Exodus 19:5 (KJV)
“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people…” [Emphasis mine 🙂 ]
I have a confession to make, when I applied for the World Race my biggest “concern” was not the possibility of sleeping in a tent for months at a time, the unfamiliarity of foreign cultures, or even leaving everything and everyone I’ve ever known. My biggest concern was my team.
I’ve been blessed to have an amazing support system of family and friends who love me, know everything about me and have consistently walked with me through the thick and thin for my entire life. So the thought of traveling the world with a group of strangers that I would work with, live with and experience God like never before with for the next 11 months, was a bit terrifying for me.
I read countless blogs from previous racers that said after a week of training camp your squad would be like family, and your team would be the core of that. It seemed like every single person claimed to have “the best team ever” and they all trusted entirely that their group was the right one for them.
But I was skeptical. Sure, I believed that these experiences were genuine, I just didn’t believe mine would be the same.
Now this is the part where I humble myself a little bit and admit that I was wrong. You see, the team formation process at training camp is not about the luck of the draw, it’s about trusting that God is in control. Our squad leaders and the entire staff at AIM understand the importance of taking the time to get to know every single person on the squad and prayerfully considering who they would work best with. It was amazing to see how the obedience and diligent prayers of our leaders reflected God’s desire. I trust that the Lord knows my heart in its entirety and has placed me exactly where I need to be.
I already love my team so much and am so excited that this is just the beginning! I understand that as I get to know these five women even more there will be beautiful moments and there will be challenging moments, but our foundation as a Christ-centered community will be the glue that holds us together.
So without further ado I would like to introduce the lovely ladies that I’m so blessed to share life with in the upcoming months! 🙂
Erika Wynne
Erika is a natural born leader. She is passionate, strong-willed and has such a gift to speak God’s truth into everyone around her. Even in tough situations (like an injured ankle at training camp) Erika never complains and strives to learn all she can from her trials. She takes the time to get to know others and will lead our team by setting a positive example.
Kaitlyn Forbes
Kaitlyn has the most beautiful, sensitive and compassionate heart. She has the ability to find God’s beauty in all people and cares deeply about their lives. She has a way of helping everyone to see even the smallest things as blessings because of her appreciation for them. Kaitlyn has a humble strength that blossoms when she is faced with difficulty.
Kaylaynn McAdams
Kaylaynn is joy in its purist form. Her smile is contagious and lights up a room. She also carries a peace with her that is undeniable. She has beautiful optimism that is rooted in the deep trust she has in the Lord, and her ability to share that with others is amazing! Kaylaynn never lets anyone go unnoticed which will be such a helpful factor in uniting our team. I already know that we will have so much fun together! (She’s also awesome because she’s a Baylor Bear!)
Lauren Schraa
Lauren literally has the most contagious laugh you will ever hear! She brings so much goodness and love to everyone around her. Lauren isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and always willing to listen to those who need a shoulder to lean on. I appreciate that she has so much great insight and wisdom in every situation and her willingness to pray for others is so beautiful. Lauren is an amazing encourager and will be such a blessing on our team!
Libby Alcala
Libby has a sweet and gentle spirit that brings peacefulness to our team. She sets such an example of a kind, compassionate and selfless woman of God. Libby loves others wholeheartedly and without limits. She is a fantastic listener and takes the time to get to know the heart of those around her. I love that Libby will observe a situation in it’s entirety before forming her opinion and will never hold judgment.
I can’t wait to be united with these girls again and experience everything God has in store for us! Please keep my team in your prayers as we embark on this incredible journey together.
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