My goodness it has been quite some time. It may take me a few blogs, but I am going to attempt to catch you up on the last few months, filling in all the necessary gaps.
First, I should say, I am back in the States, currently sitting at my desk in Michigan, working in Field Support (more to come on that note). There is a Toasted Coconut candle burning which smells delightful. I am sitting in a cushioned chair, have cute picture frames all around me, and am rather comfortable.
Next to me are 44 faces–photos of each incredible member of the October “L” Squad. It’s kind of creepy, but I promise, I’m not a creeper. I just really love them. And miss them. It kind of makes me want to leave the comfort of candles and cushions all over again! (Don’t worry, I’m here to stay for awhile…)
So–let me back up a bit for you. As you may remember, I was out on the field leading this amazing group of people with my co-leader, Sean. We spent the first 3 months as their Squad Leaders. After 3 months, he and I transitioned out of leadership and rose up three new people to take our places.
Sean wrote a beautiful blog on what that process looked like, (and he wrote it much better than I ever could, so I am just going to steal bits and pieces of it here)!
“A common dream we both share is to make our ceiling the
floor of those we come to serve.
Part of our job description as squad leaders, is to develop leaders from
within the group to take our place as squad leaders. Well…God gave us three! From this point forward Andi and I are no longer the squad
leaders of L Squad!
A few days ago we arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The first two days were dedicated to an
official handing over of our authority as squad leaders to these three amazing
people!
The New: L Squad Leaders
Truth is, we just partnered with what God was already doing!
These leaders were being raised up well before we met them! Years of life
experience preparing them for this hour!
They will take this squad where Andi and I could not! They are men and women of honor, love,
and are heavily anointed by the Spirit of God! They are men and women of God! They are a 1 Thessalonians 1:5 people. “For our gospel did not
come to you in word only, but also in power and in the holy spirit and with
full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you
for your sake!” They’re full of
hope, passion, and love and are anointed!
What I love most about them is that they are for the
people! They live to see others
surpass where they’ve been! It’s what gives them life! They want twice as much for the squad
then they want for themselves.
They have exceptional gifting but they also have character! I believe they’re going
to lead this squad better then Andi and myself could…and will continue to rise to the occasion!
It’s what I hoped would happen. To leave the squad in better hands than my own! It’s a dream come true! And to know Andi and I have part in it
makes it all the sweeter!
Everything I came to do and hoped to see, seems to be happening! Thank you Lord!”
…
Sean and I were beyond honored and blessed to be able to hand the squad over to people that were everything we were hoping for and more. They have been doing an incredible job leading and loving. Jory, Katie, and Weston are absolutely perfect for this squad and this season.
Sean and I stayed out with them for a 4th month and spent time pouring into them even more intentionally. We were able to watch as they stepped up into their authority and leadership, and were able to encourage and develop them even further. Each of these three are so teachable, humble, and full of integrity, which made our job so easy.
Over the next few months, Sean and I will continue to be in contact with them, but from more of a coaching/biggest-fan position. We will go out to their debriefs wherever they are, call them on Skype a bunch, and rejoice with them as they run out the rest of this RACE!
