Today I had the opportunity to spend time with some amazing individuals, a few of which happen to have committed to being on my prayer team for the next year while I am on the Race. As I drove home today, I thought a lot about the many things I’d like to say to these people and the many ways I’d like to thank them for their prayers, past, present, and future! I decided that really, I don’t have much to offer in return to them but my own prayers and love and such so, I decided I wanted to write a blog about them, introducing everyone to my prayer warriors for the next year. These individuals are the ones who should really get the credit for my getting through this trip because without their prayers, I wouldn’t be able to do this. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to the best prayer team there is!
Tete aka my dad-When it comes to supportive, this guy takes the cake. My dad has always been there for me, from the days I was an itty bitty one kicking that soccer ball to the present times when I’m getting ready to leave on an 11 month trek around the world. From financial support to spiritual support, Tete offers everything. I don’t know many fathers who go to Mass every day while their daughters are in the Philippines or who pray novenas for them when they first take a trip by themselves. Though I often give him a hard time and seem ungrateful, I am forever grateful for all that he’s given to me and for all that he’s provided to me. I am more that blessed to have him as a part of my prayer team.
Fr. Merk-There’s not much that can be said about this crazy guy.
He is by far one of the coolest priests I’ve ever met (and it’s not just because he’s Lithuanian!). With Fr. Merk, things are always exciting-whether that be a meeting, a plane ride to San Diego, or simply a Christmas Dinner at the friary. He’s always thinking of others and putting their needs before his own. I first got to know Fr. Merk when I was in high school and have kept in touch with him ever since. Though we may not talk as often as we did back then when I saw him daily, I always feel like I have a home at Providence thanks to people such as Fr. Merk. He helped me through some rocky times in my faith and I am grateful for the guidance that he has provided me. As a man of his word, I know I can count on his prayers.
Kristin-There’s just something about Kristin that draws me to her. She seriously glows. I’ve known her the least amount of time out of anyone on my prayer team, but the time I have known her has been great. The time I worked under her for the Student Programming Board was some of the best times in my times at school. What I loved most about Kristin though wasn’t the activities we planned together though; it was that she cared. Kristin truly cares about individuals she works with and that really became evident to me when she invested in me and took time to get to know me. Kristin is someone I’ll never forget and though our conversations about faith were few and far between, I know Kristin has a strong faith simply by the way she lives her life. I am blessed to have
this woman of God on my prayer team.
Kiah-Though she may be the youngest on my team, don’t let her age fool you! This high schooler is wise beyond her years! She is truly God-sent and to describe her in any other way would not do her justice. Her presence lights up a room and her smile can warm any heart. Sometimes I feel like Kiah must receive text messages from God because she knows just the moment when to text me and exactly what to say. It’s not rare for me to receive a message saying, “Have a great day, you deserve it!” or a great bible verse for the day from this sweet gal. I know she’ll be praying for me and I’ll be more than happy to be praying for her!
Jenny-I’d probably have to write a book to describe everything Jenny’s done for me…and even that wouldn’t do her justice! To say that Jenny awakened my faith would probably be an understatement. She provided me with an amazing internship in Youth Ministry and helped develop me into the leader that I am today. In addition to spiritual growth, Jenny played a major role in my emotional growth-helping me overcome some major obstacles I’ve faced and helping me learn to accept myself as who I am as a daughter of Christ. Jenny has truly been a blessing in my life and to have her on my prayer team is going to be simply wonderful!
Emanuel-This man of God is a prayer warrior if I’ve ever met one! He’s seriously got to be one of the best pray-ers I’ve ever met…that is if you can compare prayer. He just has such a genuine heart and gentle spirit that you can tell his prayers are of the utmost sincerity. In addition to just being a strong pray-er, Emanuel is also a great friend. He’s constantly making people laugh and encouraging community amongst our group. I’ll definitely miss him when I’m overseas but I know that he’ll be praying for me and I’ll be doing the same.
Rosie aka Panda-I don’t even know where to begin with this one. Panda and I have known each other for awhile now but we’re gotten a lot closer over the past year. From our nightly phone dates we had for the months she lived alone to the random 4am text messages, we’re always making sure to keep in touch! Sometimes we call each other just to hear the other’s voice…yea we’re lame like that 🙂 What’s great about Panda though is how encouraging she is. She may be silly at times, but I’ve had plenty of significant conversations with this little lady. Her caring nature and nursing background has also helped me through some of my most difficult times. It’s that same caring nature I know will be praying for me throughout the next year.
Karl-I realized today especially just how blessed I am to know this man of God and how happy I am to have him on my prayer team. Karl is someone who listens to everything you say. When you talk to him, he makes you feel like you’re the only one in the room and what you’re talking about is of the utmost importance. His sincerity and genuine nature are among the many things that make him a great friend and a great asset to this prayer team.
Audra-This beautiful lady is my dear, dear cousin who I love oh so much! Without going into the story of how God brought us together I’ll just say, from the moment we reconnected, faith has been the thread that has held us close. I always know I can run to her when I’m going through a tough time-be it emotionally or spiritually-and she’ll be there for me. Countless times she has spoken Truth to me in ways I needed to hear it-Truth of God’s love for me, Truth of God’s plan for me, Truth of my strength as His child. Audra is literally an inspiration to me and I truly admire her. Again, I am truly blessed to have her on this prayer team.
Margaret-One of God’s greatest gifts to me is this individual right here. Nothing I say could possibly do her justice nor come anywhere near describing all she’s done for me. From our random ice cream outings to the SOFA group we led together, everything we do is memorable. One thing Margaret has taught me is that friendship is real and that faith-centered friendship will last a lifetime, regardless of our location. I’m confident that this will remain true throughout the upcoming year as we keep in prayer touch.
Colleen-This amazing individual is my accountability partner. I actually wrote an entire blog about her so, you should just
read that here
