Team Hinematov.
Hinematov. Taken from the Hebrew song “Hine Ma Tov” quoting Psalm 133 and taking the meaning behold how good it is to dwell in unity.
And oh how good it is indeed. I’ve lived with these amazing women of God just outside Belgrade, Serbia for a week now (feels more like a month) and I cannot wait to introduce you to them.
We affectionately call ourselves “The Tovs,” which has taken to mean warrior women, Jesus Christ Dance Party enthusiasts, coffee chuggers, and the ultimate lion babes. Here is my new family (in no particular order).
Emily Dashner.
Emily is 23 years old and from Little Schute, Wisconsin. Although initially quiet and reserved, she’s actually the master of sass. While always wanting to participate in missions, she answered the call and fell in love with the Asian culture on a missions trip to China. She’s passionate about the 10/40 window. She loves photography. She majored in Social Work. She’s open and honest and genuine. She’s quick to comfort and love on those around her. She gives good back massages. She’s intentional about self-reflection and self-growth and has allowed our team to come alongside her in her journey.
Jenny Harms.
Jenny is 34 years old and from Sarasota, Florida. Like me, she has a dog back home she’s in love with. She’s observational and intuitive. She’s encouraging and enjoys speaking truth into people’s lives. She has a knack for seeing things in people that they themselves cannot see. She’s quick to serve and help out whenever needed. She loves adventure and is always the first one to suggest a walk. She believes in the power of prayer and is the first one to offer up a prayer in any situation.
Zoe Torres.
Zoe is 24 years old and from Atlanta, Georgia. Her laughter is more contagious than any other human on the planet. She’s a light to those around her. Every room gets 50 shades happier when she walks in. She loves ice cream. She’s an encourager. She’s rooted in the word and quick to point those around her to Jesus. She went on her first missions trip to Macedonia last October and believes the Lord has given her a heart for Eastern Europe.
Emma Reddekopp.
Emma (or Redd) is 21 years old and from Hawaii. She’s the youngest on our team, but is wise beyond her years. She has a bus full of brothers and one adorable niece. She’s the Worship Coordinator for I Squad. She has an incredible voice and can jam on the guitar, ukulele and the keyboard. She has a song in her soul and she’s quick to share it with the world. She’s great in the kitchen. She also gives good back rubs. She’s generous. She loves to learn new language and culture and engage with those around her.
Sara Williams.
Sara is 28 years old and from Denver, Colorado. She loves her family, specifically her brother and her nephew. She knows no stranger as she can make friends with anyone, anywhere, at anytime. She loves to sing and worship. She’s often heard harmonizing with those at our ministry site during our daily chores. She’s filled with joy and exudes that to those around her.
Hannah Reynolds.
Hannah is 24 years old from Shawnee, KS. I’ve known Hannah a whole 6 months, but we’ve lived mere miles apart most of our lives and somehow never met. Hannah is the team treasurer. Affectionately known as “Squad Mom” to I Squad and Hannah Bethany to me. Aside from being insanely organized, loving to plan (and to vacuum), she cares for those around her in every way possible. She’s raw and honest and vulnerable. She’s self-reflective. She has a rare self-awareness that allows for immense change and growth. She also gives good back rubs.
Paige Hamilton.
That’d be me. I’m 23 years old and from Shawnee, KS. I have the honor of serving my team as team leader. Despite my face in this glorious photo taken by the expert photographer Zoe Torres, I love being here in Serbia. I enjoy being in a culture where I can eat corn on the cob for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Where there is a plethora of coffee and always someone ready to drink a cup with you. I love sleeping in a tent with my pal, Hannah Bethany. I love Jesus Christ Dance Parties. I miss my dog and bananas and peanut butter. I’ve learned that I am an encourager. I’m learning that I am stronger than I know. I’m learning to be self-reflective. I’m learning to seek Jesus in the midst of the chaos. I’m learning to choose joy everyday.
Joy is found in the storm. In the darkest of nights. In times where everything around you is telling you to be angry or frustrated or upset. It’s in that hug after a frustrating conversation of trying to communicate with a woman who doesn’t speak your language. It’s the smile and the hand holding of the autistic child who was screaming just minutes before. It’s the two mile walk through sunflower fields to the nearest village. It’s dancing with a new friend to a Serbian song you don’t understand. It’s the night where it rains and my team gets to have a sleepover in the library. You may be in the middle of the storm, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good laugh.
Blessings Abound.
Psalm 133
How wonderful, how beautiful,
when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil
flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard,
flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon
flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing,
ordains eternal life.
