Last week we entered a new season of the Race (#ilovechristianese). After four months of doing life with the women of Team Live Boldly it was time to part ways. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t ready for this change. But I would also be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about it- I truly did love my team and was afraid that my next team wouldn’t click as well as Live Boldly did.
I want to start this blog off with a simple goodbye and thank you to these lovely ladies. So, off we go!
Live Boldly, thank you for teaching me how to love, thank you for fighting for me and with me, thank you for laughing at me and with me. I would not change the fights or the tears or the hugs or the laughter or the memories for the world. Live Boldly, hear me when I say I wouldn’t have wanted the first leg of the Race to look any differently than it did.
Caleigh, thank you for showing me humility through your leadership. Caitlin, thank you for providing so much wisdom. Juj, thank you for loving me where I am; you’re my girl- my sister- and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Kylie, thank you for showing me the importance of diligence. Morgan, thank you for making me laugh hard and for always pointing me back to the Word (and for having swag). Heather, thank you for showing me what it means to serve others and love them before myself.
Live Boldly, thank you and goodbye. I love you!
But say what’s up to the homies of Team Shema! Now you may be asking what this means, where this name come from, and how to pronounce it.
Shema:
Meaning: to hear and obey
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: while spelt like “She-man” without the “n,” it is actually pronounced like “Sha-ma.” Think 80’s surfer dude and channel it- this will ensure proper pronunciation.
The Shema is a daily prayer recited in the morning and at night. It begins with Deuteronomy 6:4-9 which reads:
“Listen (Shema), Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.”
Yep, Christian missionaries named our team after a Jewish prayer- betcha didn’t see that one coming.
As a team we believe this prayer is not only beautiful, but a way of life- we want to not only hear God but obey Him. We want to do His work and do it well. We want to love Him with everything we have. Check out this video from The Bible Project for more insight into the Shema and its meaning!
Meet the Team:
Jack Twitty: team leader. Also squad clown. While Jack is probably the funniest person you’ll ever meet, he is also one of the most kind. Jack loves people with such great intentionality- Jack not only hears, he listens. He is so on fire for the Lord and operates out of such an overflow of God’s love, making him the perfect leader for Shema.
Andy Elkins: old fart and dad (just kidding, Andy, don’t be mad I called you dad. Or old. Same same… but different). Andy’s sarcasm is something I can only hope to one day encompass. But more than I want his advanced level of sarcasm, I want his wisdom. He may only have 5 years on me, but it may as well be 20. He truly knows the character of God and cares to display it to those around him, making Andy’s walk with Jesus one that inspires others.
Madison Elkins: wife of dad but not mom. Madi is RAD. Her character exemplifies God’s desire for community. Around Madi there is no need to be anyone but yourself. She meets people right where they are but won’t let them stay there. Simply put, she loves people and loves them well. I am truly honored to be on a team with Madi.
Kamiren Passavanti: efficiency expert. Seriously, if you think you have a good way to do something Kam’s way is probably 5 times better. And it’s awesome. Kam Bam is probably the strongest person I have ever met. Her testimony is one of pain but also one of beautiful endurance. If you’re with Kam you can laugh or cry, and like God, her presence makes everything better.
Daniel Best: worship coordinator and theological discussion buddy. I love this kid. He’s currently playing guitar for Gabbie and I while we lay sick in bed- which is honestly a great example of his character. Daniel has a servant’s heart. He honors others before himself in a way that you cannot help but admire. He’s not afraid to ask the tough questions and always remains steadfast in the Lord.
Gabbie Ueberroth: safety coordinator. I probably give this woman a heart attack nearly every day with my reckless behavior (at least I keep her on her toes). Gabbie is the person I was closest with on Shema when we got our new teams- we always have open conversations that lead us back to God’s goodness. The best way I can describe Gabbie is courageous. She is so vulnerable with her story, which just demonstrates her confidence in the Lord and His redemption.
As always, thanks for the support! Stay tuned for more of our work in Vietnam!
