I had the incredible privilege of traveling around the world with Team Sweet Aroma. Team Sweet Aroma stayed together the majority of the race, despite a few changes. Please meet the incredible people that served alongside of me this year!
MORIAH BANAS
Meet Moriah! Moriah is the founding mother of Sweet Aroma being Sweet Aroma's first leader. Moriah is from Texas and a recent grad of Texas A&M. Moriah has an incredible heart for people, especially young women. Moriah listens to God's voice and does what He says. She is willing to risk all for the sake of Jesus Christ. She has a constant desire for others to have the opportunity to hear of God's love for them. Moriah loves to dance, chase butterflies and live for adventure. Moriah had the opportunity to leave our team and head to another after month 6, though we missed her — Sweet Aroma knows she was a beautiful gift to her new team! I know that the Lord has incredible plans for this Miss Moriah as she listens to His voice and continues living in the freedom He has given her!
CARLY BARTEMES
Here's Carly! Carly is from Ohio and has been a 7th grade English teacher for the past 10 years! She was ready for adventure and signed up for The World Race. Carly is a child magnet! She has the biggest heart for children and loves them with a motherly love. Whether dirty, naked, lice infested or snotty — Carly welcomes children into her arms so that they would be able to feel the love of Christ. Carly has a heart of gold and a laughter (and smile!) that lights up the room! Her wisdom is a gift to many, as well. I loved staying up late (well, I would try to stay up late) with Carly and watch The Bible series on her computer. I am going to miss discussing books and movies with this one. Upon Carly's return home, she got engaged (at the airport!) and will be celebrating her wedding this April with Mr. Tim Black! Carly will return to teaching, be involved with her church as she plans her wedding and begins the "married" life. I'm so excited to see what the Lord has in store for Carly in this new and beautiful season in life!
JASON BROWN
Introducing… Jason Brown! Oh, Jason Brown. So thankful that this Canadian joined our American team (just giving you a hard time… J)! Jason brought so much life, compassion and laughter to our team. He constantly sought others out, desiring to get to know their hearts. Whether it was a 5 minute conversation or a 3 hour conversation, Jason was willing to listen and offer his prayers. During ministry, we'd always see Jason off having a conversation with those on the "outskirts". It was those that were lonely, broken and sick that Jason sought out. He offered friendship and love to those that felt they had no worth and value — Jason, stepped in, showing them they are valued by our Creator. I'm thankful for this brother, who stuck with Sweet Aroma through thick and thin. I can only imagine what the Lord is going to do with his heart for the nations!
TESS CERVENKA
Let me introduce you to, Contessa Marie Cervenka! Tess is from Wisconsin and is Sweet Aroma's second leader of the race. Not long after being raised up as team leader — she was raised up as a squad leader for L Squad. (Obviously) Tess has incredible leadership capabilities. Tess has been a middle school youth director for her church in Wisconsin for the past 5 years. Her adventurous and obedient spirit lead her to leave her job and head to the nations for a year. Tess is a loyal friend and passionate about people. Her coined phrase is this, "Love God, Love People", and she constantly lives that out. Tess had a constant desire to connect with others in a way that shows the love of Christ to the other person. She has a passion for evangelism and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I've learned how to give 100% from Tess. To live intentionally each day, not worrying about tomorrow. Tess brought much life, love and laughter to Sweet Aroma and I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses her, not only in Wisconsin but around the world!
CHRISTIN LYLE
Let me introduce you to Christin! Christin is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She came to the race after God completely rocked her world just a few months prior to the race. She says she used to pray, "God, please never send me as a missionary to Africa" — and here she is a missionary to the WORLD and to Africa! Christin has a huge heart for people. To listen to others. Speak life into others. And pray for others. She is the biggest prayer warrior I know! Christin's obedience to the Lord has allowed her heart to be completely shaped by Jesus Christ. She took many risks this year and endured hospital visits, rocks being dropped on her feet and much more. I've learned how to fight to bring God's Kingdom to this earth through Christin, no matter the sacrifice. And… I am pretty thankful that I had someone to coffee shop "hop" with this year. So much is in store for Christin as she goes home to start "Sweet Aroma Coffee Shop" as a ministering tool to the homeless, college students, and ultimately the prostitutes and orphans of Kenya. God has a lot in store for Christin!
NOAH NOROOZ
Oh Noah. This is Noah and I probably do not have to even introduce him! I'm sure you noticed him… and his beard throughout the whole race! Yes, he grew out that beard from day one. No trimming, whatsoever. Noah and his beard was the topic of the majority of Sweet Aroma's conversation. No but really, Noah is an incredible man of God and was Sweet Aroma's third and final team leader. Noah is from Illinois and previously worked with a ministry called "Friend Ships" which is a disaster relief ministry — and the ministry Sweet Aroma worked with during Month 2 in Honduras. Noah is an incredibly humble man, probably the most humble man I've ever met. He seeks the Lord early in the morning desiring to gain the wisdom of God and hear from the Lord for the day. I've enjoyed getting to know Noah and I am so thankful for his leadership the last 6 months of the race. Noah and I had the opportunity to pursue our passions for photography and videography and learn from one another in this area. I know God's got rockin' plans for Noah, and I am ecstatic to see them unfold!
JACOB PORTILLO
THE Jacob Saul Portillo, ladies and gentleman. Sweet Aroma was not fully Sweet Aroma until this guy joined the team at the end of Month 3. Jacob was truly the missing piece to Sweet Aroma and we were so blessed to travel with this guy the rest of the race! Jacob is from Orlando, Florida and a rising hipster. He loves preaching, gaining knowledge of The Bible and riding his skateboard. Jacob was always off having theological conversations with three year old children or dogs, who knows. All creation is to hear the Gospel, right?! Jacob has a knack for writing — commentaries, blogs or spoken words. Jacob and I even had the opportunity to memorize an incredibly powerful spoken word together (video to come!) and perform it on one of the last nights L Squad was together! I will miss deep theological conversations with this guy, watching movies til late in the nate and so much more. Along with Noah, Jacob has a passion for Muslims and the Middle East and I know that the Lord is going to use Jacob in incredible ways with these passions!
TEAM SWEET AROMA
Below is a video that I created during the month of South Africa for one of the final nights of the Race. Much of the video footage is from Noah Norooz. Please watch and enjoy!
