At home with my family, friends & students (lets be real- they’re all family) I am known for my hugs. I love walking in the door to people fighting over who gets to hug me first. Physical touch is next to last on my love language list but there’s something about the embrace of a hug that makes everything ok. It’s the perfect greeting, the perfect way to let someone know they were missed, the perfect way to show someone you love them, and the perfect comfort when you’re having a rough day. If there was one thing I wish I could have brought on the race with me- it would have been my family’s hugs!
Last Thursday morning I was up earlier than everyone else spending quiet time with God before the craziness of 19 ladies kicked in for the day. God decided to challenge me with my team.
Oh by the way, meet my team!
Karlie – She is always happy, finding joy in the simplest things. She has such a childlike approach to life and keeps us all positive and encouraged.
Hailey – She’s the sweetest. Always checking in on people. She is very dependable and willing. I admire the way she thinks to pray over any and all situations.
Marissa – The girls a Jill of All Trades. She can do everything! She keeps laughter and energy in the group. She is a very passionate personality & has such a mothering heart.
Meagan – Shes probably one of the most talented people I’ve met. Her photography & Videography skills amaze me. She is very quiet but super quirky and I love it!
Ashley – She is so intentional with people. She is so great at encouraging and speaking life in to people. Her knowledge of the Bible astounds me.
Britt – Our squad leader and honorary team agape member for the last 2 weeks this month. She’s hilarious and has that contagious laugh. The simplest things give her tears of joy.. literal tears 🙂
The unity of my team was a little slow rolling. I think we all have somewhat felt it and have discussed it. Naturally with my introverted personality, relationships take longer than normal to form as it is but it was something more than that. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
In my quiet time Thursday I took it to God. I prayed that he would bless our relationships and for conversations to be had that would connect all of us on a deeper level. As a response, God told me to give all 5 of the girls on my team a hug…
Every morning.
You’re kidding, right? Do you realize how special hugs are to me? I barely know these girls! That is so awkward and uncomfortable- there’s no way I’m doing that!
I argued with Him about it for FIVE days. And every day He made sure to remind me of what He had asked me to do. Each day feeling more and more guilty for intentionally ignoring Him.
Throughout those five days during my team’s ministry days, I had received so many hugs from the most adorable kids here in Belize. I am a complete stranger to them and yet they express their love and appreciation so well through a big bear hug every time we leave.
Why was I ok to love on these kids but not my teammates? It got me thinking about how our sole purpose of being here is to mirror Jesus and how He loves.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Don’t get carried away – I don’t foresee dying for them on this trip. (Even though.. I probably would if it came down to it.) But, OK God, I give. You died on the cross to show me how much you love me.. the least I could do is show my teammates love through a hug. I will be spending the next 11 months with these girls. They already have a special place in my heart & I love them. I may as well start treating them like family.
God whispered – They ARE family.
Im still working on being obedient and doing what God tells me to – the FIRST time He tells me to do it. Even if it is something as silly as awkward hugs every day. Im sure eventually these hugs will be a memory forever treasured & will be a thing of unity.
Watch out Hails, Kar, Ash, Meg & Riss… Im comin’ for ya!
