hey world, how’s it going out there?
I wanted to introduce you to each member of my team because I think it is important that you know who I am spending all my time with. Also, at the end, I’m going to take some time explaining our team name, so buckle up!
LAUREN KOBE:
Lauren, a.k.a. Loberson, is our lovely team leader. If Goofy and Wisdom had a child, it would be Lauren. Lauren did the race last year and was part of one of the few squads that got pulled off the field because of Covid.
Even though her time was cut short in the filed, it is so evident that God used her in big ways and has big plans for her life. She would tell you that she never saw herself being a team leader, but it is kinda funny how God sometimes walks us into things we never thought we would do. Lauren’s favorite color is green, like a sage or olive green, her favorite animal is a doe, loves blueberries, and is a women after God’s own heart!
GABBY GANSLE:
Now, we have Gabby. Gabby is quite the little firecracker and super silly at the same time. I admire her strength in battling hard things. She has gone through so much in such a little time, yet she chooses to praise Jesus and seek his face through it all. She has a way of making everyone in the room feel welcome and seeks out the one who feels left out or unheard.
Gabby LOVES her cats, butter and qbert, and just cats in general, her favorite color is dark gray, and she has the most beautiful long, thick hair;)
SIDNEY KEY:
Someone once told me and Sidney that were like two-peas-in-a-pod, and I have to say that I completely agree. Sidney is someone that everyone, without even realizing, gravitates towards. Her wisdom is beyond her years and she is one phenomenal listener. Sidney loves watermelon, peaches, and cool ranch Doritos, she prefers the beach over the mountains, her favorite animal is a calf, her favorite color is burnt orange (pretty cool, eh?) and it is very evident that the significance and magnitude of what Jesus did on that cross has impacted her life in magnificent ways.
GRACIE BROWN:
Gracie, Gracie, Gracie. Gracie is one of the fiercest people I have run into in my 19 years of life. She appreciates really any joke and will always be the first one to laugh, so if you don’t think you’re funny, go talk to Gracie and you’ll be convinced you should pursue stand up comedy. I love the unique perspective she brings to the table and how she asks questions that make you take a step back and think. She loves sweet chili Doritos and mangos, her favorite animal is a red panda, she prefers the mountains over the beach, and she is one driven woman!
ABBA RITTER:
Abba Ritter, one of the most talented woman I know. Literally, she can pick up any game/sport/really anything and be good at it, that’s something I love about her. Abba really loves her family and friends so much, especially her boxer, Hazel, and she can play jump rope with her own arms. She has such a servants heart and puts others needs before her own and does it with a smile on her face.
Abba prefers a sunset over sunrise, loves the color aqua marine and working out, and she has some of the gentleness and peace that I imagine Jesus had.
ESTHER MARQUES:
LESTHERRRRR! She hates when I call her that, but it’s okay because she still loves me. Esther is such an incredible woman. She loves people deeply and I’m convinced she would fist fight someone if they came after someone she loves.
She has the beautiful ability to be friends with everyone and can rally a group of people like no other. One of the best things about Esther is she is never afraid to speak her mind and will just tell you straight up.
Her favorite animal is an elephant, she also prefers a sunset over sunrise, her favorite color is blush pink, and she craves to know the Lord and incorporate him into every aspect of her life.
TEAM BAREFEET:
Now let me unpack this name for you real quick…
During team time a little bit ago, we were sharing what we wanted the atmosphere and culture of our team to be, this included but is not limited to: safe, comfortable, intentional, etc. After this discussion, the topic of team name came up and Lauren randomly said “barefoot.” Our initial reaction was probably really similar to yours when she said that, but we soon realized that it was actually so fitting.
When you go to someones house, we agreed you tend to take your shoes off because you’re gonna stay for awhile, you’re comfortable, it feels safe. These are all things that we wanted for ourselves and for each other.
So, being the good Christians that we are (jk jk), we decided to check out scripture and see what the Bible had to say about being barefoot. We found that wherever the presence of the Lord fell, those nearby would take their shoes off because it was considered Holy Ground (Exodus 3:5, Joshua 5:15). We came to a consensus that we want to treat the ground we walk on, travel to, where we meet, where we go during the World Race as just that: Holy ground.
And there you have it, Team Barefeet!
(this is us after Lauren surprised us all with this book and we started book club!)
