Being 6 months in, being in Thailand a second time, and being really stoked about Jesus all obviously leads me to write a blog about one specific topic: my teammates! Living with the same group of people for 6 months means you get pretty close with them. They’re all also really great people, and I’m sick of writing blogs about myself. So here we go…
This is Will. Will likes Mexican food way more than I do but thats ok because he loves me and the rest of the team so well. Will’s the kinda guy that naturally looks you in the eye and nods his head when listening to you as a nice way to make you feel heard. Will brings incredible perspective and wisdom while maintaining a humble demeanor. Will would listen to all of your problems out of love but would also be bold enough to tell you hard truths as a response. He lives with a deep appreciation and awe for beautiful things God created. If I had to go to a museum with anyone in the world it would be Will.
Meet Jordan. He is the type of person that you have to be around for a couple of weeks before you start to understand his sense of humor. Jordan is the type of guy who I look at first when something funny happens around us. His humor is a joy, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Jordan is intelligent, personable, and bold. He is well-spoken and has articulated powerful truths with precision that brings great influence. He connects to people personally because of the intimacy that he has with the Lord. Jordan is so good at connection that I still really love him no matter how wrong he is about The Last Jedi. If I were to host a podcast with anyone in the world it would be Jordan.
Nick Randau (pronounced rondo). The first word that I think of when I think of Nick is determined. Nick is the sort of person who, when he decides to do something, always dives in headfirst. Especially when it comes to the ways he loves on people. Nick invites people into his life without fear or hesitation. He goes about life with a type of confidence that I have never seen before. Nick goes through life with a joy that disregards the ways that society tells people to be. I can always count on Nick to get food with me or play a game with me. If I had to lose at poker to anyone in the world it would be Nick.
This is Noah. Noah is the type of guy who is naturally good at everything, but you can still joke around with because of his humility. He is independent, but he still invites people into his life simply because he cares for them. He has boldness, strength, and wisdom to handle any situation with confidence. He’s someone who lets only truth guide his life and isn’t afraid to call out anything that contradicts God’s truth. When I wanted a scriptural perspective on something I know that Noah is a good person to talk to. If I had to learn an instrument from anyone on the planet it would be Noah.
That is Blake Sellers. I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone with a more contagious joy than Blake. He is the type of person that can make the energy level of an entire group go up. Blake can draw people in with his joy, but once you get beyond that you realize that true goodness of his character. He is a natural leader and hears the voice of the Lord super clearly. Blake walks in integrity and boldness. Although Blake is slightly crazy for valuing jelly more than peanut butter, he makes up for it because of all that he brings to the table. If I had to choose anyone in the world to be a youth pastor for my future kids, it would be Blake.
Meet Ethan. I have never met anyone who loves veggies as much as Ethan does. When I started living with Ethan, his diet and his workout videos made his discipline hard not to notice. Ethan is the type of person who would be the only one on the squad to keep their word about posting a blog every single week (not sure if thats true I did not fact check), and those blogs are all around 1500 words. Ethan is humble and light-hearted and has a servant’s heart. He has strong convictions and does a great job holding to those, but he doesn’t let those convictions or perfectionism make him any less enjoyable to be around. Ethan has a blunt, unobtrusive sense of humor that fits perfectly on our team. If I were forced topick a workout partner out of everyone in the world, it would be Ethan.
That’s B (or Blake but we have two of those). B was forced to go home from the race because of sickness, but he will always be part of our team. B is the type of guy who you could talk into doing any adventure with you. He has an adventurer’s spirit but is responsible and respectful and shows so much honor in the way he lives. B has the boldness to lean into whatever is needed no matter how hard it is. He leads with vulnerability and self-awareness. He has such a good view of right and wrong, and he sets a good example of how to live that out well. I miss him a lot. If I had to go backpacking with anyone in the world it would be B.
Caleb Callway. Caleb is technically my leader, but I like to think of him more as a friend. He is the type of guy who loves gummy candy more than most people but would still share it with you if you asked nicely enough. Caleb handles the responsibilities of being a leader with the people he leads in the forefront of his mind. He has a gift for calling out truth in other people’s lives that changes their perspective. I know that the things Caleb has spoken into me have been some of the most influential in my entire life. Caleb leads us with vulnerability and creates genuine connection because of how well he genuinely cares for us. If I had to have a partner for any strategy game ever it would be Caleb.
