For a team time, we all wrote letters to the loved ones of each of our teammates to thank them for the role they played in lives of the women that we know now and to allow them to know how much of an impact their daughter/friend/sister makes on those around them. It’s not every day that the people at home get to know or see these things, so this was such a treat. I am so thankful for the people that I get to do life with daily this year and it was such a pleasure to get to share that with those that get the privilege of doing that with them back home. Here are the letters that my teammates wrote to my fam.
To Angie and Frank and Rhianna,
Wow, Sylvia. Where do I even start? She is such a great friend and it is shown through her willingness to listen and offer wise advice at any moment. She is such a teacher as she is patient and breaks things down well. She always has kids hanging around her. It has been so cool to see her step into recognizing her worth and walk in the giftings the Lord has placed inside her. She is so level-headed and has a way of seeing a situation and knowing exactly what should be said or done. Thank you for supporting her in following her dreams. She is going to do such great things as she is continually seeking after the Lord. We love and appreciate her so much.
Much Love,
Allison
Dear Angie, Frank, and Rhianna,
Sylvia is both sugar AND spice and it has been such a blessing to have her on my team to “spice” things up with her sassiness. She keeps us on our toes. But more than that, she is a genuine girl who isn’t afraid to challenge people because of her love for them. She knows how to listen to people and she loves people well. She also is a great leader. I love watching her passion as she talks about the people and places she is passionate about. She is truly an amazing person.
Love, Hannah
Dear Angie, Frank, and Rhianna,
Sylvia is a gem. She doesn’t speak often but when she does it comes from a place of wisdom. She spends a lot of time observing those around her and she listens to the Lord. Everyone can take something from her. She is funny and makes this team who we are. She encourages everyone in the hard things. She is wise beyond her years. You did a great job raising this woman of God, and she has a lot to offer you. I am blessed to have met her and gotten to know her this year. So thank you for your sacrifice of letting her go for a year.
Love, Jan
To those who love Sylvia most,
Do you know how much your daughter/sister has changed my life? She is the truest friend, most confident listener, full of assurance as to where her life is headed, dedicated to seeing change in opportunities/moments, has positivity as a cornerstone in her life, and loves to lavish those in her midst with wisdom, grace, patience, and new perspective. I would be curious to know how you actually let her GO because she’s a person that others love to learn from and NEED because of how rare she is. There are few people in this world that exemplify community and speaking things in love like Sylvia does and even when she says the hard things we thank her for being bold in picking the non-desirable option of love. No one has such a tender heart yet can see every side of an issue or conflict or good memory like she can. Sylvia blesses every single situation that she steps into and I know there is no other explanation of this other than the love she has experienced back home and in the past, the hard effort/work she’s put into showing others she cares, and just how loved she is by God. She fully understands that she was made for so much more and I anxiously await as to what her life will look like as I am sure you do too. Thank you for letting Sylvia come on the World Race, thank you for supporting her. I look forward to meeting you, Angie and Frank, in Africa!
Best, Paige
Dear Angie, Frank, and Rhianna,
Sylvia is just the best. She is a constant source of peace and wisdom. She is a rock on our team. Without her we would probably fall apart. This girl has helped me in many ways and been an irreplaceable part of my journey. She knows how to be “all in” and love people with her whole heart. She has a rare ability to see beyond hard circumstances and see the promises that lie ahead. I believe that’s called faith! Thanks for being a part of her life and molding her into this beautiful woman that she is today that is out in the world touching so many lives. This world is a brighter place because of her.
Love, Jenna
Dear Angie, Frank, and Rhianna,
We love your Sylvia! She is one of the best listeners I have ever met, and because of her listening, people feel so loved by your daughter. Even when Sylvia has to say difficult things, people walk away knowing that Sylvia deeply cares for them. She is a steadfast friend and often talks about her “people” back home including her YouthWorks friends and you. Thank you for being willing to part with her for eleven months, because squad and our team would not be the same without our sweet Sylvia!
Love,
Becs
Thanks to you all, I am FULLY FUNDED! Your support has been phenomenal and I would not be having these experiences without YOU! However,there are still plenty of opportunities and need to help support me with misc. personal living expenses and funds for me to use to bless the ministries and people I’m working with. The race has proven to require more personal funds than I had intended for ministry wardrobe purchases, equipment, food, and in being able to bless others. Pray about how and if the Lord would have you partner with me in this way! If you are interested in helping me with this, send me a message or you can donate through https://www.paypal.me/SylviaBarrett.
Want to follow along with my journey? Hit SUBSCRIBE! It will just ask you for your email and you will be notified of any new updates while I’m on the field. I won’t be on social media a ton, so to keep updated, follow along with me! I’d also LOVE comments. They will provide need encouragement as well as offer a way for you to let me know any prayer requests that you may have!
Want to communicate with me while I’m on the race? Do so through hitting Let’s Chat on this blog, commenting on my posts, through facebook, email, or what’s app. Know that I may not have daily access to wifi, but I will get back to you when I do!
