noelle parker is 1/7 of team orah. I have been living with her for the past few months, doing ministry together, sleeping about six inches away from each other at nearly all points in time. she is a woman in the word, always seeing the beauty in the world around her, and one heck of a woman to journey next to. she also is so kind enough to guest write a blog for me!(because I’m no good at the blog thing) I told her to write about what she wanted, and I feel like the meme of the dog with sunglasses on putting gas in the car (gas symbolizing compliments, kindness, ego boosting, etc..). all jokes aside, this wonder wrote about what its like to be my teammate! also look at how beautiful she is:
anyways, here’s the blog!
Sarah (or Sarai) Goodwin, also known as one of the biggest blessings of my world race experience. I have had the privilege of being Sarah’s teammate for the past 5 months, & I still have a sweet 4 more ahead of me!! I have learned learned a bunch from watching her pursue Jesus. She lives her life in a way that naturally points people back to Him, I can name countless times where I have stood in AWE of what the Lord is doing in her life.
A few (of many) ways I have seen her look like Jesus these past few months:
.Sarah is a fighter. She fights not only for the Lord, but for her people. She doesn’t take the easy road, either. She says and does the hard things, taking Jesus’ commands and putting passion behind them. A living, walking example of what love practically looks like.
.Sarah is a strong warrior(Judges 6:12)!!! She perseveres like no freaking other. Granted, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t struggle, rather, she allows the Lord to guide her through hardships and heal her heart when needed. I have seen Sarah humble herself before the Lord in the midst of hardship, & that shows me her desire to let God rule every inch of her. Her willingness to let God guide is the reason she comes out the other side looking more like Jesus !!! (*cue overcomer by mandisa*) THAT right there shows me strength and willpower in Christ.
.Sarah is bold in sharing the Gospel. Every time we have been given the opportunity to evangelize, she runs with it. Holy spirit truly moves through her, the way she stewards conversations and prays over locals reflects Jesus oh so well.
.Sarah is a really good friend. When i’m being irrational and a bit of a jerk, she lovingly points me back to Jesus. When i’m struggling, she offers a helping hand. She makes sure to include others & relishes in the sweet in-between moments. A the intentionality of Jesus shines through her friendship!!
Some of my favorite moments on this trip have been with Sarah G. What are these “favorite moments?” Well, i’m glad you asked!!
- She was dared to speak in a British accent for a whole day, & she DID. Granted, it sounded VERY much Australian, but her willingness speaks to her competitive nature.
- At mid-point debrief we shared a hotel room. There was one day where Sarah was very loopy and couldn’t help but speak every thought on her mind. I definitely can’t remember most things she said, but I do know that A, everything she said was VERY funny B, she talked a lot about her hair falling out (and even posted something on Facebook about it), & C, played with our friend Izac’s knife for a solid 10 minutes. Good times!!
- Sarah, a couple of friends, & I got invited to a seminary student christmas party our first night in india. We danced all night to Christmas hymn’s and got to be in community with the locals-which was so sweet.
- A couple of girls in the village we are currently in have taken a liking to Sarah and I. Every time they see her their faces light up-it’s SO SWEET. Watching her love on children reminds me of Jesus & his appreciation for childlike wonder. She sees these girls and meets them where they are at. What a blessing those moments are.
Man oh man, I love this girl a whole bunch-it’s been an honor getting to watch her follow the path Abba laid before her. Even though we can butt heads and make each other angry (which is to be expected when you sleep next to someone for 9 months) I can look back on each moment and conversation with such gratefulness and joy.
To everyone who has been given the blessing of knowing Sarah, you’re a lucky one!! There is so much to learn from her story and the way she follows Him. I am convinced that 9 months isn’t enough time to fully appreciate all of the gifts she has to offer, so i pray that each of you take the time you have and cherish it deeply
And to sweet Sarah G, you’re one of a kind!!! The Lord was so intentional in placing you in my life. Keep pursuing God radically. Keep abiding. Keep soaking in His goodness. He is going to do so much through you to glorify His kingdom. I have so much love for you!!
