The other morning I woke up in my own bed and the house was empty because mom and dad were at work. I was a little confused and really missed having people around me. I got up and did not have to wait to use the restroom, went to the fridge and got a drink and breakfast, and then sat down at the table to eat.
I sat there in a daze and was just thinking. Why was I in deep thought then it hit me. I miss living with my team and squad. I miss having at least 5 others around me at all times and sometimes 39 others.
I remember about month two thinking I can not live with these people. I did not choose them, they are not like my other friends, I don’t like the way they do things, they are on my nerves, and who knows what else I thought.
Caroline and I sat down and had a talk about living in community this year. She encouraged me to give it my all and make the best of it because when it is gone you will miss it. I really thought she was crazy to be honest.
Our team was so different to make it 11 months and really grow to become a family. Once again I was very wrong. We really became a family around month 4 or 5 and I was loving every minute of it.
I no longer had to fake it when I didn’t like one of them or when one of them was on my nerves. We were family now and that was just part of us being family. We learned to open up to each other and just be honest with each other about our differences. It was like these moments brought us closer together. 
We started sharing stuff from clothes to stories that made us who we are. We laughed together and cried some too. We started hanging out as family and not people thrown together for 11 months.
Our good times began to out weight our bad ones. We started playing games and cards. We started wanting to be around each other. The squad would make fun of us at debrief because we would always be together as a team.
Ken and I got sick and had to be away from the team for weeks and I am still away from the team. It has been hard for our team but through emails and skype we have tried our best to keep in touch. This time apart has made me appreciate my team and squad more.
The thing I have learned the most about living in community is that you have to learn to serve your team and put yourself last. I loving having 5 very close family members to turn to when I need them. Then we have extended family to lean on when we need them also.
J squad you are so amazing. God really blessed me with some amazing brothers and sisters this year. Each one of you has a special place in my heart. I know God has great plans for each one of you and I cant wait for a few years to go by and see where He has taken each one of you. You all have what it takes to make this a different world. I have seen each one of you used by God and its been awesome.
