I’m sitting in the stairwell, seeking a bit of alone time. The light above me flickers–on, off, on, off–I guess I don’t move often enough for the motion sensor to pick up. I go through the normal routine–checking yahoo, gmail, facebook, World Race. It takes a minute or two before it really sinks in as I see Team Fanatic written below my name. This is really happening. I take a deep breath and let out a sigh. One of relief, one of joy, one of sadness. It seems like the past 24 hours have contained a whole gamut of emotions as reality sets in of the change that’s occurred. Excitement is prevalent for the new brothers and sisters I’m privileged to get to continue my journey with. Yet sadness exists for those I’m forced to part from.
I flip through the words I’ve acquired from others over the course of the past 2 1/2 months, hoping something will strike a chord with me. I read over it once, “I dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor 6:16-18) as I read through Weav’s note. And then I read it again.
“…Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord…”
from the journal of Daina (at the Awakening): I just keep getting these visions and this idea that I’m not going to be with this team this year…
I’ve done a lot of processing over the past few days, as I’m sure we all have. I mean, how can we not with all that’s going on? Through all of it, I’ve come to the same conclusion I drew before the team change.
from the journal of Daina (the night before switch): I love my team–every one of them–but as I grow more and more, I’m starting to feel like I’m being overshadowed by them…I’m starting to realize this team I love may be keeping me from being who I’m called to be. Wow, that realization sucks.
Going into the team change, I knew it was what I needed. I knew it was what God needed. I didn’t necessarily want to know that because it hurt, but I knew it and it’s been that truth that I’ve been clinging to through this change. Has it been hard? Yes, I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been. But it’s okay. Because while goodness.gracious. will always hold a special place in my heart and I will miss waking up to their faces, I am blessed to get to share my life with five new brothers and sisters. Five people I didn’t have much of a relationship with prior to this month, five people who I know without a doubt will be my family. In the short time I’ve been a part of Team Fanatic, I’ve already been blown away by their love for one another, their choosing in, their growth, their commitment to prayer, and their desire to serve. I can honestly say I love this team and am excited to be a part of it. God has blessed me immensely by making the transition from goodness.gracious. to Fanatic a smooth one by placing such wonderful people in my life. So while tears have been shed and I have had to grieve Weav’s speechlessness and Lindsay’s smelling Scripture (among many other things), I couldn’t be more excited for David’s laughter and Lauren’s stories. I couldn’t be more excited to continue my journey with this new bunch. So without further ado, let me introduce you to Team Fanatic:
Danielle Contarino
Danielle has perhaps one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen for God’s people. I mean, honestly, who else would stick her finger up a teammate’s nose and pray for healing? (Not me…you’ll have to ask her about that one haha). She radiates so much Christ that simply being around her makes me feel like a better person. I’m excited to get to know her better and share this journey with this new sister of mine!
Katie West
If I had to pick the person I’m most excited to be with, Katie would have to be it (sorry everyone else!). I say this mostly because I’ve yet to have the privilege of working alongside her…or even in the same country!! Despite that, I can already tell what a true blessing and amazing leader this woman of God is. And, the Lord has already told me I’m going to learn a lot through her. I can’t wait!
This girl is a powerhouse if I’ve ever met her. Everything about her just screams, “I’m bringing KINGDOM!!!” (and I’m not just referring to her awesome rendition of 300). The energy and excitement she brings to the group is contagious and I can’t wait to learn more of the way God is moving in her life. I’m so blessed to have such a strong woman of God on my team-to learn from, to laugh with, and to simply walk alongside.
I had the privilege of working alongside Matt while in Romania but honestly, I don’t even recognize this guy anymore! And I promise, it’s not just the beard he now has! He has grown tremendously since those days in Stejeris and I can’t wait to see what more the Lord has in store for him.
