First off I may as well introduce you to the men of S Squad. There’s Luis our Squad Leader, he has led both my team and the men’s team these last nine months. Brendan our Logistics Coordinator(Squad mate). Davis our Story Telling Leader(Squad mate). As well as my other brothers within the squad Parker, Drew, Sam, Luke, Christian and Travis. To be honest from day one these dudes were different.
Starting in Training Camp they were all also different from one another. All of them have different back grounds and different upbringings, etc… Yet, they now have this bond(it’s absolutely beautiful and I wish everyone could witness it) that is honestly true to their team name they chose at training camp. Covenant, this name comes from the story in scripture about David and Jonathan and the covenant they made between eachother.
So starting the first few months of the race we were hearing stories of how they treated the other teams in Cambodia. Stories of how well they protected, honored, loved, served, and respected our sisters who were with them in Battambang.
Getting to Ethiopia month 4 was a big jump for my team. Going from just us to the whole squad, we ended up sharing a house in Ethiopia with the men’s team. This opened my eyes to more of who each of these amazing individuals actually were and who God had created them to be. We started bonding over stretch squad, marvel movies, and just other random weird happenings within Wakanda(the home we shared).
In the last leg of this race with maybe twoish weeks left in Costa Rica the guys had something they wanted to do for us. Let me break down what happened during our day with Covenant.
Morning of we recieved doughnuts, flowers and a note outside of our bedroom door saying we should all be ready by 5:30pm. Ministry happened as usual throughout the day and we had a relaxing afternoon before getting ready for whatever was ahead. 5:30 rolled around and we were escorted(from our bedroom) to the dining table prepared for us outside. Decorated beautifully with sweet smelling flowers, colorful handkerchiefs and some twinkling lights(thank you n’sync).
They then took our empty plates and returned with our choice of water or tea and a plate of food. Each of them had also written a note for us. We laughed, talked and then dinner was over. Then they treated us to Gelato. To end the night we worshiped together and they actually washed our feet and prayed over each one of us.
I was sobbing at one point because the Lord showed me how much He loves me through my brothers that day.
Oh how the little things really mean more then a thousand words.
Sometimes the smallest jester can completely flip someones perspective.
My perspective of men and such, before the race looked something like all they wanted from me what what I had to offer. What I thought I had to settle for wasn’t God’s best for me but what I thought I deserved. I also assumed that any guy who said they loved Jesus and liked me would treat me with respect and honor, loving me for who I was and who God made me to be. Yet, every time I settled I was broken more and more because, well the reality is, we are all human and we all let eachother down sometimes.
Now I’ve started seeing how my brothers treat me. I now know I don’t have to settle for anything less then God’s best. I am worthy to be treated with respect, honor and love. I am really grateful for my brothers and the example they have set.
Plus, right now I have Jesus and He treats me better then any earthly man ever could. He has set the bar pretty high for anyone who wants to pursue me.
Gracias Hermanos for being amazing examples of how Christ loves the church. Love you all and will miss you.
