What if the Hokey Pokey really is what it’s all about?
Well, before you ponder what that means, let me fill you in on some fun things that are taking place.
We are in the gorgeous city of Bucharest, Romania!
We had the comfort of taking a very cozy bus from Moldova to Romania. We all settled in and slept all the way, well, most of us! Praise God it was a peaceful and very pleasant boarder crossing. I feel like that last statement is an oxymoron most times but this time we boarder hopped, it was great!
We checked in bright and early to our hostel. We were delighted to learn that a Starbucks was just a metro stop away. Aside from that we have all the comforts of home for 3 days. Beds, hot showers, endless wifi, and cozy chairs to blog from.
It has been so wonderful to be with our entire squad. I have missed them so much!
I spent the day basking in the sun just talking about God and how blown away we are of Him. We sat outside of Starbucks&McDonalds journaling, processing, and anticipating what the day would hold. We just kept looking at each other saying “Is this real? We are in Bucharest enjoying coffee and the Word of God”
Finally, at the end of a relaxing day we had squad worship. Probably the best worship ever. New Squad Leaders were introduced! My team leader Caleb was risen up alongside of two other women who are incredibly wonderful.
Now on to team changes.
I have spent the past 3 months with 5 wonderful people. We went through so much together. But this is a new season for us on the Race so it’s time for new people to grow and learn from.
I sat nervously on the floor waiting for my name to be called.
Drum Roll Please………
My new team is………
Team Leader Ali Kendrick
Ali and I haven't talked much at all but 2 nights ago at a worship session she had a very meaningful word for me. I really felt connected to her and knew instantly that we had bonded and that I had much to learn from her. I was so full of joy when she called my name!
Christian Norris
I had the grand privilege to stay with Christian and his family the day before we left for the year! His family truly is such a blessing and a joy to be around. I know Christian is a true man of God and I'm so looking forward to learning and growing alongside him!
Emily Allison
Emily and I bonded instantly at training camp back in May. We just clique and she's so much fun to be around! She is from California/Nevada. She is very relaxed, kind, insightful and all the qualities of a teammate I would want in conditions like the ones we experience on the Race. I'm so blessed to be on a team with her!
Katherine "Kat" Kraft
Kat is the most sweetest, kind, gentle hearted woman you could meet, and the most beautiful, too! She's so incredibly fun to watch during worship. Her light for Jesus shines so bright and I know she's going to be a ton of fun to be around and have spiritual discussions with.
Robin Scrace (pictured in the middle!)
Robin hails from the Mitten, just like me! Robin and I got to hangout quite a bit before we left for the Race. I asked so much to be placed on a team with her. It's so nice to be able to have someone living with me that knows what I mean when I say "home". She is a wealth of spiritual information and as the financial deadlines come closer, I know Robin will be the calming spirit I need nearby to keep my nerves at bay. She has a child like faith that never doubts her God. To say I'm thrilled to be with her this season would be an under statement.
Thomas Herder
Tom and I just lived together for 3 months on our previous team, Fire! Glory! Freedom!
I'm thrilled that we were placed on a team together again! I feel that there were so many things on our last team that prevented us from really getting to know eachother the best we can. So, God redeemed it by giving us 3 more months together! Tom and I have enjoyed playing chess together, going on long walks, and talking about how we both hear from God in such different ways. All of that sounds incredibly cheesey, but Tom really is the big brother for me here on the Race. He has continually put me in check when challenges arise, he always waits for me when we cross the street, he always is protecting the women when we walk back late at night from somewhere. Have I mentioned he was a Marine? Tom is multifacited and a spiritual asset! So pumped to serve with him again!
I’m so PUMPED to be with this specific group of people. I’m so at peace with it. I couldn’t have placed myself on a better team.
After team changes, a few of us made our way to a nice restaurant to celebrate! Bucharest is beautiful. The architecture of the buildings is superb.
But most importantly, I can see Jesus in the people here.
We are only here as a stopping point along the journey to Africa. We are soon heading from Bucharest to Qatar then on to Nairobi which we will be spending 3 days there before we head out all over the country of Kenya!
Please pray for rest and relaxation over our travel days coming up along with our days in Nairobi. Travel days are very taxing on us and are some of the most challenging days.
God Bless!
