In the beginning of July, I had the immense pleasure of going out onto the field with second generation S-squad. World Race staff launched them, along with three other squads, from Atlanta before we jumped on planes to head to four corners of the world. Staff and coaches went with the squads to their first countries to train and encourage.
I found myself going from Atlanta to Guatemala, one sunny Sunday morning, with my coworker Hope, and our coaches to meet 59 new Racers and head to Santa Cruz del Quiche, a few hours northwest of Guatemala City.
Volcano, from a rooftop in Antigua
Street market in Quiche
These are the second generation Racers, reaping the benefits of those who have gone before them. My prayer has constantly been that our ceiling would be their floor, that they would see and experience more of the Kingdom, more of what God has in store, than I ever did. I pray that they learn from our mistakes and hit the ground running. Seeing them, being a part of the World Race… it brings me a joy that I didn’t know I could have, despite the difficulties of the job and the stress that sometimes occurs.
Finding myself in Quiche was wonderful. A blessing, a privilege, an honor. After a full day of travel from Atlanta hotel to on-site bunk bed, we arrived. All month, the squad stayed with Agape in Action and worked within their networks of ministry. Our contacts there were such an immense blessing, and I am so thankful for them. They are laboring for the Kingdom day in and day out, and have been nothing but gracious.
Squad's tents on property
During my last night with them in country, I sat down in the corner and pulled out my journal. I started writing the prayers that I had (and have) for them. For their Race, their relationships with Jesus, their ministry contacts and squad.
What happened while writing was unexpected to my secular, normal mindset. When I started petitioning to the Lord for them, I found words that I didn’t know I had. Probably because they aren’t really mine, but His. I had this smile plastered on my face that I couldn’t shake.
I was filled with a love and a joy and a reassurance that the Lord loves this squad beyond their comprehension. I knew it. He loves them. I imagined this feeling multiplied by 12 – the number of squads currently on the field. I thought of all of the alumni that have already come home, and all of the people in process to leave.
Oh, how much he loves! The depth of love for S squad is only a sliver, and I sat, dumbfounded. One of the biggest joys of my life is watching Racers grow in their identity as they are on this journey. I love people, and God is extending and expanding my capacity to love as he does.
So, S-squad, here’s what I had for you:
Be real, be true, be unafraid. Your Papa has you, right where you are, just as you are. You are an army. Go shake the nations. He’s on your side. The victory is already His. Go. Be his kids. You’ve got this. He’s got this.
He loves you SOFREAKINGMUCH.
Like, f’reals.
It’s ridiculous.
But so true.
He loves you.
Adores you.
I can’t say it enough.
Or emphasize. Or bold. Or italicize.
It just is true.
He loves you.
Because he does.
Because he does.
Because he does.
Because that’s who he is.
And that’s what he is. And what he does.
You can’t change it. LOVE.
It’ll never end. Or change. Or leave.
He loves you.
Soak it up. Enjoy it. Don't forget.
I'm moving websites and will no longer be blogging here on the World Race page!
New blog at jennamalinen.wordpress.com.
Click HERE to go check it out.
I wrote about my travels while in Guatemala. A piece I wrote is now featured on Venture Magazine, which launched last month. My article is part of their launch, and I'm actually pretty proud of it.
You can find it here.
Check it out.
Here's a preview for you. 🙂
Welcome to the adventure.
I believe we need more of it in our lives. More of the new and thrilling. We need to step out of our comfort zones and imaginary boxes and step out into the unknown. In the unknown, great things reside, waiting for us to discover and experience them…
Adventure looks different to everyone. Today, for me, adventure looks like traveling in Guatemala.
