This morning is the beginning of Debrief. It is a moderately structured few days where teams met with squad leaders and coaches to recap the last 2 months. Basically, wind down, relax, process, etc. I feel that the Lord has been moving in my life. He is certainly growing me, simply in interest, curiosity, and desire. Without the distractions of the busy world, I am able to focus on developing a stronger foundation with God.
Roger with the new puppy, Bailey (my name won the drawing) 
Coaches are squad parents. They bring a little extra love every 2 months to help racers process through the experiences, relationships, tensions, miracles, struggles, etc. They travel to the country to meet the squad and stay several days. It is a tough, rewarding job. Rozy and Roger just arrived last night. They exude delight in the Lord, it just makes you appreciate being in their presence. Rozy is now full time with AIM, recruiting, training and mentoring coaches as well as being a coach herself. Roger works in Gainesville with a power company. He is also a very involved squad parent. Both taught, live and mentor Spiritual Formation. I am eager to talk with both parents while they are with us. I believe they each have a unique personality and thus way of speaking, mentoring and loving. J
I don’t feel the need for a lot of personal processing, because in reality, I’m doing well. I am actually feeling alive, awake, thankful, engaged and excited to continue on the race. My emotions are an open book; my joy shines from a smile, my frustration evident with a head shake. Feedback is a great way to make sure things are said throughout the day and don’t bottle up inside any one or fester in someone’s mind. However, when I hear Rozy talk I can’t help but think of my mom. This does not make me homesick in the least, I’m not sure I know what it means to be homesick…The concept, the ideals, and the necessity of coaching is right up her alley. My mom is a gifted teacher. She is social, organized, loves to travel, faithful to the Lord and above all, loving.
Of course I only see the glamour, the education, the experiential side of the position. Rozy helped me gain perspective and understanding. It only made me more aware at how perfect my mom is for the job and how much I want to continue toward my future goals. As a lifelong student I want to promote study abroad and cross cultural educational trips for young and old, students and empty nesters. The first necessity is to have my mom experience the mission trip lifestyle so she can better guide, prepare and counsel those on the field. Little did I know that AIM organizes adult trips as well as family trips; meaning, mom and I could do a mission trip together! This is seriously the best vacation idea-you travel, you give, you inspire, learn and witness=irresistible combination!
Much more life to live! I can’t wait to talk to my mom about the idea and to continue to be a sponge around Rozy and Roger. They are amazing squad parents who bring honesty, smiles, hugs, perspective, wisdom…and CANDY! J I truly feel the importance of such people in the lives of World Racers. Without them, some wouldn’t find their wings, and others wouldn’t cry out, and still others wouldn’t see have eyes to see beyond the nest.
