HEY!
The thought that my friends and family don’t know my team, the people that I literally spend 24/7 with, is depressing. They are truly some of the most encouraging and inspirational women I have ever met. So we wrote introductions for each other. (The person being introduced had no say in their bio.) These girls have taught me so much in such a short period of time and have played massive roles in my life and I’m forever thankful. Get to know these babes:
SARAH ASHLEY LANDSMAN:
Sarah is 22 years old and from Texas. She has two chickens named Peggy and Angelica. She loves musicals, spicy food, and mojitos. She’s usually late, but always shows up looking fabulous. She is our squad of 48’s logistical coordinator, our team of 6’s perspective bringer, and a friend that pursues individual hearts like you’ve never experienced before. Sarah is an amazing artist on paper, but her creativity doesn’t end there. She creates delicious masterpieces in the kitchen, organizes fun travel day experiences, and creatively brings laughter wherever she goes. She has a passion for justice and a heart for women. She shares her deep Messianic Jewish roots with a flare for biblical history that leaves everyone wanting more. You might ask where that comes from… Ask the Landsman’s. We love Sarah because she is a party wherever she goes, she doesn’t let the sun go down on an opportunity for our team to grow, and she always seeks to understand for the sake of loving like Jesus.
VIVIANE GOUVEA OLIVEIRA:
Vivi is 28 years old and from Brazil. (Ow ow!) Still, she knows more about American politics than the majority of America. She has a pouch for every item and every item in its pouch. If there is music, she is dancing. You will never find a bad picture of Vivi due to her ridiculous photogenic-ness. Vivi could walk into any pantry no matter how sparse and cook a meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Her depth of thought comes out in her intricately worded poems and thought provoking arguments. We love her because she takes care of us in ways that we didn’t know we needed to be taken care of. She protects, but empowers. She’s a soft place to land. She is always serving above the standard of excellence, even in the mundane tasks. Vivi knows herself and how to be herself, but never thinks of herself. Vivi truly takes the form of a servant in a way that glorifies God everyday.
EDNA STOLTZFUS:
Edna (Ednators, Demah, Eggmah, Eds, Admah) is 27 years old and from Pennsylvania. Life with Edna is hilarious. She has a sweet tooth larger than any child you’ve ever met. She grew up with a very interesting crowd… They were cute, furry, and liked to suck on ears. They have provided us with more than funny stories, but also an unofficial team name: the DEER HERD. Our little songbird, Edna is constantly humming and singing. She sings hymns fast and contemporary music slow. Edna is a dedicated teacher and a lifelong student. She speaks three languages. We’re making a hobby of introducing her to all our favorite pieces of pop culture. We love Edna because she’s a shoulder to cry on, always ready with a used tissue. Because of her incredible humility, Edna is sorely underrated. She’s a hidden gem who always remembers to buy her own peanut butter. She is passionate about the Word of God, an eternal truth seeker. In our first 6 months on the World Race she read through the entire Bible. There is no one more singularly focused on the Lord. She has one love in this world: Jesus Christ.
RACHEL RACHEL RACHEL RACHEL RACHEL OOOOOOOOOOWOO (Ann Pischke):
Rachel is 22 years old and from Wisconsin. In three days, we’ll celebrate the birth of Rach and her twin sister Bailey. Rachel happy cries and sad cries and surprised cries and laugh cries. She’ll cry with you and for you. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a camping pro and an amateur cook. She could teach lessons on how to journal. She loves to read and loves her cat. She’s a cuddle bug. For someone who doesn’t actually play hockey, she knows way too much about it. She’s a sweetheart, but we have a warning for people thinking of crossing her: girl knows how to swing a sledgehammer. Interruptible and excited about life, Rachel is the one you want with you on “a trip.” She’s constantly seeking to be a better reflection of Christ. Rachel is honest. Rachel is sincere. Her story is beautiful. It reflects the love and care of her Savior, who chose her. Rachel is God’s favorite. If the Bible were still being written, her story would’ve made it in. We love her because EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALYSSA DANIELLE SMITH:
Alyssa is 23 years old and from a snow globe in Pennsylvania. She’s weird, but in a good way. You’ll know Alyssa by her love, her spunk, and her flower guitar. She’s a dreamer and a doer, creative and rational. Full of courage, not lacking in faith, and walking in victory, Alyssa is boldly pursing the will of God. Lys grows out loud, unafraid to let people into the messy process. Her songs reflect the truths she’s learning. OMG HER SONGS ARE SO GOOD. We are spoiled by her house concerts and one-song dance parties. It’s a joy to see the world through her eyes. We love her because she sharpens us, always saying the things others are afraid to say. @lysssssad is an excellent photographer. She starts her days with a good run, a hot cup of coffee, a bowl of oatmeal, and the Word of God. A prayer warrior, Lys is faithful and diligent. Alyssa is a true friend- loyal and sweet, constantly encouraging. She draws you in and points you back to Jesus.
TAYLOR LAUREN SCHMIDT:
Taylor is 22 years old. She’s from Illinois, but she really grew up at a camp in La Grange, Texas. Things Taylor loves: tea, springtime, and Nathan DeYoung. English Breakfast in the morning and Earl Grey at night. Taylor looks good in a dress but better with a pirate beard. Her thought process gets expressed through hand motions, but the real wisdom is in her words. Her prophetic gifting is assigning Disney spirit characters. She is bold, afraid of nothing… except the dark… and birds… Taylor’s journal Bible reflects the Lord’s creativity and beauty. Taylor is a friend for all seasons. She’ll care for you when you’re bit by a dog, and dance with you when you’re fully funded. If you’re good you’ll be rewarded with a drop of Young Living oil. We love her because she intentionally pursues our hearts. In her capacity as team leader, she pushes our team towards excellence. It’s obvious that this isn’t for her own glory, but because she has a true desire to see us all thrive. She is ferociously passionate about the truth of God. Her life is centered around the cross of Jesus Christ.
(disclaimer: sorry these photos are not centered for your aesthetic viewing pleasure. sometimes this platform is laaamo).
LOVE, Alyssa
