So I realize that this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Maybe. Sam, just who is it that you’re going to be spending every waking and sleeping hour with, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for as long as your team stays together? Our team has been formed. The dynamic seven. It happened before we realized it. It was the third team building activity of the day and the seven of us were placed together for the activity. Something clicked. Something special happened. Maybe a bit too special since the end result was this.
Anyway, the seven of us just immediately hit it off. Little did we know that the next day we would become a brand new family now known as Team Monarch. The story behind this is quite special and definitely deserves its own blog as well. Suffice to say, I’m beyond ecstatic to be placed with these other 6 amazing men and women of God. It’s pretty evident that we’re in for a special time together. My only complaint is being outnumbered by SEC fans, but I suppose I’ll survive. 🙂
Without further adieu, I’d like to introduce everyone to you. Please be sure to visit their blogs and sign up for their updates. (Their names are linked to their blogs.) We’ll be spending plenty of time with one another and it’s always great to gain insight into those special experiences we’ll share together.
Candice “Wake up little chickadees” Yates
Hailing from the state of Virginia, she’s got Gator blood in her veins. There is something special about Candice that draws you in and holds your attention. There’s something so real and honest about her. I cannot wait to spend more time with her. Her enthusiasm for the Lord and enthusiasm to get this race going right now is intoxicating. I believe she’s going to have a huge impact on our group and on this race.
Michelle “Oh, I just thought of another joke” Imig
Coming from Illinois, Michelle likes to pop it, lock it, and polka dot it. (Dancing lingo for those of you out of the loop.) She has this incredible ability to brighten any room. You see anyone that she’s standing with and they’ve all got smiles on their faces and or are having a good laugh. It’s pretty much a guarantee that dull moments will not exist with Michelle on the team. On top of that, she’s got a deep passion for people that will be lived out and experienced throughout the nations we’ll be working in. Michelle was one of the first people I met and got to know during out 13 hour drive to Georgia and I couldn’t be happier to now be on the same team as her.
Leah “I love chocolate” Malone
When Leah brings “it,” she brings IT. Maybe it’s a Texas thing. Leah has such a sweet and gentle spirit, but there is also an amazing strength within her. She’s got a boldness and passion for serving the Lord that she’s not afraid to express and our team as a whole is all the more blessed because of that boldness to speak what the Lord has placed on her heart. Her quirkiness and unique sense of humor is always going to leave people smiling. Team Monarch is all the better for it. And she really does love chocolate. Enough so to lick it off the fingers of others.
Meagan “I hope you develope a southern accent” LaFoy
If I do indeed develop a southern accident, our Alabama resident Meagan will be the one to blame. Meagan is genuine. Her actions, her words, her emotions, and her spirit. Her heart. It’s a servant’s heart. So many people will be blessed by what she ends up doing on this race. Meagan’s got positive energy about her that’s infectious. I can’t help but feel this sense of joy when spending time with her. She’s going to be bringing that joy to so many people as well out on the World Race.
Jesse “Go Bears” Morris
In case you can’t tell yet, Jesse is coming from the city of Chicago and another person I had the privilege of getting to know him as well on the long drive to Georgia. I don’t know if I have enough descriptive words for Jesse. He’s passionate, courageous, Spirit led and driven, selfless, and a man who puts everyone else before himself. I’ve only really known Jesse a little over a week now, but I would go through hell and high water for him. There is no doubt in my mind that he’s destined for something big and is going to make his mark for the Lord in this world. He’s already been a huge encouragement to me and to have the chance to serve on the same team as him is definitely a special treat.
Justin “Time to call in the Hogs” Orr
Arkansas fan and resident, we have here Justin, our fearless leader of Team Monarch. It’s apparent to me that Justin is the right person for the job and to lead our band of merry individuals. He’s an incredibly humble individual and still a little surprised at being made a team leader. Personally, I think that’s an incredible combination and a huge indicator of the type of person/leader he is and will be. Justin has a huge heart for the brokenness of people and the brokenness of this world. God has truly blessed us with a great person to lead Team Monarch.
Then of course, there is me. The team bean counter.
Team Monarch
