For the first three months of the race, we had the opportunity to have an Alumni team leader. This is something the world race has recently implemented and wow, alumni team leaders are such a beautiful gift and quite a necessity for new racers to start off on the right foot and with a good foundation going into the race. Anabelle Walker did the world race gap year two years ago and she graciously followed God’s call to come back on the field to lead and disciple us. She has been a total blessing and gift from God for my life and for the lives of my teammates.
Anabelle has been such a beautiful example of being a woman of God and being rooted in God’s word. Her love for the Lord and love for others has really inspired me to go deeper in my faith with the Lord so I can love others more. Every time we think about her leaving, we get sad but I also know that God has provided me with a life long friend and mentor and I know she is going to be off doing amazing things for the kingdom when she gets home. God has told me there’s going to be a holy movement within her town and her friend group when she gets home and I am so excited for her.
Last Thursday, Connor (our squad leader) and Anabelle pulled me aside as if I was going into an interrogation session. I was a bit confused in the moment, but after a second I realized what was going on. They told me that God had highlighted me for being team leader for team Esther for the rest of the six months on the race!! I was so surprised yet honored. It just felt like a big hug from God telling me that he trusts me with this role. I know this will be a season of refining my character, and it’s going to be so hard and so good. God is redefining leadership for me in so many news ways.
Last week, I got the privilege to go through two days of leadership training. It was such a sweet time to soak up all the wisdom from the squad leaders and the alumni team leaders! What I love about the world race is that they really emphasize that leadership can only happen out of a place of rest with the Father. Not out of striving, performance, or anything of our own doing. We are called to be so filled up by the Holy Spirit so we can serve out of overflow straight from the Father. How beautiful is that???
I am so excited to take on this new position the Lord has entrusted me with! I know I didn’t do anything to deserve this, but the Father constantly reminds me with His love that I am worthy of this.
God is so good and I am so in awe of Him everyday.
With that being said! I am going to Ethiopia in a week and a half!!! The cell reception/WiFi will be very sparse or maybe not even accessible at all. This makes fundraising very difficult if I am able to fundraise at all. My deadline is in January! If you aren’t able to donate, prayers are much appreciated!
Prayer Requests:
Transitions are always hard, so prayers for my team and whole squad as we are leaving the beautiful country of Guatemala! We are having to say goodbye to all of our sweet friends made family here and it’s going to be difficult.
Also prayers as all the new team leaders take on more responsibilities in this new season!
Prayers for all the Alumni team leaders going back to the states so soon! ;(
Thank you so much for all the love and support!
Peace and blessings,
Hannah Keller
