What does that even mean?! Team TONKA?
Well it starts off on Thursday at training camp when our teams were sent off to “make a memory.” My team decided to go bowling. After a little detour trying to get a flat tire replaced on one of our squad mate’s cars we finally got to the bowling alley.
Fun fact: Team TONKA would make a good bowling team. We all bowled over 100. Ha.
Before leaving the bowling alley we discovered the basketball shootout arcade game and the fellas and I took our turn trying to best the others. I lost by one point. #failure
Between the four of us we got about 50 tickets from the game. We ventured to the high-tech spin-wheel prize-dispenser-vending machine to find a prize. We came to a unanimous decision that our prize was going to be the little yellow tonka truck. Viola! We had a team name.
To add a little spiritual flavor we turned our team name into an acronym:
To Other Nations Kingdom Advances
That’s the story and we’re stickin to it.
Without further ado let me introduce you to the six wonderful people I’ll be spending at least the first few months of my race with:
Starting with Jake Schroeder (I believe it’s pronounced Shray-der)
This is Jake. He likes eating grilled cheese, and mac n cheese, and I’m going to guess any other type of cheese as well. Proud to say this guy has been picked to be our team leader. I’m very excited to follow Jake and minister along side him on the race. From the little I’ve gotten to know Jake I can see his fervent desire to grow closer with God and let the world know about Christ our Savior. He walks in humility, the mark of a true leader.
Next: the marrieds.
Meet the Hansens! MMM bop.
This lovely couple is Sam and Susan. They are very adventurous and love to go hiking. Sam is quiet but has a strong spirit. I’m excited to see him step out in his faith and grow as a Christ-follower and a husband. Susan is not afraid to speak her mind and always has valuable ideas to bring to the table. Side note, Susan and I have the same birthday!
I’m excited for the unique opportunity I get to watch them and learn from them as they struggle and triumph on this race together as a couple.
Next up meet Zach Ripley.
Zach aka Chicken Fingers is 6’7″ (ish?), has a great Wisconsin accent and loves to fish. I connected with Zach early on at training camp after he A. helped me set up my tent and B. Carried all of my stuff I’d need for a night when our squad had to hike to a campsite. He is very kind, a humble servant, and eager to know God at a deeper level. I know God is going to do some incredible things in Zach and through him and I’m glad I get the chance to witness it firsthand.
Next, mi Costa Rica amiga Adri Montero
This pretty lady is from Costa Rica. She is very fashionable and LOVES horses. She is such a bundle of joy and it is impossible to be sad when you are near her. Adri has already challenged me in my faith just by her wonderful example of truly living for Christ. She is extremely zealous for God and 100% genuine in everything she does. I am really excited to see how God uses her to encourage myself and our team.
Last but not least: Jordan Vernon
Jordan (on the left, not the right) is a sweetheart from the South. She is so kind and I’m hoping some of that will rub off on me. I just smile whenever I think about Jordan because I know that training camp was the start of a beautiful friendship. With all the craziness at training camp our only interaction with each other was in the bathroom line before we actually became teammates. Those few moments were all I needed to know that this girl is the real deal.
I’m SO excited to begin my race with these awesome people. However, I have only TEN days left to raise $2400 in order to actually make this happen! YIKES! That is scary to think about. This is the team I’ll be living with for at least the first leg of my journey but I cannot go without the support of my team here at home, aka YOU! Please consider donating towards my trip. I will be eternally grateful. 🙂
