They handed us their pool sticks and moved swiftly out the bar to talk to one of the prostitutes that they had met in the bar earlier that month. It’s Debrief, a time for the squad to unwind, process, and recharge, but my squadmates’ love for the sweet women of Thailand compelled them to go after their dear friend because they wanted her to understand how deeply loved she was by the God of the universe.
***
They’re crouched down on the side of the street in Chiang Mai, Thailand talking to a man who missing some of his limbs. The language barrier is proving to be a problem, but they are pushing through and trying to talk to this man that people pass over day in and day out. They understand that we are called to love the least of these and tell them that they are deeply loved by the God of the universe.
***
Their arms are swung around each other and they walk in step, catching up on each others’ months. Team changes did not break their friendship, rather it deepened it and there’s such a tangible love between them that you can see glimmers of Christ. They understand that we are the body of Christ and we are called to live a life of love where others can see how deeply we are by the God of the universe.
***
At this point of the Race, I have read hundreds of World Race blogs and it is great to read about the kids that have Racers have fallen in love with, amazing contacts that we get to partner with, and people back home that are making a big impact, but I want to take a minute to honor my squad, V Squad (2nd gen).
Wet Soles
Liz, Jill, Emily, Lindy, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kaleigh, Johnna, Celena
I met these crazy, wonderful people in July 2013 and none of our lives have been the same. We are all a hot mess as we try to overcome insecurities, trust the Lord, figure out the future, live in the present, teach English, love the homeless, fight for the prostitutes, learn the Bible, share our testimonies through a translator, choose joy when times get hard, and live at peace and unity with our teammates.
Pneuma
Bailie, Rachelle, Skylar, Alana, Jenny, Dara, Cara
We are walking through longstanding family issues, relationship drama, internal pain, and more, but my squad is brave and courageous and they let others into that journey with them. I read their blogs, I sit with them in conversation, I people watch and I see that God is doing amazing things.
I have had the privilege to hear so many people’s testimonies on the squad and to put it nicely, most of our lives could be posted on Hotmess.com, yet God in His creative and powerful grace has and is making beautiful things out of us.
Lumos Dei
Jacob, Brad, Ben, Angie, Karen, Jenn, Kat
I am so encouraged and blessed to be part of the Church. I am so blessed to see how well our squad loves each other, loves loved ones back homes, and loves those that we encounter all around the world.
Wrapped in Radiance (plus SQLs and Grandpa)Rachel, Meghan, Leah, Chelsey, Saige, Faith, Grandpa, Emily, Emily, Kalah, Erin
I used to think that the Acts 2 church was only possible back then because the disciples were so cool and had walked with Jesus himself, but I’m starting to really see similarities between the Acts 2 church and V Squad and my heart is so encouraged.
Dawn Treaders (plus SQLs and Pang)Kasey, Ashley, Breanna, Ekow, Grayson, Tanner, Erik, Rachael, Helene, Pang
We are coming up to the halfway point of our Race and God has already done so much in us and through us, so I cannot imagine or fathom what God is going to do in the second half of the Race.
Squad Coaches, Alumni Squad Leaders, and Squad Mentor
Jay, Denise, Erin, Grayson, and Carly
Here’s to V Squad. Here’s to the wonderfully weird and crazy men and women that I called squadmates, brothers and sisters, friends. I love y’all so much and because of you, I am starting to really believe how deeply loved I am by the God of the universe.
I am fully funded!!! Praise the Lord! Thank you so much for your support and prayers!!
Please support my teammates who still need almost $4,000 to be fully funded!
- Dara McGraw (http://daramcgraw.theworldrace.org/)
- Jenny Gage (http://jennygage.theworldrace.org/)
