The purpose of this blog is to introduce you to my adopted family.
My new brothers and sisters in Christ.
My Squad, the K-Squad!
To all of my family and friends that have been worried, hopefully this will fill you with some comfort in knowing the faces of the individuals I have been blessed to spend the next 11 months with. They dance, they sing (and tolerate my earsplitting voice), they pray, they cry, and they laugh with me. They speak truth into my life, they are there at the crack of dawn when I need to talk, they sit around campfires with me, they encourage me, they make me try new things, they help me to believe in myself and really, if you haven't quite understood yet – they all-around RULE!
Mom and Dad – Don't worry, they've got access to a "When The Doctor Isn't Around" book or something like that for when I get sick. (Just kidding, but really…)
I have never been around a group so willing to fall in love with one another despite anyone's "past," despite the difficult times we may face together and despite any obstacle life presents us. We know that ultimately, God has us in the palm of His hands to guide and protect us and no matter what, we are in this TOGETHER.
Before I introduce everyone, I would like to explain that this is my squad made up of teams. Each team will serve in a different area of each country and at an given moment, our teams can also be switched up. Every month we will travel together and have the opportunity to meet up and share our stories of the various ministries we were able to be a part of!
Now, let's get to it. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you…
The second generation K-Squad!
Here are the teams (some of which have changed since these pictures were taken!)
***Each name is linked to their blog – All you have to do is click on it! 🙂
TEAM JOYFUL FEET
Compassionate. Patient. Has a gift in helping others believe in themselves.
Inspirational. Confident in the Lord. Open to the Spirit.
Tyler Schipper
(pronounced "Skipper" haha)
Thoughtful and strong. Encouraging. Always willing to listen.
Libby Bliss
Tender hearted. Always interested in what others have to say.
Kaleena Eichstadt
Joyful Spirit. Has a gift in making people feel comfortable and invited.
Timothy Larson
Extremely talented/intelligent with technology. Willing to selflessly lend a helping hand.
Raven Hyman
Willing to take a leap of faith. Concious and aware of the needs of others.
TEAM SHOFAR
Team Leader: Geena Nohinek
Contagious smile. Optimistic – sees the positive in everything and everyone.
Justin King
Always in a good mood. Laid back. Ready to listen and encourage others.
Savannah Davis
Capable of anything she puts her mind to. Tender/loving spirit.
Sarah Atkins
Determined & strong. Willing to go through difficult times to grow in her relationship with Christ.
Raj Solanki
Always looking out for others, making sure they are equipped with what they need. Positive attitude.
Hannah McNair
Displays a sincere concern for the feeings of others. Genuine heart.
Alexa Burns
Full of joyful laughter. Gentle and altruistic towards others.
TEAM KOLIAH (Voice of God)
Team Leader: Graham Histed (Just call him Grahamps)
Equipped and willing to take on the Lord's calling. Brings out the best in others.
Austin Demny
Easy-going. Musically talented. Always ready to lighten the mood and share his joyfulness.
Anna Glick
Loyal. Gentle and kind heart. Peaceful spirit.
Stephanie Montes
Graceful. Loving. Thoughtful in actions and in words.
Kristen Currie
Bold. Confident. Laughter that uplifts hearts.
Aubrie Quick
Naturalist. Sees the beauty in God's creations. Free spirited.
Sharon Tharakan
Generous and caring towards others. Beautiful voice and talented singer.
TEAM DIVINELY APPOINTED
Team Leader: Tanner Hubbard
Brave. Not afraid to encourage and uplift others to reach their full potential.
Nicole Ferguson
Nova Scotiaaaaa! Honest and open to sharing her heart with others. Stong confidence in the Lord.
Jen Price
Ambitious. Places the needs of others as a top priority, always above her own.
Megan Francis
Intuitive. Always sharing great ideas. Eager to help others solve problems.
Jessica Francis
Creative. Sincere heart. Sees the beauty in everything and shares that with others.
Kaity Moriarity
Big beautiful heart. Willing to step out in faith. Always includes others.
Tyler Hunt
Willing to stand up for what he believes in. Protective over others. Warrior's heart.
TEAM BRAVEHEART
Team Leader: Thomas Haygood
Humble. Hard working. Seeks out opportunities to provide for other's needs before his own.
Sheri Funk (Funky!)
Knows how to brighten anyone's day. Contagious laugh. Servant's heart.
Laura Angst
Overcomer. Willing to take a firm stand for the Kingdom.
Cindi Williams
Endures adversity with courage. Speaks encouraging and life-giving words.
Danny Weiss
Charismatic. Full of great advice. Always willing to listen and brighten anyone's day.
Caitlin Martin
Displays genuine concern for others. Faithful heart. Willing to face her fears.
Ryan Bentch
Positive outlook in every circumstance. Kind hearted. Selfless servant.
TEAM HATUA ZOTE HAKI (All The Right Steps)
Team Leader: Tommy Lepke
Strong leader. Always makes sure everyone is taken care of. Able to point out the best in others.
Natalie Miles
Adventurous. Faithful servant. Delightful in all circumstances.
Leanne LeBlanc
Enthusiastic. Reflects the light. Never allows for a moment to pass without laughter.
Alex Burdett
Courageous. Open to change and helping other's overcome difficulties.
Emily Zimmerman
Light giving. Thoughtful. Soft and tender hearted towards others.
Brooke Mort
Gentle and caring. Accepting towards others. Joyful and humble.
Ashley Artrip
Determined and doesn't give up. Devoted to uplifting others.
TEAM 6.33
Team Leader: Zach Curtis
Optimistic. Encourager. Understanding and challenges others to grow in their relationship with Christ.
Michael Bourdon
Knowledgeable. Leads by example. Always ready to joke around.
Veronica Bourdon
Overcomer and willing to share past struggles to encourage others. Good listener.
Deborah Eccles
Dependable. Peaceful and genuine. Open to trying new things.
Noah Myers
Adventurous. Displays genuine concern for what others are going through. Devoted.
Lauren Lognion
Energetic personality, filled with contagious laughter.
Shannon Horn
Determined, never giving up on her ultimate goal. Serves as an inspiration through her driven nature.
TEAM CONSUMING FIRE (My team!)
Team Leader: I have been so blessed with the opportunity to lead this amazing team of brothers and sisters. God has called me completely out of my comfort zone and I truly believe that this experience will grow and stretch me in ways I can't even imagine! I feel completely inadequate, but it is through God's strength that I will be capable of leading this wonderful team around the nations. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn from each of my teammates and be a source of encouragement as we walk this journey together! One thing is certain – I could NOT do this without them – their support is invaluable!
Brian Barnett
(Our Team Treasurer!)
Patient and understanding. Hilarious, always awiting the perfect "serious moment" for a joke.
Hannah Coulter
Artistic and creative. Uplifting spirit, encourages others to believe in themselves.
Emily Hartman
Positive outlook on life. Generous and caring towards everyone. Open to new experiences.
Celeste Lombardo
Faithful and encouraging. Speaks life into those that doubt. Creative mind, full of great ideas.
Morgan Willett
Overcomer. Endures hardships with a faithful heart, never giving up. Selfless.
Heith Daniels
Ambitious. On fire for Christ. Encourager with a lion's heart.
Last, but not least, we have our…
WONDERFUL Squad Leaders!
Justin Warren & Patrice Deaton (MAMA P!)
(Sorry, I HAD to use these pictures. You guys asked for it.)
Justin and Mama P are World Race alumni that will be traveling with us for the first four months of our ministry. They will be there to help guide us, encourage us, give us advice, etc.
They have both already been SO encouraging to each and every one of us. Clearly, they enjoy funny things — It is never a dull moment around either of them. I feel so blessed to have them as my leaders and cannot wait to see how much they help me to grow in all areas of life.
THANK YOU to both of you, for being selfless role models of Christ's love and for following the calling God has placed on each of you to help us along this epic adventure we are about to embark upon! It wouldn't be the same without you guys!!!
Team/Squad Leaders and TIM
(In the back in blue — Our AMAZING ministry
coordinator! He does work, son!!!)
And there you have it — My family for the next year!
THANK YOU to all of my supporters that have made this possible. Each and every one of you are a HUGE blessing to me! This would not be possible without any of you.
