Valerie is one of those girls who can be quiet when you first meet her, but oh so much fun when you really get to know and spend time with her!
The first time I met Val was at Storytelling training, before training camp for the World Race really began, about one year ago. And to be honest, I didn’t even realize she was on my squad at first because she never spoke up on our group chats in the months prior. She was quiet, sweet, and had a super nice camera for vlogging, so I thought she would be the shy one that I could learn a lot from with her video and photo editing knowledge. Turns out she is not so shy, and she had just bought her camera for the race so instead we were learning together.
Over the first few months of the race, we didn’t get to know each other well, being on separate teams. But whenever our squad came together for debriefs, travel days, and fun little excursions in between, Val was one that I loved hanging out with because she was so easy going and someone with whom I could so easily share everything! We began to notice a group of us always drawn together for squad adventure days, and in London, we named ourselves the Piccadilly team because of the metro we were riding.
During our debrief at the beginning of Nepal, month five, we were to find out our new team assignments and everyone was curious as to whom they would be stuck with for the second half of our race. The night before team changes, Val and I set off for a late night snack and went back to a new favorite restaurant to enjoy a meal and conversation. I shared with her my thoughts on team changes, how I was excited but where worry also crept in. She gave me some really good advice that struck a chord inside of me and I told her, “If you end up a team leader, I would soo love to be on your team!” The next morning, to my surprise and excitement, that’s exactly what happened! God answers prayers even when we don’t realize we are asking! Haha!
Since then, we have had so many adventures with Team Branded and I have learned so much more about Valerie! She’s one of those girls that I can sit on a crowded bus with, laugh together and talk about everything and never get tired. She’s a friend that I can share my shame and not feel judged. She’s a friend that no matter how much I tell myself “this is not a big deal, I’m gonna keep these thoughts to myself,” I can’t help but open up to her and am so glad when I do, because she’s also a friend who gives wisdom and advice she hears from the Lord. She’s not afraid to share the wisdom God gives her, but it comes out so sweetly, with no trace of judgment or boastfulness, only love and genuine care.
It’s been so fun learning with Val, ministering alongside her and under her leadership these last six months, and making vlogs together (even though she hasn’t posted any herself, yet! …We’re still working on that), and simply living life together. I can’t imagine what this team would have been like without Val and I hope we can stay close and continue learning together even after we return home.
God’s got some amazing things in store for you, Val! Don’t settle and don’t let your dreams die. Keep dreaming crazy dreams and keep growing into the person God has made you to be, because that is the inspiration you have been to me!
