Gap P; a group of people with a vast love for loving the world, each other, and of course — Jesus!
If you didn’t read my last blog, I am home a few weeks earlier than expected. For the most part, this has been a pretty easy process. Pretty overwhelming sometimes, mostly the questions like, “How was your trip?” Gets me sort of shook, because how does someone expect me to sum up the past 8.5 months of my life into one word. I need specific questions! No worries if you’ve asked me this though, so much grace and I understand that you meant no harm.
BUT what has been hard is the fact that the people who I’ve done life with, grown with, seen the world with, done ministry with, and explored the weirdest little corners of the Earth with are (for the most part) still in Ecuador. I am so proud of each and every one of them. They finished the Race. Tomorrow they will board a plane bound for Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From there, they will head back to their homes scattered all around the United States of America. Please pray for them as they are entering our home country for the first time in 9 months, and needless to say it is culture shock to the max.
Gap P, theres so much I didn’t get to say in the midst of leaving. It all happened so quickly so I wanted to write to each of you individually here. So here goes.
Bo – Thank you for leading with a servants heart at all times, my brother. You truly are a man of God, and I learned so much from serving along side you the last half of the race. I could truly see that you love Jesus more than anyone or anything, and nothing will get in the way of you serving Him. Love you.
Josh – Spent the entirety of my race with you along side of me. I still do randomly have my Josh withdrawals. Man, you’re such a passionate guy. Truly so much to say about you. You are so genuine, so bold, so upfront with your thoughts. You’ve got so many good things coming your way my brother. Love you.
Bradley – Took me a while to find the friend that I value so deeply in you, but I am so glad that I found him. I love your goofy, granola, camera obsessed self. I have enjoyed the random FaceTime calls three times a day since I have been home. You’re a rad dude Brad. Love you.
Garrett – My brother. Truly never have I had a friend so loyal to me. Aside from you stealing my sweater a few days before I went home and telling me at the airport that I was never getting It back. Oh actually, you’re the worst haha. Jk. I love you so much gar. I am so thankful that the race isn’t where our story ends, and I expect many many FaceTime calls again once you actually a phone, or a laptop, or any type of technology again. I know that you are going some cool places in life man. I love your passions for people, music, traveling, and writing. Please, never stop following your dreams man. Its the thing I love about you most bro. Love you.
Tanner – Agh. I miss you so much. You are truly the older brother that I always wanted. You taught me so much about what it means to be a man, both literally and of God. You are such a role model for the people around you, and I hope that sinks deep. You my dude, have such a light that comes with you. You are 100% you, and I know that’ll never change. So awesome. Love you.
Sami – SAMI. HI. ITS FREAKING BATS. I love u. Im so happy that stepped into my life when you did. You are probably the most high maintenance person (aside from me) but gosh I love your friendship. I love our inside jokes. I love that I saw you mold into a true woman of God this year. You grew Sami. You are a new person than when you left home 9 months ago. i am so thankful that I know our friendship will continue past the world race, cause I cant imagine a life without ya girl. Love you.
Sydney Ruether – Syd, its been a journey. From going to Guatemala (#guat4ever) together, to both embarking on what is probably the craziest journey of our lives thus far – our friendship has been something that I have always valued. I see so much Jesus in you. Such a mission mind set to love the unloved. All around you’re such a beautiful girl in mind, spirit, and appearance. Oh, and Canada is weird and so are you. (No offense) Love you.
Elisabeth Medina – Elisabeth, I regret not knowing you sooner than I did. In Malawi I watched you run after Jesus faster than ever before. It was so cool to see you follow where He led no matter the circumstances. You have such a sweet spirit and I am praying blessings over you as you head home. Love you.
Brooke – MY HOMIE. So thankful for you. I found true friendship in you at all times. No matter how extra I am, you are always willing to adjust to love me a lil better. Truly Brooke, you are an incredible human being with some dang relatable views on the world. Excited for life with you to not end with the race, can’t wait to visit you in FL next yr and make you take me to the beach. Love you.
Emily Hooker – What a unique girl. I bet you just laughed haha, because that was quite the opener to a sentence. Seriously, you are one in a million emhook, and I mean that in the all around absolute best way. Never have I met someone who gives off the 100% Austin, Texas vibe like you do. Thats a compliment in and of itself. Hope re-entry is as painless as possible. Praying for ya. Love you.
Maddie – Did a large chunk of the race with you. I think my favorite memories with you though will always be binge watching Riverdale season one in our dungeon on a bright green basement. Not to mention we were stealing the Wi-Fi from the bike shop next store. What a time in our lives. Oh, and I also love that you love food as much as I do. Lets get Chuy’s or Torchy’s next week. Love you.
Keia – What a lady. What a gal. Keia Dawn, the heart change that I saw and see in you from the last nine months is absolutely phenomenal. My prayer for you is that you never lose the fire that you have right now, cause girl you are just that — on fire!!!! I love your friendship, and I really do miss you girl. Stay you. Love you.
Rodrigo – I miss you. I found a true brotherhood in you this past year, and I love that I can be 100% honest and real with you and you’re here for it. You are a deep, complex person – and heres some #feedback, let people know you!! You have so much to contribute and had I not known you truly this year my life would be different. You are golden Rod. Cant wait to see you soon. Love you.
Nick – You’re someone I didn’t get to know well this year, and that regret is all mine. However watching you from afar this year, I saw true intentionality. I saw you find your people and pour into them, and above that – protect them. You’re a protecter Nick. Thats so awesome. Praying for you man. Love you.
Luke – A humble (and sarcastic) giant. Though your race was cut a few months short, I saw you go home with integrity. I saw this year that you are a man who can take a hit for your friends and loved ones. You loved gap p so sacrificially this year man. I pray that you are finding good community back home that I know you will love like you loved us. Miss your hugs boi. Love you.
Courtney – For those of you who don’t know, this girl has made me absolutely crazy this year. I found such an emotional bond with this girl, who I truly believe one day I will marry. Ive waited 413 days to proclaim to the world that I really do want to be with Courtney Rae Jackson, and let me tell you – she was and is well worth any wait. Courtney, you possess such beauty, intimacy with the Lord, and the way you love the world is absolutely breath taking. I am so excited for life with you. See you in a week. I love you.
Tara – My go-to when I need a shoulder to cry on. Thanks for being such a rock for me the last half of the race. I love the friendship that I found in you. I adore your mother like qualities and collections of essential oils. Cant wait to see you again. Love you.
Elijah – My very first tent buddy. I am so thankful for the large collection of memories we have together. I saw a lot of growth in you this year man – and I know that growth will carry on as you are now home. Praying for you brother. Love you.
Stella – A dang good logistics gal. A dang good follower of Jesus. You blow my mind to the ends of the Earth Stell! I am so excited for the things that are awaiting you as you go home. Im praying for ya! America is gonna do you well, take it from me! Love you.
Hannah Grace – As I began to write this the Lord gave me the word Faith. Not sure what that means for you, but in you I see so much Faith. You had so much faith coming on the race, and I see that your cup is now overflowing with it! I adore you, and I still can’t believe you met me at my hotel in Jackson a year and a half ago and Brought me PIE. You’re a gem. See you soon dear. Love you.
Taylor – Lover of all things green, you’re the bee’s knee’s! I love your immense love for the world. You crack me up, because you are SUCH a hippie. The best kind. I believe in you and your artwork so deeply, and I know you’re going places with it. Tell your story girl. Love you.
Sara – Our week together at the Special Need’s Orphanage is my favorite memory of you. I love that you extend your comfort zones so deep, and run after Jesus wherever He says run. You’re brave. You have a heart of gold Sara. Love you.
Jackson – Still I believe that you are friend of the year for what happened back in Zambia to Garrett and the incident with the tree. You know the one. That story is one of my favorites of you, but I think that it says so much more about who you are and the character that you possess Jackson. You’re a friend at all times, even when we find ourselves at our worst. Hope I see you around, if you’re ever in Dallas or better passing through Canton – HMU! Love you.
Alex – The most harry guy that I think I have and will ever meet. Unlike my hatred for body hair, I love you so much brother. You carry such a wit to you man. But you’re deep. You have so much depth to you that you only let a select few see. Share your burdens, you’re loved Alex. Love you.
Mikyla – My girl. My sister. Wanna talk about transformation Tuesday? Were not looking through pics on your laptop for that anymore, were looking at you! So go find a mirror lol. I love you so immensely and I am amazed at the way you’ve changed since I met you almost a year ago. Im here for you literally anytime of the day, please keep me updated on all things Mikyla. Love you.
Lis Warner – So thankful that you, one of my favorite people only live a whopping hour away from me. I love you are your zen stuff (whatever that even means). Thanks for helping me not only perfect my first ever successful water color, but also helping me to love a little deeper while using a new perspective. You really are so good at putting yourselves in other peoples shoes. See you soon. Love you.
Lindsey – You are a very talented, Jesus loving girl. I loved living alongside you in Ecuador. You are truly a servant of our Jesus Linds. Not to mention, you’re fluent in Spanish and we were all jealous of that in Ecuador. Love you.
Sydney Williams – You carry so much wisdom, that you so humbly gave to your people. I am so thankful for our week in Latacunga. You’re a real cool cat. P.S. You still couldn’t tackle me if you tried. Love you.
Evelyn Gwyn – Such a generous, light hearted, beautiful gal all around. You meet people where they’re at and love them where it hurts. Keeping being you Gwyn. Love you.
Victoria – Such a true friend all the way from the beginning. You walk in a way that people see you as pure, valued, and loved. Vic, we all love you so much. If I ever find myself in Minnesota again (and I probably will) we 100% will be getting coffee. Love you.
Tam – We have been friends for literally what is the entirety of two years. I love your realistic views on life. I love the travel bug that has bitten you real good. I love the friend that you have been to me. You’re a good one Tam. Can’t wait to see where your crazy life takes you. Love you.
Skyler – Dear Lord. You are my favorite friend that stresses me out so bad. You live life on the EDGE, needless to say. You make the goody two shoes in me take off his shirt and dance wildly at the beach. Never would’ve thought that was possible but, you get what you got. You are such a true friend. I still can’t believe that you adopted a dog while on the World Race, but I am so happy that you did haha. I plan on visiting you and Luna real soon. Love you.
Emily Turner – You carry such a remarkable leadership with you. People see you, and they want to follow you. Have eyes to see that, and use it to make people see the good things that Jesus has done. I love your heart for your people, and I’m excited to see you so soon. Love you.
Carly – Our nurse away from America. You always have me on my toes, and when you don’t its usually because I fell on my face and hurt myself and I need you to either A) tell me I’m fine and I need to get up and dust myself off OR B) that I’m bleeding and I need a bandage. All in all, you care for those around you so well. I miss you a whole heck of a lot. Hope America is treating you well. Love you.
Kendall – You are such a passionate human. Whether its blackout poetry, anime, writing, or Jesus, you’re always ready for what is gonna be a good time with your people. Your laugh and your story is contagious. People want to know you. Believe that. Love you.
Katie – KP, you have a heart that desires good things. You chase after Jesus with no regrets, and doing the world race was stepping out for you. I saw you love this year and take in every moment that you possibly could. Im praying for you dear. Love you.
Emma – What a gem. To this day I still am so thankful for your friendship. You’ve been in America for a hot second now, but I am still praying that the Lord meets you where you are at for a great season of life to come. Love you.
Kirkland – Such a sweet girl. I am praying that the Lord uses you in ways that you could not imagine. You are so strong & so brave. Love you.
Lo – My friend and “Cool Squad Leader” from the moment I met you nearly a year ago. Doing life with you this year was real fun, and some of my favorite memories with you include: planting and taking pictures with our personally dedicated tree’s on the first day of ministry in India, living in our house in Zimbabwe for 5 days with no electricity, calling you ‘malaria’ rather than calling you by your name in Malawi, and having a kitchen counter sitting coffee date at debrief. You’re the bomb. Love you.
Hildog – Thanks for crying with me when I need it, giving great advice all year, and being sensitive when I need someone to understand my perspective. Truly you Brought me so much peace this year. You are an amazing SQL, and we were so lucky to have you. Love you.
McKayla – You literally have held me as I cried, and handled my many emotional breakdowns through Malawi and Ecuador. Thanks for being crazy, weird, and goofy but also serious when its the time to be serious. You are great. Love you.
Kaylaynn – Thankful that this year you were able to be our Squad Mentor. You led our Squad so well this year. You are great at giving direction keep up the good work. Love you.
Robin – Truly one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. I wish I could’ve seen you again at Final Debrief, but I have a feeling ill be seeing you again. I see so much Jesus radiate off of you. Love you.
Rob – A man of God. True to his word. Rob, thanks for being our male coach this year, you finished your race as well. Job well done. Love you.
Emily Cashion – A TRUE PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRATION. You tell stories of the world around you so beautifully emcash. You carry an amazing joy around with you everywhere you go. Keep chasing Jesus wherever! Love you.
I love you guys so much, and I hope you find joy in these words that I shared. America is so close. You made it. You finished.
