When you sign up to go on the World Race, you also sign up live in real, raw community. You will be put on a prayerfully considered team, each person from different places and different walks of life.
Living in community on the race is different than any other community you will ever experience. I lived in a Christian house in college for 5 years before the race; but I also had classes, a car, and freedom to do whatever I wanted and hang out with whoever I wanted. On the race you are forced to be with the same people ALL the time. This is what makes the World Race so unique and beautiful.
When I was put on this team, team Ablaze, I thought it was the most random assortment of people I could’ve ever imagined. Of course, this was based on knowing these people for only a few days. Now as I sit here in month 4 of the race I’ve come to realize that this team isn’t random at all, the Lord orchestrated it together perfectly. I need these people; they’ve shown me a beautiful picture of what the body of Christ looks like.
Maria—Strength. I know first hand that mental strength is a hard thing to come by. It takes patience, diligence, and a steadfast soul. Maria is one of the strongest people I know. She is sturdy, she is constant, and she is my pal. She is also bubbly. When we laugh and joke, she bubbles over with joy shining from her face and its contagious.
Meg—Intentional. Meg cares for anyone and everyone. She is the best person to place next to a stranger because she will make them feel loved and known. She remembers the things you tell her and follows up to see how you are doing. She goes out of her way to get to know others and make them feel like they are important. She is a genuine, true friend.
RJ—Leader. RJ leads well because he cares for others on a deep, spiritual level. He sets the tone in the room with his excited spirit. He is trustworthy, prayerful, and his priority is lifting others up so they can grow and experience more and more of this abundant life Jesus gives. He is an honest, loving brother. His relationship with the Holy Spirit is breathtaking.
Kayla—Pure. When Kayla cares for you, it comes from a place of pure love. She knows when to hug you, when to ask questions, and when to observe. She is a strong voice of clarity and reason. She is smart and particular. She invests well and was made for community. She is a sister that I look up to and learn from all the time.
Lauren—Humble. Lauren doesn’t need praise or instruction, she doesn’t need to be told. She sees the smallest need and gets things done, without expectation of reward. She is a humble servant, she serves with grace, and she serves when no one is watching. She is a safe place to be yourself around, and she inspires me.
Zach—Friend. Zach was made to build relationship and love others well. He is a brother. He makes me laugh, he jokes, he cares, and he yearns to reach out to as many people as he can. He encourages others and makes them feel loved and known. He can turn any situation, and any travel day into a good time.
Community on the World Race, and in life can be beautiful or destructive. It can make or break your experiences. Sometimes you have to go out of your way to see the beauty in it all, but once you do it changes everything. The journey is incredible, but the people are what make it special.
Thank you Team Ablaze for making this experience EPIC!
& thanks for reading!
