I’ve always connected better with guys.
Growing up with three brothers, playing sports, working at a golf course… I’ve always been surrounded by more men than women, and that’s how the World Race began when I spent the first four months on an all-male team. Then God threw me a change-up.
I was placed on a co-ed team for the next five-ish months, and, wow, God did a work.
(Team Deepa left to right: myself, Em, Emilie, Lauren, Nate, Michael)
Emilie, Lauren, and Em became my sisters for this year, and I honestly wasn’t sure what to do about it at first, but I praise God for placing them on my team. Because of them, I was able to dig so much deeper into past hurts, suppressed emotions, and more. I’ve laughed till my side hurts, gotten into conflicts, had to relearn how to handle myself and some situations, grown in my ability to give and receive physical touch, and learned to see God in a whole new way.
Emilie is someone I’ll be friends with for years. She showed me what it’s like to live with my awkwardness and goofiness and how to laugh deeper than I ever have before. She walks in more discernment than anyone I know and the joy, love, and warmth she has is incredible. I loved being on a team with someone I could joke and laugh with while also being incredibly real at the same time, and I’ve learned so much just watching her care for those around her.
Lauren truly is my sister. We ask each other questions, look to each other for advice, and being around her has helped teach me how to really feel again. She calls me out immediately and boldly if I need it and yet is one of the most loving people I’ve ever met. She’s taught me what it looks like to be fully comfortable and confidant in who I am, and I’m so thankful to God for placing us on the same team.
Besides being the only person on the squad who truly understands me when I talk about home (‘cause she’s from Wisconsin), Em is one of the most caring people I know. The joy, peace, and wisdom she walks in have challenged me to grow more in those areas, and despite our friendly disagreements (Yes, I recently changed my mind – Scotland is a nation, not a country), I feel like I was able to relate to Em and her story more than most people on the squad. She was the constant presence on our team, and I learned what true peace looks like being around her.
These three have been my closest sisters this past year, and I’m so thankful to God for bringing us all together.
Thank you Emilie, Lauren, and Em!
God Bless!
-Ben
