The other day was my last day as the Assistant Director of Training for Dutch Bros Arizona. To say it is bittersweet is an understatement. I have been in this position for just under a year, but I have learned more about myself in that year than I ever have in any other position. I have given so much of myself to this position, and to this company, that it makes it weird not being in any sort of leadership now. But in the typical Caleb fashion, I found myself driving and reflecting on the past year in this position. I thought about the opportunities it brought me, the friendships I gained, the confidence I found, and the struggles I overcame.
If you would have told me a year ago, when I was applying for this position, that I would be leaving the company to go on an 11 month long mission trip I would have called you a crazy pants. But here I am, leaving the company that I came to love more and more everyday. If we are being honest, joining the training department is what led me to saying yes to the race.
Without this position I would have never been taken to a random church’s college group and been broken down the first time ever attending. Convictions did not come easy, but there was something so real about this community that vulnerability came naturally. This authenticity kept me coming back, knowing this exactly where I need to be…
I would have never found a place to live with 5 God-fearing guys from church.
I would have never given a second thought to serving Jesus with a reckless abandonment, simply because life was “good.”
I would have never had the opportunity to take a random trip to Ireland with a good friend of mine.
I would have never received the discipleship that I have desired for years.
I would have never had the opportunity to build so many friendships…
Friendships that I know will make saying goodbye REALLY hard.
Friendships that I know will last for a really long time.
Friendships that helped carry me throughout the last year.
Friendships that built me up into more of the man that God desires me to be.
Friendships that made me feel confident…
Confidence in the plan God has for me.
Confidence in the abilities and gifts God has blessed me with.
Confidence in myself and the decisions I have made.
Confidence in the growth process…
This past year I was more lonely than I ever have been, but I have also been more intentional than ever before
This past year I have made a TON of mistakes, but I have also made some of the best decisions of my life
This past year I have struggled more with insecurities and shortcomings than I ever have, but I have also never relied on Jesus this much
So with every challenge that this job brought the Holy Spirit came right alongside me and helped me through it, showing me the path that He wants me to walk. With every friendship that this job brought Jesus was standing right next to me telling me to love them like He does.
The Assistant Director of Training position was a pain in the butt sometimes, but I would never trade it for the world. It stretched me and grew me in a way that I never thought possible, but here I am standing at the tail end of it with an attitude of gratitude. So thank you DBAZ for allowing me this blessing of being apart of so many of your lives.
For now, I get to stay with this company a little longer working as a barista at one of our stores before I leave Arizona in July. From there I am going home to Oregon to spend time with family before this epic adventure begins!
21 Days until Training Camp and 78 Days until Launch!
Help me reach my goal of having $10,000 before I go to training camp! I am currently $3,663 away from reaching this goal! If you feel led to give any amount I would be extremely grateful!
Thank you for your continued support!!!
