For four months of my life I’ve lived with these people. We’ve…
sobbed in each others arm
laughed till we cried
raced on broken down bridges
brought the message of Jesus to folks in 4 countries too many times to count
taught the meaning of Christmas to kids in school
scuba dived
seen breathtaking views like the skyline of Budapest, the shores of Greece, and the oceans of Thailand
experienced the heartbreak of a refugee camp
performed skits
sang songs
eaten more food than we should have
and countless other things…
I wouldn’t trade my time with these people for anything and I want to share with you guys just a little bit about them!
Ashley: What a sweet, gentle soul. I’ve never met someone who serves so often and so well. When everyone else thinks that it’s all done Ash is just getting started. She expects no praise for her actions and simply goes about her day. Ashley carries peace as a beacon for her life. She remedies the hurt with a compassionate heart. I’ve often been on the hurt end of that stick and I’m grateful to have a friend like her.
Derek: The truest example of a shepherd that I know. He knows the condition of his flock, whether that be his wife or one of us, he sees what others miss and he stewards those unseen revelations with a gentle heart. His patience leaves me in awe, he’s generally the last to be frustrated by any given situation and his calm spirit reminds me to keep a joyful and compassionate heart.
Bethany: Beautiful, headstrong, and talented I can’t think of something Bethany won’t do. Any situation you throw her into she will give it her all, and she will do it to give the Lord glory. She brings creativity to life, Bethany gives color to the black and white tasks of life and I’m so thankful for the light that she continues to shine in dark places. From the very beginning we clicked and the deeper we have gotten in our friendship the more I have discovered about her incredible heart.
Payden: This man has mercy oozing from his core. A true southern gentleman I can always count on him to be attentive to my needs, whether that’s helping me up off the ground or opening a door for me. Needless to say, his mama taught him right (shout out to you Tammy). But this care for others goes far beyond a chivalrous gesture. Payden sees what others miss, whether that takes the form of a little old lady crossing the road or a child in need of a hug you can count on him to go above and beyond the call of duty to meet others needs.
Ian: our fierce leader, except not fierce at all. Ian leads with a combination of vulnerability and assertiveness that more often than not leaves me astounded. He’s gentle but firm in his rebukes and when gives praise it speaks to the deepest and truest part of who God made you to be. He is prayerful about everything, even in the midst of trying situations I have glanced over to see him with his eyes closed asking the Lord for guidance. Ian is a man of integrity and honor, I’m grateful to call him both friend and leader.
Paradosis will forever be a part of who I am. As I walked through life with these people I grew in wisdom, gentleness, and surrender. They pointed out the best and worst parts of me all in the name of Love and I’m truly a better person because of them.
Team changes are happening tomorrow and as sad as I am to break up this pack, I look forward to the next set of people that will shape me and mold me to look more like Jesus.
