Over the past 11 months, we spend the majority of time the other 4-6 team members. In almost every waking moment, we are together- whether ministry or free time . There were also times when all of us sleep in the same room. (We currently have all of my team and the women of Team Frontline sleeping in the same room- 12 women on mattresses on the floor).
What does team time look like? It looks different for each team. All are required to have something called “Feedback” almost every night. It is a time where we encourage and challenge each other to a higher standard. Sometimes there is not much to talk about. At other times, there is a lot to discuss. For the teams that I have been on, we tend to have an ebb and flow to “Feedback.” We will be crying one night. Then the next night we will be laughing hysterically.
As you can imagine, there are bound to be frustrations, disagreements, and misunderstandings if spend so much time with 4-6 other team members. This is why “Feedback” is so crucial. The only way the team can improve is if each team member is fully committed to loving their teammates first. The Feedback needs to come from a place of love before it can be given. If you were a fly on the wall, you would never know what to expect.
My teammates have called me to a higher standard. I have been challenged by their words and actions. They have brought encouragement when I needed it. They have also given me a swift kick in the rear end when I needed to be kickstarted as well.
Team Time can also be just spending time together. We have watched TV or movies or played cards together. My favorite times were watching “So You Think You Can Dance” since that is my favorite show. It can be having your day off and going shopping. It can also be going to “Tourist Destinations” like Siem Reap, Jinja, or Zanzibar. It is a time where you can enjoy each other’s company while not having ministry.
I have been blessed with three amazing teams (although the second and third only changed slightly with having Christina Palmer added). I have posted some team pictures below. I would personally like to thank each of my team members for challenging and encouraging me this year . I am so happy that God put each of you in my life for the season that He did. He knew what He was doing by joining us together. Thank you for everything that you have challenged and encouraged me in so far. I am honored to call each of you my teammates and friends. Thank you for your friendship and love.
Team Arrow at Launch (October 2010- Guatemala- Fiirst month of ministry together)
Team Arrow Members (Back Row: Lindsay Dobner, Phil Khamoua, Team Leader Mary Magoni, Dex Meeks; Front Row: Ashley Auman, Rebecca Weaver, and myself)
Team Arrow posing for our Christmas Photo (December 2010- Costa Rica- Last month together)
Team Arrow Members (Sitting on Fence: Myself, Ashley Auman, Lindsay Dobner; Standing: Team Leader Mary Magoni, Rebecca Weaver, Dex Meeks, Phil Khamoua)
W.O.W. posing with our W.O.W. sign for our first team pic (end of December 2010- Costa Rica- Going into first month of ministry together)
Team W.O.W. Members (Myself, Rebecca Weaver, Angela Bringham, Team Leader Mary Magoni, Cara Parker, Addie Weaver)
Squad Leader Shannon and W.O.W. after selling fish and heart boxes for the hospital (March 2011- Malaysia- Third month as a team)
Team W.O.W. Members (Back Row: Rebecca Weaver, Myself, Angela Bringham; Front Row: Squad Leader and honorary W.O.W. member Shannon Ahola, Addie Weaver, Cara Parker, Team Leader Mary Magoni)
Team W.O.W. (Women of Worth) posing for our first picture (May 2011- Kenya- Fifth Month with five teammates but first month with Christina)
Team W.O.W. (Women of Worth) Team Members (Myself, Cara Parker, Mary Magoni, Addie Weaver, Team Leader Christina Palmer, Rebecca Weaver, Angela Bringham)
Some verses that represent this year of Team Time:
“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13 MESSAGE)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)
