Debrief in Thailand brought another team change, and this was the biggest switch Dave and I had yet experienced on the Race. It’s been a really good fit for us and, now that we’ve had almost a month to really grow acquainted with them and their differing personalities, I want you to know them as well.
So without further ado, I’m happy to introduce you (in no particular order) to team Davids’ Angels!
Mary Pham
Mary is a kind, low-key girl who brings a lot of wisdom and insight to the group. She has the tendency to bring new perspectives to situations while not forcing her opinion. Mary is a hard worker; she does her best to serve those around her and is always willing to volunteer for a job. She is a peace-maker within the group, and has the reputation for asking thought-provoking questions. But above all she loves Christ and is learning to put her absolute trust in His faithfulness. She reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman:
“She is clothed in strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is always on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:25-26
David Garretson
Garretson (or DG – pronounced Digi) is the team’s resident goofball. He’s the character known for cracking jokes and producing unexpected comments. But don’t let his funny personality fool you: Garretson is a man of strong character and ideals. He has a keen sense of right and wrong and does His absolute best to follow God’s Word and His desires. Garretson holds himself to a high standard and is a wonderful example for the rest of us to follow.
“I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.”
“Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.”
Psalm 119: 10-11, 35
David Weide
Weide is a giant teddy bear who loves love but can be stern when needed. He knows when he needs to push an issue to bring growth, but also listens to people and respects what they say. Weide is an extremely generous person. He jokes that his bed is the community bed, but for good reason: there’s always someone plopped on it or walking through his limited personal space. He is quick to offer anything that might brighten another’s day and doesn’t expect anything in return. He’s the perfect example of a cheerful giver.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Sarah Cheung
Sarah is our little bundle of energy and life. She has a huge influence on the overall feelings and emotions of the team and takes this role seriously. Sarah brings the team together in laughter and bizarre team-building games and story times, particularly on travel days. She’s also very open and honest in what she’s learning from God and how she can be supported in these lessons. She brings these truths to light and shares them humbly, allowing for us to consider issues that may also need to be resolved in our own lives.
“…make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:5b-6
Dave Roberts
Dave, or Rave Doberts as his mullet suggests, is the team member who’s literally always willing to do anything that will benefit someone else. While he’s always loved serving people and derives great joy from bringing happiness to others, I’ve seen him grow in this area so much more over the course of the race. He no longer looks for recognition or appreciation, but has learned to love God’s people openly and without a hidden agenda. He’s a beautiful example of Christ’s love!
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2
