For 7 out of the 9 months of the race, I lived on an all girl team and loved it. We’ve gone through so much together and I know that we’ll be sisters forever no matter what happens. So, when I found out about team changes I didn’t know what my emotions were doing. I was scared to leave the people who know me best, excited to learn about new people on a deep level, and nervous to see who would be on my team. Did I want another all girls team or did I want to plunge into the unknown of a co-ed team?
To be honest, I wanted an all girls team (no offense boys). Before Nicaragua, I had only lived with 3 boys for the months of India. I didn’t know them well, they didn’t know me well. I figured that I’ve lived with pretty much every girl at one point in time and it would be easier. I didn’t want to risk the difficulty I thought would be on a co-ed team. Looking back on that now, it seems silly that I had ever thought that.
So, to honor the amazing men of God I get to live with, and my other female teammates, these are the things that my teammates have taught me over the past month and a half.
The Ladies
Lissie: My past teamie and present teamie. Will listen to any problem. Justin Bieber obsessed. Sweetest, sassiest thing you’ll meet. We’ve been through a lot! You’ve taught me that knowing and caring for myself helps me to know others and care for them easier. You’ve taught me that, no matter what anyone thinks, dance like no one is watching. To live my best life! You encourage me with your actions!
Daniella: Basically my teammate since the beginning of the race. Prayer warrior. Loopy after 8 p.m. Sees those who don’t feel seen. You have taught me that seeking the Lord and diving into whatever He plans for you is ALWAYS the best course of action, and you live that out! You’ve taught me that prayer is our best form of defense, against spiritual attacks as well as physical. You’re confident in your identity in Christ and He shines through you.
The Dudes
Cole: Coolest surfer/skater dude I’ve ever seen. Funny in a “don’t know if he’s serious or joking” way. Wisdom to the brim. You’ve taught me the importance of quiet. Being in quiet to think, pray, or just listen. You’ve taught me that life is exhilarating and you have to jump in and experience it, even with the fear of falling or failing (I got that from watching you skateboard today).
Blake: The annoying big brother I never had. Shows love by teasing. Cowboy hat. You’ve taught me what true strength looks like. Your reliance on the Lord is shown in so many ways in your life; through humility, kindness, and loving all those around you. You’ve also taught me to do hard things, even when you don’t want to. To think deep thoughts, dive into not only the Lord, but into the people around you.
Sam: One of the best huggers on the squad. A kind presence. Always there for you. You’ve taught me that having a big heart is always the way to go, but to never step down from what you believe in. You’ve taught me it’s ok to go through hard crap in your life and to come out stronger in the end. Suffering will try to knock the wind out of you, but you have to stay strong.
Hunter: Pretty much the biggest Disney fan I know. Worships so hard he breaks strings on his guitar daily. “I’ll do it if you do it.” You’ve taught me to have an unending passion for the Lord, worshiping Him with all your heart. You’ve taught me that making people happy is some of the best medicine you could give to others and yourself. You have a gift of bringing people to the Lord.
I could write for hours and still wouldn’t have all the words for what these amazing humans have taught me and how much I love them. So, shoutout to my teammates, thank you. Thank you for accepting me for all of me. The good, bad, and dirty. Thanks you for all that you’ve taught me and how much you will continue to teach me over our last month.
