So as we arrived in Jinja, Allison gathered us all around right before bed underneath the florescent light amidst our sea of tents. “Deep breath in,” she instructed as we all inhaled. “Every team is changing. Deep breath out.” Everyone knew that some changes were coming, as we had been told as much a few weeks earlier at the previous debrief. But I think everyone expected minor changes. A trade here and there. A shifting of personality clashes here and there. Instead, we took it back to square one and completely shook up every team. The first order of business is to appoint new squad leaders from the group, as Allison prepares to head back to the States. Our new squad leaders are KELLY CHADWICK and KYLA CORNELIUS!! Please keep these two women in your prayers and lift them up as they take on these new burdens and responsibilities. But there’s no one better for the job. Then we added a few new leaders, as previous leaders now get a break from the stress. So another congratulations – and petition of prayer for – BEN EPPINGER, MELISSA GIBSON, BRAEDON TABOR, AND LAURA MEYERS!
Then it came time for the roll call of new teams. Seriously, it was like waiting to hear your name after tryouts. Who made the cut and who didn’t!? Who’s going where?! Who are my new teammates for the next 7 (maybe) months going to be!?! So without further ado, I give you my new team.
- Braedon Tabor – Team Leader (former Karis)
- Audrey Powell (former Hephzibah)
- Bekah Phelps (I get to keep her from Judah)
- Cindy Flores (former Karis)
- Katie Duff (former Karis)
- Steph Connors (I get to keep her from Judah)
- And me
Our team decided on the new name, Team Crux. Crux is another word for the cross, where everything starts and ends and the meaning of it all. Also, it is a rock-climbing term used to describe the hardest, most challenging part of the climb – the point where everything could change and go one way or another. It seems like a fitting name for this transition period. I am sad to break up Judah. Whatever problems we may have had at one point or another, it is still like breaking up a family. But I am also incredibly excited about getting to make this new team my family and getting to know each of them on a deeper level. Please pray for everyone on the old team and new during this time, as some people are definitely grieving the loss of their first love.
Much love to everyone!
