Hello everyone. This is a very long overdue blog. My time in Vietnam is nearing a close and I have yet to write a single blog. My apologies!
At the end of last month, we had a debrief and got new team assignments! I did the first 4 months of the race with my sweet, all-girls team, Established in Love. They were exactly who I needed to be with for the first season of my race. Moving into the next season, which I’m sure will be a blog of its own, I am partnered with a co-ed team! WOOO! I’ve been praying to be put on a team with guys! Without further ado, here are my teammates.
Tate
Our fearless leader, our steadfast and quiet support. Tate leads with service and humility. She is kind, funny, and so wise. Tate loves cats, and pretend pinches everything is cute. She is filled with God’s love and compassion for his children, and is the very picture of Jesus’ hands and feet. Tate is also super cool- she can ride a moto like it’s her job, she knows everything about music, and loves adventure more than most people I know.
Paige
Paige is kind, and sweet. She has a great laugh, and serves and loves people so well. She may be quiet, but don’t let that fool you-she is a powerhouse of truth and wisdom. Paige is a teacher back home, and never misses an opportunity to teach us more about history and the cultures we find ourselves in. I got to spend last month with Paige, because our previous teams were together at our ministry in Cambodia.
Matt
Matt is the very embodiment of childlike faith and joy. Our resident pun master, he always has a smile on his face and he can’t wait to teach people about film, Jesus, and playing the uke. Matt is sincere and thoughtful. He listens with intent and asks great questions. Matt is encouraging and a great summarizer (just ask him to summarize team time in a sentence or two…he gets it all!) Matt’s enthusiasm for life, faith, and fun is infectious.
Janine
Janine is the first to laugh and she laughs with her whole self. She asks thought-inducing questions, seeks truth like no one I’ve ever met, and has an endless supply of positivity. She is adventurous with food, and makes eating the most questionable things absolutely bearable and fun! Janine loves learning and pulls things out of me that I didn’t even know were there. She sees people as Jesus sees them and believes the best about people at all times.
Ben
Ben is quiet, intelligent, and contemplative. He loves nature and wants to know the root of every person he meets. Ben is a lawyer back home, and brings so much to our team that he’s learned in courtrooms. Ben is an avid hiker/backpacker extraordinaire and has plans to hike the PCT and finish the Appalachian trail when he gets home.
**EDIT** After 5 months on the race, Ben made a personal decision to return to America. (That is also another blog for another time) SO, my team is now a team of 5.
That’s True North! We are a delightful mix of funny, adventure, tenacity, truth-seeking, and loving. God has big things in store for us and I can’t wait to learn from these teammates of mine over the next few months.
As we wrap up our time in Vietnam, would you please join us in prayer for the ministry/people we are leaving here, for our time together as a squad for Christmas, for our travel to Africa, and for the ministries we will be working with in Ethiopia?
Thank you so much! Love you all.
Momma, Dad, Sue, LB, Aussie, and Skouty girl- I miss you all so much and wish I was home to celebrate Christmas with you. Be ready to celebrate big when I get home. Momma and Dad- I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU IN FEBRUARY!!!!
