“5…4…3…2…1…Happy New Year!” I shouted as I threw my hands in the air, eagerly welcoming the New Year, then threw my body into the ocean with the rest of my squad.
When I came up for air, I was reminded that I was celebrating the start of a New Year in a foreign country with people from all over the world. The fireworks that were bought earlier in the day and the hundreds, if not thousands, of lanterns that were being being lit during the countdown were now being launched all up and down the beach, and they were glowing brilliantly above my head.
The New Year started with a bang, and I felt ready for anything. I even felt ready for the dreaded…TEAM CHANGES.
That’s right, it is rare that a Team stays together for the entire Race, and all week there had been whispers, and by whispers I mean really loud conversations, about the team changes that were likely to happen at the start of the New Year.
The day after our epic New Year celebration, they announced the new teams. Team changes can be difficult because your team starts to feel like family- you don’t pick one another in the beginning, but in the end you’re glad you’re stuck with each other. So when I found out I was on a completely new team of all women, I was surprised by how excited I felt. All I could think was, “Wow! I cannot wait to get to know these girls better, this is going to be a fantastic team!”
And I was right, it’s only month 1 as a new team, but these girls already feel like family.
Our team is full of creativity, passion, excitement, laughter, silliness, love, all the joy, authenticity, and a deep desire to truly know God.
As a team we’ve already…
Had a dance party in a tuk tuk- club music, strobe lights, the works.
Gone salsa dancing with one of our ministry contacts.
Crashed into a tuk tuk full of monks.
Talked about getting team dreads- don’t worry mom I only want 1.
Worked out using tomato cans as weights.
And so much more. I can hardly wait for the adventures that lie ahead of us!
So, without further ado, allow me to introduce my new team:
TEAM WOVEN
Allison (the one in the grey shirt)- This girl is one of the funniest, wittiest people I have ever met! She is our team leader, and I would follow her any time. She is driven, tons of fun, and absolutely full of compassion- her love for others is contagious.
Ashley…or Ka$hley (the one with glasses)- Ashley is our treasurer, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with carrying our money. She has 2 black belts, and I’ve seen videos of her breaking boards with her elbow- it’s intimidating. She’s also one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. I knew she was cool, but I didn’t know just how cool until now. Much like myself, she is always up for trying something new- that’s how she became the bagpipe playing, Japanese speaking, Japanese archer that she is today.
Leah (the one with a braid)- At 21 years old she may be the second youngest person on our squad, but she has already done more than most people will do in a lifetime. She’s adventurous, generous, and always up for something new and exciting.
Kat (the one with a nose ring)- This girl is ridiculous! She is a firecracker who brings passion and authenticity to our team. Without her on the team, it would have taken far too long for us to open up to one another.
Kristen (the only one left that isn’t me)- Love her! This surfing, blonde, hippy chick is up for anything. She loves to be outdoors, meet new people, and just have a good time. Her biggest passion though is for the water, and she has already promised she will teach our team how to surf- can’t wait!
Ali (the one not in the picture)- Ali may not be in the picture, she may not even be in Asia right now, but she is definitely a huge part of this team. Ali had to go home for a surgery- don’t worry, she is recovering quickly and will be reunited with her team hopefully by next month! She can’t get here soon enough though because I can’t wait to get to know her!
With this new team came a new country and new ministry as well. We are living in a girl’s dorm in Cambodia where we teach free English classes 3 times a day Monday-Friday. It’s hard work, but it is also a ton of fun with these girls. We’ve enjoyed spending time with each other and with our students in the classroom- it’s amazing how quickly you can form a friendship with your students.
Even though the month is only half way through I know I will be sad to leave. It’s been a great start to a new year and a new team.
With such a huge start to the New Year, I figured, “This year is going to be a big one,” and so far, I’ve not been disappointed. I hope everyone else has felt the same way about their own New Year so far.
