Hi everyone! Good to be back and updating you on life!! My current location is Muskat, Oman! Here are a few joys of being in Oman!!
Oman is a country of peace in the Middle East, it is nestled in between Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arabs Emirates. Oman is a new country being explored for the World Race. Therefore, the squads mission and vision for the month here is to pioneer the land and cultivate relationships here for future partnerships and to bring God’s Kingdom to the predominately Muslim country.
Oman is a beautiful, wealthy country. It carries 20% of the oil in the world. The geography is so unique and dazzling. Mountains, desert, and the gulf coast… COME ON!!!
Our view from the top of a mountain at Yiti beach
Entering Month five of the Race, my squad and I just finished our debrief with our mentor and coaches from America! I love debriefs because they are a time where we get to come together as a squad, rest, reflect and praise Jesus for all he is doing among ourselves and in the world.
our mentor Stephanie: pictured in red polka dotted shirt
Mark and Jane our coaches: far back corner
and the rest of the squad..woah!!
This debrief I received a special surprise!! The leadership team prayed into who will continue to lead the squad after our alumni leaders leave at the end of this month. I am saddened to see Eric and Tamara head home for they have lead this squad with such grace, humility and wisdom. I am excited to share that I am one of three new squad leaders. I feel honored to be appointed this position and role. If you are wondering what it entails.. basically I will be traveling around to each of the teams each month and encouraging and supporting them in their journeys with the Lord, while continuing to serve and do ministry along side of them. My new team for the remainder of the race is now myself and the other squad leaders; Jewel and Austin.
beach night after our squad leader training!!
My heart just adores both of them already, they are so lovely and passionate people!! We just finished a four day training for the squad leader position with Stephanie our mentor from America. I believe God will prepare and equip me for what I will need in this season of leading my squad-mates.
I love ice cream! At debrief we had the most extravagant and delicious ice cream shop right up the road from our hotel apartment called Fruito. We made friends with the workers there and they always gave us samples on arrival. What a sweet surprise:) YUMMMM!!
Another sweet memory was having the opportunity to swim twice in the Gulf of Oman! The beaches are beautiful and we even had the chance given to us for a free horse ride from some locals on the beach. In addition, we met an affectionate Indian family with three large dogs. They invited us over to their home for more hangouts and play time with the dogs.. what a treat!
Oh also funny story….we thought these mountain cats stole our sub sandwiches when we were swimming… A local couple helped retrieve some of our food but said the cats ran off with the rest… We thought Austin’s was for sure gone.. come to find out later that his sandwich was stored in his bag the whole time!!! All the sandwiches were recovered… it was so funny… here is evidence;)
Our God is a God that is beyond generous in giving good gifts, and giving the sweetest surprises! As we draw closer to him we get to see him in everything we do on a daily basis.
A challenge…take today and notice all the sweet little moments and gifts Jesus brings to you..
it just might surprise you:)
