This is part of a series of blogs I‘m working on with my squadmate Gretchen Waters (check out her blog site here !) Gretch is a writing intern for the marketing department, just like I’m a photography intern, so we thought this would be a fun way to collab and share our squad with our supporters. I’ve highlighted where each of us are writing and then the pictures are from me 🙂

We’ve already introduced you to my team, Stride, and our leadership team, and Team Kenosis, but there are still three teams left on our squad. In the coming weeks we’re going to introduce you to each of them, and next up is Gretch’s team: Shathal!

Gretchen has already written a blog introducing her teammates from her perspective, but since I haven’t been on a team with these girls the past 9 months, I thought it would be better for them to share about each other 🙂


 

TEAM SHATHAL

shathal : rooted or planted

Shathal (aka Shathy, Shathy Kathy) started off in Gainesville, Georgia being the only girls with the two guys’ teams for two weeks as a cohort (as a Covid precaution). Initially, this caused some friction between the rest of the girls and their team, but now I would say that some of my closest girl friends in Gap D are from Shathal. They also had Nicole as their alumni team leader and transitioned with my team, Stride, to be under her as a squad leader. 

Shathal is a fierce group of women on fire for the Lord, always ready to fight for each other and the Kingdom. Everyone around them is encouraged by their presence. I love ‘em to pieces and I hope you do too 🙂

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

Psalms 1:1-3

 

Brooklyn Dilley // Ankeny, Iowa

independent. fierce. challenger.

“Wow wow wow wow… WOW! Brook is… more than just a few words. She is the kind of person that everyone should meet. And once you do, your life will be changed forever! From the first day we met in GA to the last couple weeks of our race in the DR, it has been such a blessing to walk alongside her in this journey. The amount of GROWTH, RESTORATION, and FREEDOM that has happened within her these past few months has been absolutely beautiful to watch. Very grateful that I get to call Brook my sister ??”

– Jamie 

 

Angelina Torres // Miami, Florida

feisty. driven. loving.

“Angelina Torres – you truly will never meet another soul like her. She is spunky, she is a dreamer, she is full of grace and patience, and MAN can this girl sing. She, in her own words, “brings the spark.” I have had the honor of getting to know this beautiful daughter throughout these past 8 1/2 months – and I will truly never be the same because of her. She has caused me to chase after the dreams I have full force, and to trust the Lord and His plan while doing so. I have watched her grow in her love for the Lord and for those around her, and it has been a beautiful journey to witness. Our team would not be the same without Ang. Man am I thankful for this woman!!!”

– Kailey

 

Jamie Schroeder // Inez, Texas

passionate. warm. strong.

“Jamie Schroeder. A woman who fights for others and for this team. She is probably the funniest person you will ever meet, and you’ll never feel more loved than when you are in her presence! Her life is so evidently founded on truth, and the lies of the enemy can’t stand where she is. She is a daughter, who knows she is a daughter.

Jamie is passionate about women’s stories, and allowing them to be heard. She also values quality time and true friendship. If you find yourself spending a day with her, be sure to bring your favorite snack, a story to share, and an open heart that is ready to be loved.”

– Gretchen

 

Sydney Spears // Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

gifted. patient. profound.

“To know Sydney is to feel so immensely loved in such an intentional way. Sydney is the kindest gentle soul you’ll come across. She is a woman of not only incredible wisdom from The Lord but with a heart of pure gold that extends the Father’s heart to everyone. She leads those around her to walk in not only the truth of The Lord, but to find their identity that is rooted in God’s love. When you come near her you instantly feel at peace, she carries peace wherever she walks. Beyond this, Sydney carries a gift of the arts. Through her photography she invites people into a space where they feel worthy & seen. She empowers those around her to walk in the gentle, kind, love of God. A woman who walks in joy & light– to call her friend or sister is the biggest privilege.”

– Angelina

 

Gretchen Waters // Asheville, North Carolina

friend to all. joyful. full of life.

“Ahh! Gretchen Waters! What an actual warrior for the Lord. It’s almost a cliche at this point, but nothing describes her better. Gretchen is a warrior in so many ways. She fights for those she cares about, and will drop everything to help you when you need it. She fights for herself. She is so strong and independent, and knows her worth and her inheritance as a daughter of the King. But most importantly Gretchen fights for the Kingdom. She knows her authority and asks God to work through her to kick the enemy’s butt on the daily. She is so passionate about sharing the Lord’s joy, love, compassion, and peace with everyone who will listen. She has such a gift for making you feel known, valued, and seen. She’s also a total weirdo and you can’t help but smile in her presence. This girl is such a light to our team and our squad, and she is going to keep changing the world. Love you Gretch!!!”

– Brooklyn 

 

Kailey Grueser // Barboursville, West Virginia 

intentional. wise. generous.

“Kailey Grueser. This woman carries light. She carries strength. She will be the first one to cheer you on. She brings life wherever she goes. She is patient and kind. She runs relentlessly towards the Father in the most beautiful way. You can often find her somewhere admiring flowers, or talking about her dreams of owning a coffee shop. She leaves a seat at her table for anyone who needs it. She is a listening ear. She knows her identity as a daughter, and walks it out well. She carries so much wisdom. She’s the kind of friend you can sit and laugh about absolutely nothing for hours. She is a prayer WARRIOR!! She is passionate about intercession. She is passionate about worship. And not just in song, but everything she does. She has the most beautiful voice! I feel honored to call her a friend and a sister.”

– Sydney


te amo mucho shathal!!