I’ve admired them since training camp.
They had already completed what still seemed overwhelmingly daunting to me: 11 months in the field!
They already knew what it was like to travel to far away countries, find their way around without being able to communicate in English, handle foreign currencies, live out of a back pack, and tent outside/sleep on the floor for months at a time.
They shared countless stories about their travels, experiences in ministry and memories with squad mates.
They also shared the ways they grew and were stretched physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They talked about lessons the Lord taught them, hurts in their past they’d experienced healing from, and mistakes they’d made along the way.
It was easy to feel immediately comfortable around them at training camp. They are so kind and welcoming, so discerning and full of wisdom.
They are my Squad Leaders.
I’ll never forget the first day of my entire race.
As logistics leader, it was my responsibility to lead all 35 of my squad mates through our travel to the Dominican Republic. My co-leader was already in the DR, so I was on my own.
We met in the hotel meeting room at 4AM to begin the day and every emotion you can think of was rushing over me. Just to be starting the race was anxiety-inducing, now add the responsibility of making sure all 39 of us stick together – from leaving the hotel, to shuttling over to the airport (we even got into a car accident on the way), to checking everyone in, getting through security, purchasing tourist visas for everyone in the DR, and getting through immigration and customs. I had to make the calls: on where to meet, gather and go!
It was a lot for my first day.
I wouldn’t have made it through without the support and guidance from my squad leaders. They had all been where I was (all of them were logistics on their races). They’ve had unplanned hurdles and mishaps. They’ve dealt with border crossings and immigration.
I started to get overwhelmed and was suffering from a severe migraine as we arrived in the DR. My squad leaders immediately circled around me and prayed for me.
They spoke words of encouragement over me the entire day and affirmed me that I was doing a great job.
It wasn’t long into that first month before I knew. I aspired to be like them.
I wanted to one day be a squad leader.
Over this past year, my squad leaders have dedicated themselves to this squad. They’ve poured their heart and soul into us, and – quite literally – their blood, sweat, and tears!
They’ve encouraged and affirmed me. They’ve challenged and motivated me. They’ve built me up and showed me how to disciple others. They walked with me through my trials. They’ve listened to me and hugged me until I’ve stopped crying.
I owe many of the lessons I’ve learned this year to them, from the talks they gave to the squad as well as in one-on-one conversations.
They walked with us, step by step, through our first 5 months on the field. They traveled with us, served with us, and grew with us. They showed us how to not only survive, but to thrive on the World Race. They built up our confidence during those first 5 months, so that we could stand, strong, on our own for month 6 and beyond.
They also did things behind the scenes all year for us. They coordinate our ministry assignments, hosts, traveling across countries, team dynamics, transitions, and more. All while checking in weekly with us in person or by phone to see how we’re doing individually and as teams.
My race would not have been the same without them. Their impact on my race and my life has been profound.
They’ve showed me how to humbly serve those around me.
They’ve showed me how to seek the Lord first and how to walk in intimacy with Him.
They’ve showed me how to be obedient to what the Lord calls me to do.
Even when it doesn’t make sense to others and even when it’s hard.
Which is why…
I’ve decided
to accept the honor of Squad Leading
beginning in January 2017
I will return to the States (in less than 2 weeks) a very different person than when I left. My expectations of what this year would be were simultaneously shattered and exceeded.
I’ve seen extreme hardship and poverty. I’ve seen hope and faith that’s inspiring. I’ve seen the sick get healed and I’ve seen lives changed in the name of Jesus. I’ve grown stronger in my own walk with the Lord and celebrated my 31st year of life.
But the biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is that the race was never meant to fix me. I wasn’t going to come home as the perfect version of myself. I am now and will always be a “work in progress.” The Lord will never stop teaching me knew things.
And what I’m learning now is that He’s not done with me yet in this season of my life.
He has more to show me, teach me, and challenge me with out in the field and with the World Race.
He also wants to use me to lead others into that same growth and same intimacy with Him.
To my squad leaders: Ali Watson, Seth Powell and Sara Shoup, thank you for dedicating this year of your lives to leading and serving A Squad so well and for personally pouring into me. Thank you for helping me to grow, for discipling me and equipping me to go out and disciple the next generation of racers.
I hope I make you proud! 🙂
Sara, Seth and Ali returning home after being with A Squad for our first 5 months.
So what will this look like? For me to Squad Lead in 2017?
I will finish my race and arrive home on November 20th. I will then spend Thanksgiving with my family! I can’t wait to be reunited with my parents, my sister Marcy, and of course, my puppy, Teddy!
I will remain in the States until the first week in January, when I travel to Atlanta, GA to meet Q Squad and lead them (alongside my 3 other co-leaders: Anna Street, Cameron Naylor, and Danae Englund) through their first 5 months of their race.
I will return home again at the end of May/beginning of June.
So what will I need to Squad Lead?
First and foremost, I will need your prayers.
I’ve been so blessed to have your support in prayer for me physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout this entire year. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today: excited, confident, and ready to head out again!
I also ask that you pray and ask the Lord if you want to partner with me financially.
Your financial support this past year allowed me to be the hands that shaped a prosthetic leg, teach sign language to Moises, and bathe, clothe and hold baby Vincent.
Your financial support allowed me to share the Gospel to Andres, and demonstrate the power of prayer to Luckson.
This next chapter with the Race is another season of support raising, but I know the Lord will show up and provide.
Will you consider making a financial contribution?
I’m asked to raise $6500 for 5 months on the field + travel to 2 debriefs in month 8 and at the end of month 11. This will cover travel, food, lodging, transportation, etc. while I’m on the Race.
You might have noticed, my donation bar has been reset at the top of my blog page, so you can give by clicking ‘Donate’ at the top of this page. *This is tax deductible and you can give monthly or by one time donation.
Again, pray about HOW you feel led to support me!
Most importantly, thank you for your constant support, encouragement, and prayers this year. The Lord has blessed me with the best community I could have asked for…
THANK YOU!
SEE YOU SOON!
