Since being in Europe, I have been on a huge history kick. There is something about being in an area that has been so affected by the political and social events of the past century that motivates me to learn as much as I can about this area of the world.
Unexpectedly, one of the best resources has been Netflix; the movies and TV shows give really interesting visual and dramatic understanding of various events. Some of the best I’ve watched are The Bletchley Circle, The 100 Foot Journey, The Ottoman Lieutenant, Allied, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
A lot of my historical interest has lain in the Great War and WWII, since they affected the borders and relationships of most of Eastern Europe. These wars were quite different, but one thing they had in common were allies. The Allies of World War I were a coalition of powers resisting Germany, the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, and Austria-Hungary. The Allied Nations of WWII, including the UK, the Soviet Union, the United States, and China, led to the founding of the United Nations post-war.
This idea of being allies, united in mission, joining in forces, even when separated by land and sea has been laying on my heart.
As my time on the World Race approaches its end (yet still two and a half months away), I am realising how much I want and need allies when I get home. Living in community with 30 peers who are in a similar stage of life, with similar desires for the future, and similar hearts for the Lord is probably the best part of the Race. I don’t want to lose that when I go home! I want people to fight for me– my spiritual health, mental health, physical health, and emotional health, like the people I have been blessed with these past nine months.
I approached my new team with that sentiment and expressed my desire to have allies in them, and be their ally. (Thankfully- they agreed to the desire and we adapted that as a team value!)
Allies stand strong through battle and through time, to protect what is behind them and set the lines straight- like a fortress.
Like a fortress, our team stands firm for each other and for our position in the Kingdom. We will not yield our ground or let the safety of our army be compromised. We are Fortresses for each other and for the Lord.
Meet Team Fortress!
Victoria Borgela- her voice is like an angel and she has the most silky, gentle heart;
Emily Odom- she never fails to make you laugh, whether through her jokes or her own, incredible laugh;
Katie Schroeder- she has clear + loving vision for the truth and for people;
Kasey Dunlap- she’s a motivator and she’s a challenger with a heart of gold;
Elle Luly- she’s quirky, tough as heck, and LOVES DOGS!;
Lauren Luttrell- selfless and dedicated, she reminds me of what it means to be able to bend but not break.
I love them and thank the Lord for sending me six strong, powerful allies.
For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy.
Psalm 61:3
