It is a new year, we have new leadership, we are on a new continent, and now we also have new teams. Let me start by saying that I am so excited about this new team and this new chapter of the race. It is going to be so good and God’s hand is totally in all of this. I was put on an all girls team and at first this made me a little nervous because I put a lot of trust in the men on my team and physically feel safer when they are around. Also, who is supposed to carry my big pack for me now? I spent some time in prayer and just asked for a glimpse of God’s vision for our team and for peace and comfort to fill my heart.
Our team name is Talitha Koum which means “Little girl, arise!”
In Mark 5:35-43, Jesus wakes a little girl from the dead by saying, “Talitha koum!” Instantly the little girl rose and started walking. We picked this to be our name because as a group of women, now unable to rely on the men, it is time for us to rise up and be the women that God has created us to be.
Without Further Ado, meet team Talitha Koum:
Kenra is our fearless leader who I love dearly. She is from Arizona and is one of the girls who I drove across the country with this last summer. Her walk with God and her faith and strength is so encouraging. She has a servant’s heart and is such a blessing to me. I am so excited to be under her leadership and trust that she seeks God in each decision that needs to be made.
Caitlyn is from North Carolina and is very southern. She has an amazing sense of humor and keeps our team laughing throughout the day. She had warned us that she is not very adventurous but during our first outing in Thailand she tried some spicy and fishy Thai dish and then ate TWO grasshoppers. I’m going to love being on a team with this girl!
Erica is from South Carolina and is also very southern. She is super sweet and thoughtful and I love just sitting next to her and hearing her heart. Oh and she is incredible…She prepared and cooked Thanksgiving dinner for about 75 people and made it so special and personal for each and every person. She goes out of her waay to make sure everyone feels loved and cared for and I’m so thankful for her spirit and love for others.
Heather has taken on the responsibility of taking care of the finances for our team and does an amazing job. I know a ton of work and time goes into that every week. She grew up moving around a lot because her father is in the army and while I haven’t yet heard her full testimony, the pieces that I’ve heard are so powerful and interesting. She is very down to earth and a huge encouragment to me to walk in my faith everyday.
Leanna is my souvenir from Team Freedom and the friendship that we have already built is now getting stronger and stronger everyday. We have had so many crazy adventures and experiences together in Central America and already in Thailand and I am so glad we get to remain on a team together. She has a radical faith in God that shines through everything she does and she has such a passion for life and for God’s people and I can see that everyday in her.
I love you, Team Talitha Koum!!!
<3
M
