Let me introduce you to Kat and Jeremy. Basically, they’re a married couple who is probably gonna have a baby soon now that they’re finished squad leading. (Ooo, Ooo, havin’ a baby!) As you can imagine, leading 40 people around the world for five months requires massive amounts of energy, prayer, work, fundraising, and wisdom… which is probably why Kat and Jeremy were so dang good at it.
Ever since I first met them at training camp, I felt like Kat and Jeremy believed in me. That’s big stuff. When someone believes in you, it gives you confidence. When they asked me to fill the role of a Logistics Coordinator, they told me that they had hand-picked me for the job because they knew I would dominate at it. At the time I was like, “Wow, I don’t even know what a Logistics Coordinator does, but if you think I’m gonna dominate at it, then I’ll do it!” On top of that, they had also given me an opportunity to lead the squad for a day at training camp. Being trusted with these kinds of responsibilities was intimidating at first, but I knew I could succeed because of the unwavering confidence they seemed to have in me. It feels good to be believed in. It encouraged me to do things that I normally couldn’t do, such as yelling out announcements to a large group of people who I had just met. They delegated responsibility to me, equipping and empowering me to rise up. Isn’t that what true leadership looks like? Equipping and empowering someone else to rise up?? A good leader makes followers, while a great leader makes more leaders. This principle is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. It’s amazing how much growth I’ve seen in my own life as a result of their encouragement, and I want to be the kind of person who does that for others.
(Ooo, Ooo, havin’ a baby!)
Another thing about Kat & Jeremy is that they have a rare gift for taking something like tedious, back-breaking, sweat-inducing manual labor and turning it into something fun that changes the attitude of everyone around them. “We have to shovel dirt for 6 hours today? Ok then! Let’s strike up a meaningful conversation and/or tell jokes and dance while we do it.” They go ALL IN with everything they do, always making the best of the situation. Don’t you wanna live like that?? I know I do. Life’s too short to be grumpy.
So, Kat and Jeremy, thanks again for going all in with O Squad. You’re friendship and leadership has made a lasting impact on all of us, and we love you.
