As I sit and write this blog, I can hear my teammates laughing in the other room as they share silly youtube videos and reminisce about the last 4 months. Our time together as a team is coming to an end, and even though I’m excited for change — I’m not ready to say goodbye. How can I, when I’ve spent the last 4 months sharing every moment with these 6 incredible women. They’ve seen me at my best, worst, and all the inbetween. They know my heart’s desires. They know my secret worries and fears, they know what God’s been saying to me.
Starting over with a new group of people, is a bit nerve wracking at times, but I believe and know that my leadership team has prayed and heeded the guiding of the Lord before they assigned new teams. I’m excited to get to know them, I’m excited to share the next 3-4 months with them, and I’m excited to fulfill our kingdom journeys together. But for now, I want to focus on the 6 women sitting opposite me, and all the ways they’ve impacted my life.
Amy Faye (Photo: Maria Kolar)
This little woman is a powerhouse for Jesus, with an insatiable hunger for the word. It’s not uncommon to find her wandering the house wrapped in her sleeping bag, bible and journal in hand, singing worship songs as she heads to the office to pray. If you even hint at a health issue (or any issue for that matter) she boldly steps up and offers to pray. I’ve turned around more times than I can count, to find her laying hands and praying on someone she’s only just met. In the span of a single conversation she’ll encourage & challenge you, as well as ask your advice or wisdom in a situation. She’s usually the first person to point out a gift or talent in me, and is always there when you need someone to listen or hug. Amy is bold, filled with joy, encouraging, brings laughter, motivating, exuberant, eager, quick to volunteer, and all around a loving woman of God. I am thankful to have had her as my leader these last 4 months, guiding & encouraging me the whole way.
Maria (Photo: MariClaire Lake)
This lady reminds me to have fun, to laugh, to make the most of every situation, to explore the unknown and to live life to the fullest. At the same time, she reminds me to worship even when it’s hard, to turn to friends when I’m struggling, and to live fully present. I’ve watched her throw herself into ministry even when it’s hard, to give her whole heart to children just to have to say goodbye 3 weeks later. Her servant heart has inspired me, and spurred growth in my own life. She’s taught me what it looks like to serve God & others first, and to give them my all. She’s shown me what strength looks like, what it means to be vulnerable, and how to set aside ridiculous tiffs and walk forward in love. She’s shown me what it looks like to worship God with your whole heart, and looks for opportunities to praise God wherever she goes. Maria is insightful, spontaneous, has a heart of worship, servant-hearted, supportive, loyal, truthful, talented, uplifting, diligent, disciplined, dedicated, fully present, bold, confident, and all around a memory-making / laughter exuding woman of god. I am so thankful for all the laughter filled memories she’s inspired these last 4 months.
Allie (Photo: Maria Kolar)
Who is Allie? Well Allie is the one that’s consistently provided perspective, challenges for growth, and reminded me to have a positive attitude in all situations. Team time with her was always an adventure, and brought about some of my fondest team memories. But to be honest, I didn’t know how to approach her in the beginning. Allie was one of those “cool kids” I had always avoided in school, but then in month 2 we were paired together on a cooking team … and I was the one in charge despite Allie’s superior cooking skills. Throughout that month, Allie showed me what grace truly looked like. She was calm, patient, and loved me through it all; and for that, I’ll forever be grateful. But there’s so much more than just that, Allie is adventurous, bold, forgiving, insightful, courageous, strong, gracious, generous, loving, a great chef, patient, spontaneous, disciplined, hard working, selfless, honest, dependable, a good friend, motivating, gentle, fun, and above all else — confident. I will forever be grateful for the perspective & challenges she’s brought to my life these last 4 months.
Emily (Photo: Paige Hamilton)
I look at Em and wonder how this is the same person I met 6 months ago at training camp. In the past few months I’ve watched as she’s set aside one thing after another, and pursued freedom in Christ. Her desire for intimate & meaningful conversations has brought forth so much life & wisdom in the both of us. She continually challenges and inspires me to pursue the heart of God, and has been an incredible example as to what that looks like. Through the good times and the bad, she loves wholeheartedly and serves God & others will all that she has. Encouragement & praise seems to always be on her lips, and she’s the queen of “sneak attack” hugs. Her prayers are kingdom shaking, and the truth that seeps out of her will change your life. The love of God pours through her, and it’s impossible to be in a bad mood when she’s around to remind you just how much you’re loved. Emily is kind, soft spoken, a light, an encouragement, inspiring, motivating, servant-hearted, honest, humble, wise, full of mercy & grace, patient, radiant, bringer of peace & love, compassionate, truthful, brings perspective, and is all around one of the sweetest and most gracious people I’ve ever met. I’m so blessed to have had her friendship & encouragement these last 4 months.
MariClaire (Photo: Josh Hendricks)
One of the things I love most about MC is the way she lights up the moment she spots an animal, cats in particular. No matter how dreary and bleak the day is, the moment she spots a cat her whole countenance changes. There’s excitement, joy, and an eagerness to make friends with the new animal. The love she has for them, reminds me of the Father’s love for us, unconditional and without end. She’s also reminded me of God’s desire to have a relationship with us, and her discipline & persistent pursuit of his heart has inspired me to seek him more whole-heartedly. But there’s so much more to her than that, she’s challenged and encouraged us to stand firm, hold fast to our beliefs, seek God, live intentionally, and make the most of every moment. I’ve personally benefited greatly from the insight she’s brought to our team devotions, and have loved getting to witness the growth that’s come out of her diligence to seek the Lord. While some may think MC is quiet, I know that she is confident, bold, intelligent, wise, insightful, gentle, patient, gracious, generous, talented, forgiving, passionate, humble, diligent, dependable, loyal, clever, brave, honest, caring, obedient to the Lord, playful, a good cook, calm, and our go to grammar expert (Sorry for all the mistakes!) All in all, I’m so grateful for the way she’s pointed us towards the Father’s heart these last 4 months.
Clare (Photo: Emily Julson)
One of the first things anyone notices about Clare is her loving & caring heart. If you’re hurting physically or emotionally, find Clare. It only took a few days before we decided that we’re basically the same person, and we continue to discover similarities in our lives and personalities. We’ve laughed together, and we’ve cried together (but more often than not it was because we were laughing way too hard). Over the last 4 months I’ve gotten to watch her become more confident in who she is, the gifts and talents God’s given her, and have seen her step into the boldness & authority that comes from the Father. Her prayers are dynamite, and her wisdom is without equal. She knows me better than 99% of people, and is always there to watch my back. She’s reminded me of how to love even when it hurts, and challenges me to stay present and open minded. Clare is gentle, patient, a light to others, loves fiercely & unconditionally, has a pure heart, serves others joyful, brings peace & comfort to everyone she meets, carries the Father’s heart, generous, outspoken, brings joy & laughter, honest, and all around one of the most tenderhearted people you’ll ever meet. I will forever be grateful to have found a kindred spirit, and close friend, in Clare.
In just a few hours my team and I will part ways, meeting up one last time on Monday. As of Tuesday, I’ll have a new team. I don’t know what the future holds, where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing in 7 days time. But what I do know, is that I meant every word I wrote above, and that these 6 women have shaped my life and left a lasting impression upon my heart. Whether or not we end up on the same team again, I’ll forever be grateful for our time together on Team Galilee.
