This week has been a whirlwind. Last time this week, I was still siting in Kamala Uganda eating ice cream getting ready for this new season. With a range of changes, my mind is still trying to comprehend all that has happened…
–Said Goodbye to Jesus Celebration Church. On our last night with our hosts, we had the opportunity to cook an American style meal for the church, complete with no-bake cookies. (It was quite fun letting the chocolate melt due to the heat from the sun) It was a great month to serve alongside them and get to witness their devotion to prayer and family activities. It was another amazing month to see what God is doing around the world. I’m grateful for their hospitality and for being embraced into their culture. It was sad to say another round of goodbyes to such a hospitable, welcoming and loving family.
–The Hungry Youngsters’ Era has ended. We arrived at debrief and the long awaited team changes began. It’s been an amazing season to live life with these individuals. I’ve learned so much and have laughed so hard. I’ve been incredibly encouraged by their words and the family we created. I don’t cry often…however this grieving process of saying good bye to this team was an opportune moment to let the tears fall. I’m excited they are still all remaining together and further bond as a team. I am excited to see how Team Full House will continue pursuing God and celebrating moments around the world. I’m anxiously anticipating getting to hear what the Lord does in their race.
–Squad Leading has become my new ministry focus. As our current alumni-racer-Squad Leaders are going to head home at the end of this month, it was time for them to appoint 3 new squad leaders. Last week, I was humbled by this opportunity to be a raised up squad leader. Lynda, Ana and I will now be putting focus on making Lsquad our ministry. We will visit a team each month to see what God is doing in their lives and support and encourage them in anyway possible. We will check-in with our fellow racers and be a liaison between our Squad Mentor and our squad. With this transition I’ll get to hear more testimonies of what God is doing in all 39 racers race. I have already been blown away this week by the few visits I have gotten to be with a team and see how God is working through and with them!
–We made it to Rwanda! After yet another bus ride, we made it across yet another boarder. Driving into the country I knew this would have a special place in my heart as I saw the reason it’s known as the “land of 1,000 hills.” As we have been making our way around this country and hearing stories, I’ve been amazed at hearing the courageous testimonies and renewal this country has experienced. I’m in awe of the resilience and I am humbled by the way they give credit to God for the healing they have experienced.
–I got sick. All last month our team was hit with sickness. From allergies of Africa, to blood poison, to malaria, to typhoid; my poor teammates were champs with working through their sickness and for some reason I was able to avoid it all….Until this week, I got hit with a bug. Coming on the race, I assumed there would be a time when I would be down for the count… I guess my time finally came. But it was the best circumstances possible, so for that I’m extremely grateful….one of the reasons it was under the best circumstance possible is due to the next transition….
–I’m on a new team! This week we have been developing our new team of three. Ana and Lynda are incredible women whom I’ve gotten to know over the past 4 months from afar, but now I get to learn and do life with them as we step into this new leadership position together. All three of us got the same sickness in shifts. While one was feeling better, the other would need care. Although we were miserable, it was amazing to see how God used the opportunity to grow us as a team and learn how to care for one another. Besides the sickness, we’ve had great conversation facilitated by our squad leaders. I know I am in for an incredible ride as I get to learn from their leadership, get poured into from witnessing their discernment from the Lord and see them foster God’s plan for the community of Lsquad.
Whelp, here’s to the beginning of Squad Leading and the start of month 5! I was reminded today as I shared my testimony of how I got to the race fully funded how God showed up hugely! It wasn’t until I let all the grasp I had been holding on to of control that I was able to see God’s big plan of provision and faithfulness for funding. As this was a theme before I even began the race; I know this lesson is vital as I step into this new role. I have complete faith and trust in the Lord’s plan of this new season of how I’m going to grow and I’m anxiously anticipating all the amazing moments ahead! But as always, prayers are much appreciated as we continue to grow as a team and as I need to let all of my control go to let God do his plan.
