Well, training camp has come and gone more quickly than I could have imagined. Five days ago I left 24 of my best friends and the most amazing leadership team someone could wish for. Ten days prior we all arrived complete strangers to one another, but at the end of training camp we left one huge family. I couldn’t even begin to think of a life without these goofballs.
Let me say World Race training camp wasn’t at all what I expected and God rocked my world. (more to follow, I just need more time. please be patient with me.)
This will be my first of several blogs tackling the mighty job of putting training camp into words. Still struggling to adequately describe what took place, I decided to start by introducing mi familia.
Meet L Squad.
The funky hand signal you see is something between a weird L and an unicorn horn, interpret it however you must. Regardless, I’m blessed to say yes alongside a group of 24 people who have also said yes and a leadership team who seeks to serve God and this team so well. Each and every person in these pictures bring completely unique, special, and valuable gifts to our group, and without them we would be incomplete. It has personally given me an amazing picture of the body of Christ.
Meet Team Strategically Placed.
We chose “strategically placed” because we know that God has strategically placed us where we are for the Gospel. Wherever we go and whoever we are with, we know that our purpose is to pursue holiness and further his Kingdom. We believe nothing is out of God’s sovereign will. Even when we may not understand, we know the Lord is faithful and good, always. Our team name is a reminder that we can hold on to his promises.
Since I will spending all of my time with the above five people, I’d like you to get to know them a little better. There are an abundance of qualities to love about my teammates and I’ll share some of the things I love most about them.
Top, left to right:
Catie Collins (https://catiecollinssmith.theworldrace.org/): CC is bravely authentic. I love that wherever she goes and no matter who she is around she always shows up completely herself. I admire that you never have to question how Catie Collins feels because she is always willing to be real and raw. She carries a special energy about her that surpasses anyone I’ve ever met. She has this incredible ability in using her energy to lighten any mood, bring a smile to your face, and make you feel important and loved by simply being in her presence. She loves and serves the people around her very passionately. The joy of the Lord radiates from her.
Brandon (https://brandonminner.theworldrace.org/): I learn something new from Brandon in every conversation we have, whether he is sharing his knowledge of the Word or simply telling me more about himself. Talking with Brandon always leaves me refreshed and encouraged. Brandon is the type of person who puts everyone before himself, and will almost always choose last (unless it’s sports because he is insanely competitive). He strives to make sure others feel heard and valued. I admire the way he is quick to listen and slow to speak, putting thought into each of his answers. I love his eagerness to learn. Brandon seeks God for wisdom, and uses it to encourage others in their personal walk with the Lord.
Ashton (https://ashtonmueller.theworldrace.org/): Ashton is one of the most kind, gentle woman I’ve ever met. She is sweet and sassy, always surprising you with her playful humor. When you’re with her you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of love. Ashton comes off as quiet, which she is for the most part, but when she speaks her words are nothing short of profound. She seeks to see people the way Jesus sees them. She is humble, and always puts others before herself. She is a natural servant, and reminds me a lot of Mary.
Bottom, left to right:
Hey, that’s mwah! 🙂
Rachel (https://rachelcavender.theworldrace.org/): Rachel holds one of the most nurturing spirits of anyone I’ve known. She has a passion for comforting, listening, and encouraging others. She seeks out ways to love people well, and comfort in times of hurt and distress. Rachel is quick to put the needs of others before her own. No matter how she is feeling, she hardly ever fails to be the first person to check on you when you’re upset. She desires to protect the people she cares about, and looks to help people struggling, whether she knows them personally or not. Rachel reminds me of the comfort that comes from the Father.
Rob (https://robames.theworldrace.org/): Rob has the gift of leadership. He leads by example and with extreme humbleness. He seeks opportunities to serve others fearlessly. He is a man that holds authority when he speaks yet is still so gentle in his words. When Rob speaks I immediately turn to hear what he has to say. He makes others feel heard, and always assures them that what they have to say is important. I admire that Rob shows the importance of prayer, and is quick to lean into God for guidance. Rob reminds me much of James, a servant of God.
I’m excited to know the characteristics of God better as I get to know my teammates. What a blessing to serve God alongside such wonderful people. I hope you grow to love them as much as I do. Please go subscribe to their blogs to see our journey from the lens of five other people.
For the next 6 weeks I will seek rest and wisdom from God as I prepare for the most stretching journey thus far. Keep a lookout for more blogs on the entirety of training camp. Thank you for following along with what the Lord is doing in my life! I’m grateful for a community who supports and loves me.
