Hello from Beijing! I have so many experiences to share–I don’t know where to start! This month has been a challenging one in very unexpected ways. Almost every American website is blocked, the locals love to stare and take photographs of foreigners, in addition to spreading the good word while living in a closed country. China has cameras everywhere and what we as World Racers can discuss is limited.
That being said, I will have another blog post in the next couple of weeks describing my life in Beijing, but for now I want to introduce to my beautiful teammates who have been working alongside me. We have given our team the name Team Three-Fourteen after Colossians 3:14, which became a very special and meaningful verse for us during training camp. It says, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Each one of my teammates offers something unique to our dynamic and I have already something from them all.
Team Three-Fourteen!
Niki Suber: Niki is the team’s Anne Hathaway because she brings an element of class and sophistication to our team. God has blessed Niki with the gift of grace and wisdom. When I see Niki, she is a woman who knows who she is, what she wants, but is incredibly down-to-earth. She laughs at any corny joke and isn’t afraid to make her own jab at someone. And the girl is amazingly talented as a writer. Niki has taught me how to be a lady of grace. After talking with Niki, there have been several times I’ve walked away saying I want to be more like her. And she looks pretty adorable in a cat hat.
Dustin Minter: Oh my goodness, Dustin is one of those people that I have to really think about where to start. You know those friends that ask you to describe their personality, and all you can say is “You’re just Dustin! There’s no other way to explain it!” That’s him. He is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He is SO funny, carefree, and has a knack for getting into trouble with public transportation. He embraces who he is and never fails to play devil’s advocate. He has taught me how to look at the positive in any situation–Even if the other side isn’t the happiest, he has a way with words in order to make you stop in your tracks and think. He brings comedic relief to our team and I am very grateful for our deep talks at work.
Kelsea Cain: Kelsea is the other half to my Kelby and has already become a lifelong friend. I look forward to her morning hugs and walking down the street holding pinkies. She has become a fast sister and my beloved hipster. She has a major obsession with Harry Potter and is insanely gifted artistically–her handwriting resembles a font and she watercolors as an outlet. Talk about cool. I love being around Kelsea because she makes me feel safe to just be myself. She laughs at my stupid humor, hugs me when I feel lonely, and encourages me to be more spontaneous. She’s shown me how the creative side of life works and has taught me to be a free spirit in the Lord.
Matt Herrington: He’s the team’s Top Gun Tom Cruise crossed with Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne. From his parted hair to his ironing skills, Matt is the team’s hilarious dad. He is brings such a presence of security and stability. I always feel safe when he’s around, even emotionally. Ironically, I thought he didn’t like me at training camp, but after a couple weeks of living together, we’ve realized we are the EXACT same person and I love his friendship. He has a heart of gold and shown me how to care for others. He’s quick to give you a hand to know he’s there and is the best at checking on how you’re doing. God has blessed him with a sensitive spirit and his love for the Lord and others is obvious.
Jessica Mao: Jess!!! She is the team’s cutie pie and joy-bringer. She is constantly laughing, I mean constantly. Her joy for life is contagious and makes my day. Jess is not only a bright light but is also extremely wise. Whenever she speaks up, I love to hear her insight and take something away every time she shares. I have learned how to be an encourager from Jess. She never shies away from complimenting you or telling you something she sees in you. Her emotional support is deeply appreciated and I love being around her. She is a woman of God and seeks to bring him glory in every situation.
Trey Carroll: As our team’s thinker–and basically being the opposite of me in everything–Trey was definitely someone I never expected to click with. But God has a crazy sense of humor and has given me a lifelong friend. Despite his Myers-Briggs label, Trey has such a considerate spirit and loving heart. He wants to be your shoulder to cry on and protect you from the darkness of the world. In getting to know him, he has taught me humility. He has so much to offer the world and has been given many gifts, but he seeks the Lord in everything. I’m blessed in knowing him.
This short blog post does not bring justice to what these gems mean to me. In such a short amount of time, there is already so much love among us. This first month has been uniquely challenging for us, both as a team and individually, but I am so proud of how we’ve overcome the obstacles. We are an assortment of personalities and gifts, but God knew what He was doing. Three-Fourteen has quickly become my family and I am forever grateful God brought placed them in my life. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we finish our month in Beijing and move onto Mongolia! God bless!
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