Sorry that my last post about training camp was really rather vague, and it will have to remain vague in order to preserve the experience for future World Racers. I can say that it was a great experience, and one of the best parts for me was becoming a part of Team S.O.L.I.D.
How the World Race works is that you belong to a squad, which is about 50 people. I am a part of Squad Z (the 26th squad to participate in the Race). Each squad is led by two WR alumni. Then each squad is then broken down into teams of 6-7 people. Every time we move from country to country we will do so as a squad. Once in a country we will be distributed as teams to various ministries and organizations. Depending on the need more than one team may be assigned to a location. Most of the time you will always work in your teams. These people will become like immediate family, and the rest of the squad is like extended family.
So without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to my traveling family: Team S.O.L.I.D. You can click the team members name to check out their blogs.
Kevin Vander Wal (Team Leader): Kevin formerly was an elementary Math & PE teacher
Jonathan Jessee: Jonathan formerly worked in construction
Amanda Britton (My favorite teammate): formerly worked a nuclear power plant as a Civil Engineer
Britni Bersin: formerly a student
Kip Deaton: architectural student
Charlene Geddes (Team Finance): worked in Care & Recovery Ministry at her church
As you can tell S.O.L.I.D is an acronym. It stands for Spreading Out Life In Da-nations. Yes we cheating a little bit in regards to the "D", but you have to admit that its catchy. Our goal as Team S.O.L.I.D is to bring life more abundant to those who are oppressed around the world.
Also besides being put into teams I was also asked to be one of the two Logistics people for our squad. I don't really even know where to begin summing up what my job will look like, partly because that haven't completely told us yet. But as I understand it, as a Logistics person I will assist the squad in the details of our travel and ministry. I am very excited and honored to have been asked to take on this role. I was told by the WR staff member, who was the first Logistics person, that after her role on the race ended she feels that she can travel the world confidently, negotiating transportation, finding hotels, and understand visas. I'm sure this will be a great experience as Amanda and I look to do missions work beyond the World Race.
