Konnichiwa!!! (Hello!)
That is one of the few phrases I have learned in Japanese so far! 🙂 Month five has brought lots of change for F squad….a new continent, new culture, harder language, different spiritual atmosphere, team changes and new leadership have all become real the past few weeks.
This month has definitely looked different for me.
As many of you know, I was approached by our alumni squad leaders, Wesley and Kesley, at the end of Colombia…they asked if I would pray about stepping into another season of leadership as a raised up squad leader.
Wesley and Kelsey have both done the World Race before and although Wesley will stay on the field as our squad leader for the entire 11 months, Kelsey has a 5 month commitment and will be leaving at the end of this month. Molly (our other raised up leader) and I will be shadowing Wes and Kels and have training for this month. Next month the three of us we will split up and each go to stay with a team….Molly and I will be with a team for the full month and Wesley will continue to travel and stay for about 7-10 days at a time with each team.
As a raised up squad leader, my focus changes from the ministry hosts we work with in each country, to the squad as a whole.
“Squad Leaders exist to serve the squad and lead them in the areas of spiritual and emotional growth, team health, effective ministry and pursuit of God.” (SQL responsibilities)
I am so excited for this new chapter that God has called me into and know it is exactly where I am supposed to be.
Stepping into it has not come without its fair share of doubts, fears, and insecurities.
I am officially counting my acceptance of this new role as the fear I conquered in the month of Colombia! 🙂
“God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”
1 Timothy 1:7
He has called me to step out in faith, speak with boldness, and walk in courage…to trust His voice as He guides me in the way, the truth and the life.
I am thrilled to simply live life on the Race continuing to experiencing Abba’s love and learning to love others well!
With that being said, I cannot thank you enough for the continued prayers, encouragement and support as I continue to grow and strive to walk closer and closer in the Father’s presence each and every day.
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More updates and pictures on Japan to come, but I wanted to introduce you to my new team:
Team Squad Leaders!!
Me, Molly, Wesley and Kesley at debrief in Colombia.
Our fearless leader Wesley…this man of God knows how to have fun as well as be Dauntless for the Kingdom! (This was our Halloween party where we were sporting our ‘Dauntless’ from Divergent faces!) Wesley calls out greatness in others and is not afraid to speak with boldness. I am so pumped to continue going to the hard places and serving alongside this super cool warrior for Christ!
Kelsey is one of the most genuinely loving people I know!! I always learn from her wisdom and servant leadership. She is the one I go to when I just need a hug or a listening ear. She has walked with me to a deeper level of faith in the Lord and I constantly grow from her encouragment and knowledge. Although she will not be closeby the rest of the year, this girl is a kindred spirit and one I will always consider a dear friend and incredible squad leader!
This is Molly…my fellow raised up squad leader! I am so thankful to be trekking through new territory with this crazy cool girl by my side. She constantly keeps me laughing, thinking about things with a new perspective, challenging me, and encouraging me as we are training and learning together! Her smile and the joy that radiates from her is absolutely contagious. This lovely lady has a heart of gold and I am so excited to get to know her and have more adventures with her!
