We had the amazing opportunity to close out Africa with a trip, as a squad, to Zanzibar island just off the coast of Tanzania. We spent 2 nights right on the beach front relaxing and enjoying each others company. But this turned out to be a bitter sweet time, as we found out that 2 more of our squad mates were leaving us and so this meant team changes for all. My team had managed to stay unchanged for 7 months, a rare but blessed thing on the race. So amoungest saying our goodbyes we all prepared our hearts and our minds for teams to be changed and for the next 4 months to look very different.
 
            

The time came, the morning we were to leave Zanzibar. We all huddled together on the benches on the beach front and waited. Our squad leaders told us their hearts behind the changes and there is no denying that they had the best of intentions and so they procceeded. Team united got split 3 ways. Clint and Curt remained together on one team, Jeannie and Theresa reamained together on another team and Lacey and I on yet another team.

Not just any team, we went from a team of 6 with boys and girls, to a team of 4 with all girls – WOW. Everyone was a little taken aback at their drastic and what seemed somewhat random teams. For the next hour we were to remain silent and reflect on the changes and pray about it. I suddenly became excitied at the new growth I was about to experiance through these changes. I realized that even though there was still room for me to grow on my old team, I had become to comfortable and that level of comfort was hindering my growth. I also heard God whisper “spiritual growth” and I got even more excitied.

Our team name is Hadassah, the name that Ester is refered by in the book of Ester 2:7. Just like my last team name (united) was prophetic so is Hadassah. Ester was a brave women, she found favour in everyones eyes, she was beautiful without any extras, she feared the Lord and loved her family and people.
           
New team (L-R) Me, Emily, Lacey, Leyna

Now we may need some additional prayer for saftey and maybe grace but other then that I believe you will be hearing some crazy awesome reports of God working in and through us.