In two days, the all-elusive Month Eleven begins for V Squad.
We will, once again, be living life and doing ministry all together. Working summer camp, running away in our off time to Greece, to ancient ruins, and to the beach…or something like that. Staying up too late, dreaming (or crying) about the future. Reminiscing on our favorite months, the people that have stolen our hearts, and the incredible beauty we have seen and experienced over the past year – all of which tends to lead to the same question:
Are we really here? Is this really it?
The best way I know how to describe this year is this: It has lasted forever, but it feels like it shouldn’t be ending yet.
In Month Two, we were blessed to welcome two teams into our home as they transitioned in to begin their final month. I remember sitting up with some of them the morning they arrived hearing about their favorite places. I remember sitting in a booth at one of our WiFi spots receiving encouragement and advice for team leading. And I remember going to bed after a long conversation about all that the Lord was doing, wondering one thing-
Will I ever get there?
In Month Two, it sounded so far away. Now it sounds much too close. I’m there, at the place where those precious, tired racers were so long ago. Month Eleven.
Still team leading.
Still on the Race.
Still excited (though less obnoxious about it).
Still in love with my squad (most days).
I didn’t think any of those things would actually be possible, honestly.
But by the grace of God, here we are.
Our eyes look much more tired than when we first began.
We have a few new scars.
Our feet and their rough skin tell the stories of our journey.
We carry a new stench that we definitely didn’t bring from America.
Our packs remain the bane of our existence, though we have come to love our traveling closets.
We’ve lost clothing, electronics, jewelry, money, and maybe even a little bit of sanity along the way.
But somehow, some way – our hearts have only grown larger. I guess they’ve had to, to accommodate for all of the people who have snuck their way into them this year.
V Squad – it’s been a ridiculous ten months, but there’s no one I’d rather be standing beside than you guys…even when the kitchen’s a mess. Here’s to stepping into our final month with more intentionality than ever.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a BEAUTIFUL inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel. In the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure…You make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
See you soon, Albania. We’re coming.
