Feedback is a non-negotiable part of the World Race. Every single evening team members meet to provide feedback for the others in their team. Positive and constructive feedback is encouraged, as are specific examples and observations. While our patience wears thin as feedback sessions linger on, I truly think it is a useful component. We voice goods and not-so goods, personal perceptions, and always try to speak life into each other.
Our team leader is always aware of her words and careful to speak blessings and life into people. She tries hard never to speak death over someone, intentionally or not. Her example is a blessing to our all girl team. Since girls, more than guys, are likely to get jealous, hold grudges and use passive aggression, the strong (though quiet) example of our leader is critical, not just preferred. In addition to her character, our team leader is a guiding light for our Bible study. Having previously done a chapter by chapter word study, she is just the person to facilitate a study of God’s Word for our knowledge, consideration and practice.
“How great is the love the Father has LAVISHED on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1, NIV
Again we are a group of women, ages 22-34, living together for 11 months, sleeping in one room with 3 bunk beds, sharing a single bathroom, and riding close in a van to and from ministry every day. It is close quarters! Required to do feedback no mater how late it is, no matter how tired we are, no matter how little we have to say, feedback can become a dreaded event. Admittedly, I haven't yet exclaimed with glee "yay, feedback time! Hurray, I've been waiting all day." No, just not happening. However, I have learned to use this time as a time to constructively give and take practical, valuable, honest feedback.
this is our team, Charis, out for dinner…we had feedback on the floor of the Pizzeria 🙂
(one of the quicker sessions)
Our team leader, Carrie Morris, is a great example. In the best of times, we can make our responses encouraging and loving. When there seems like there is nothing left to say, we can speak life over and into each other. I am taking time to reflect on the comments given to me. While I sometimes feel like comments are just out of discomfort about our differences, I am truly grateful for the open and honest feedback I’ve been given thus far. For those that know me, this next few descriptions will come as no surprise; these are the comments I’ve gotten from my team: overly-efficiency oriented, blunt, strong leadership and not exactly patient. Like I said, no surprise. Listening to the feedback I am reminded that these ladies are trying to help me become a Godlier woman. That is the purpose, the mission and the goal of this World Race Adventure; I am seeking the Lord. I am seeking His will for my life. I am seeking the hands of God for the purposes of being molded into exact form He created for me.
Like the pebbles on the beach, I pray that I learn to yield to the Lord. Within His hands my rough spots can be smoothed to perfection. It is with this understanding that our group of 6 women will grow together, pain together and mold together into a powerful team of women that acknowledge their status as glorified, cherished and perfect children of God.
