have a heart to serve that is unparalleled. You listen to me in a way that makes me feel that I'm the most important person in the world and that you really value each word that comes forth from my lips. Being roomies and waking up next to you these past two months has been such a joy and one of the highlights of my day is spending time with you in the evenings and reading Anne of Green Gables to you before we go to bed.
Amanda: your creativity and imagination bring me so much more joy than you will ever know. Observing you in your element has been one of my greatest creative inspirations during the race. Being around you just makes me feel relaxed and at ease with life and I love that we can just sit in a room together and neither of us even has to say a word. Plus. we will always have a special bond because of our relationship on GPS..(dream team for-evaaa)
Much love…
B.
