I know, I know, it’s been a quick minute since I have posted much of anything here, but things have been a little crazy! After leaving Sri Lanka (more to come on that country eventually), we flew to Bangkok, had a LDW (leadership development weekend) where we announced new teams and raised up squad leaders, and then have been in the midst of unscheduled ministry for 10 days, then we are heading into a debrief and on to Myanmar. WOAH! Month 6… country 7!?! Already!?!? What!?! How can it be??
Thailand is BEAUTIFUL! Not super fond of Bangkok, it reminds me of Las Vegas, really, but the beaches are beautiful, the people are great and I have had a wonderful time and learned so much since being here. Which leads me to my newest announcement: I AM A SQUAD LEADER!
A what? You ask, Well first let me introduce you to the lovely humans that will be leaving us this month:
Shelby Bradford — SB
This wonderful woman has traveled with and been of the DOGS at least part of the month in every country. She is an honorary DOG for sure and this race would not have been the same without her! She is kind, caring, puts up with me and my craziness, and a woman after God’s heart. My prayer in this new season of leadership is that I can cultivate relationships as well as she has.
Tabitha Turner — Tabs
In the first months of this race, we didn’t have quite as much time together, but the time we did was GREAT. She strives after God daily, has a beautiful singing voice and an even more beautiful heart. She knows who she is in Christ and grows in that every day. My prayer is to walk in who Christ has created me to be as well as she does.
Ariana Beel — Ari
This beautiful soul challenges me in almost every conversation we’ve ever had. While those challenges haven’t been easy, she has always presented the challenge with the willingness to support and walk with me through it. I love that we can laugh and share those things that are “not as redneck as they sound.” She loves Christ with so much passion and follows him even when it’s hard. My prayer is to be able to lovingly challenge and point others to Christ the way she has.
Kevin Odom
I had my first encounter with this guy before we even left the country and instantly knew we were meant to be friends. He has shared many of my struggles and sees the freedom and love on the other side. He has a great grasp on the knowledge and wisdom God has given him and isn’t afraid to share it. My prayer is to be able to be as inviting, willing to share and open as he is.
These individual have helped shape our race so far. They have been part of our teams, part of our squad and it’s going to be so hard to see them go, but after debrief they will return home and we will be taking over!
From left to right meet my new team eleMENTAL: Tim, Todd, Tab (Who’s not staying… I just stole this picture), and Hannah! In the coming months, instead of traveling together, we will be going with different teams individually to serve the ministries there but our main focus will be the squad. This is a pretty big focus change but we are excited for it! I am also excited to see the ways God grows us, uses us and directs us to what he has for us in the future through this (more to come on my thoughts on that soon).
Love from Asia
-Dace
P.S. I am still about $3000 away from being fully funded and I need your help! Please prayerfully consider partnering with me on this journey or sharing it with your friends/churches, etc. I know God will provide, but if he’s calling you to help him do it… click that green button.!
