Right at the beginning of my race, I posted a blog called “introducing… Team H O P E” and well, it introduced you to my teammates that I would be doing life with for the entire nine months of the race. When I wrote that blog I thought I knew my team, but as I reflect on the past nine months I have lived with these world-changing women I realized my descriptions of them only scratch the surface of who they really are.
Team hope is a team of fiercely passionate, high harmony, strong, vulnerable and hilarious women. Team Hope holds onto truth like no other, fight so hard for each other, encourages creativity and seriously make the most out of living life together. This team quickly turned from a team into a sisterhood; a family. It is my honor to reintroduce you to the four women who have changed my life for the better, forever.
S J
A woman of extreme intelligence and knowledge. Inquisitive and extremely wise. SJ uses her knowledge and wisdom and invites you into that space with her. She never makes you feel less than for not knowing simple math or what the heck the definition is for the super weird word she used in a text message. She encourages me to think deeper, ask questions, and tap into more of the investigative parts of my brain.
SJ is a people person. A quiet exterior, until you get to know her, with a very passionate soul. She loves like no other. Will always remember that one random fact you mentioned to her from your elementary school years. Also, will probably get you a gift that makes you think “man, how did SJ remember that I only like soda if it’s root beer?” She knows people and she makes people feel loved by knowing them so well.
SJ is a champion for God. SJ was promoted to our Team Leader when Olivia’s time with us was over and she took on that role with such grace and honor. Always pressing into things that are really challenging. Steps deep into vulnerability. Praises knowing that He is fully worthy of every praise. I see so much of Jesus in SJ. The consideration she has for every single being she encounters. The love she freely gives. The hope she reminds me of. An intentional woman who always encourages you in who the Lord says you are. She speaks the truth with conviction and more importantly, with grace. She is a warrior.
She is also a huge frickin’ goofball with one of the most contagious laughs. Always down to have a good time. She is someone I can be a marvel/vine/meme nerd with. Extremely ok at accents. Still makes a mean fried egg. Avid mixed-pattern wearer (always something crazy like bright mandala skirts with a blocked striped tee but somehow pulls it off). Ridiculously funny that it’s not even fair. Or maybe she’s just weird. Or both.
To SJ,
Thank you for being such a great friend. For always calling me higher and giving me permission to rest. Thank you for reminding me of simple truths and for loving me unconditionally. You are calm and you are also fierce, you are wise and non-condemning, you are a listener and also have a strong voice. Thank you for leading us in love and grace. I will forever cherish every laugh and every cry we have shared.
I love you, sister.
S E L I N A
A woman made to worship and proclaim joy even in the darkest places. A joy that’s contagious. A joy built on humor but thrives so much deeper than that. Selina is the kind of woman that can have you cracking up after you just spent seven hours bawling your eyes out. Her joy radiates and brings light to absolutely everything she touches. She is an atmosphere-changer and she uses that gift so responsibly.
Selina can be friends with anyone. She befriends people with such ease and instantly makes them feel safe. She always makes you feel heard, always roots for you and will love you like no other. A cheerleader. Always encouraging you and calling you to be the person the Father has created you to be. Has a smile that just makes you feel warm and invited.
Selina has walked in so much perspective from the Kingdom. She is extremely inquisitive and calls you to think deeper about scripture. One of my favorite things about Selina is that she always challenges me to have questions when I am reading the bible. Even when I feel like the questions are pointless, she encourages you to step in and ask “why is that really the way that it is?” She walks with so much vulnerability with the Father. Sel trusts first. Even when it seems impossible to trust, she does it anyway. She reminds me that I have a good father that has plans only to benefit me, even if I don’t understand it. She worships with a passion that is so captivating. It draws people in and makes them wonder “what’s filling her up and how can I have that too?” A firm believer that always invites people into what God has in store for them.
Selly is hands-down the funniest person I know. She is always on the move, probably dancing her way to each activity. Extremely weird. Don’t be alarmed if you’re playing fishbowl with her and you pull out one of her phrases because they are always something outrageously bizarre. Was always our master meat-chef until I learned how to make a pretty good salt + pepper chicken breast. Can wear literally anything and look good. Always indecisive about her hair but that’s okay because she understands my crazy hair tendencies too. Avid sock wearer.
To Selly,
Thank you for being such a great friend. Thank you for always being an encourager and for challenging my perspective. Thank you for showing me so much about pure joy and satisfaction in the Lord. You are a jokester and also extremely wise. you are deep and also have childlike faith. you are a doer and also a thinker. You have loved me through so many highs and so many lows. I will forever cherish every dance session and song screeching night.
I love you, sister.
M A D I S O N
A woman that always follows in the steps of the Lord and cares for people all the way down to her core. She cares with the intention of loving you well, not out of gaining anything in return. Madison walks in so much joy directly from the father. She pours that joy unto everything that surrounds her. She is full of life + love.
I have never met anyone who invites complete strangers into raw and real friendship as quickly as Madison does. Coffee shop employees, waiters, people sitting next to you on the bus or hagglers in the market, Madison can instantly make them feel invited into a friendship that is fueled so quickly because of Dad.
Madison walks in so much freedom. She walks proclaiming that freedom over her life and the lives of everyone around her. She doesn’t shy away from a challenge, but she presses hard into challenging things. No set back is too big for a major comeback for Mads. She is a born spirit-lifter and encourages you to find what fills you up. The immense joy she carries overflows so much. Madison is also a woman of so much peace. She will sit with you when you just need to be sat with, she will cry with you, laugh with you and will love you so much through all of those mentioned. She knows how to be with people and love them exactly where they are at. Madison is a safe place because of the peace she brings with her everywhere she goes.
Madison is our team granny. She really tries to do all the relevant dance moves. Always encourages you to try new fruit and brings out the granola in everyone. Team Hope’s essential oil QUEEN! Also, is always willing to share her closet. Mads is sometimes a bed hog but always with a good heart. Takes waaaaaay to many pictures but I am grateful for the massive airdrop party we will have because of her tendencies. Also weird as heck, but what’s not to love about a little weirdness.
To Mads,
Thank you for being such a great friend. Thank you for having the kindest smile that always invites and welcomes. Thank you for encouraging me to walk in the freedom that the Lord has given me. Thank you for always challenging my perspective on joy. You are a 6 and also walk in so much peace. You are thoughtful and also have a strong voice. You are safe and also extremely brave. I will forever cherish rolling laughing at how cringe-y we were in middle school and sitting with you through every high and low.
I love you, sister.
A L L Y S O N
A woman that prides herself on being an encourager. A light breaking through any darkness. Allyson is a woman of passion, determination, and grit. She is always pressing deeper, always seeking deeper knowledge, and always encouraging you to do the same. She has the ability to make you feel good, especially when you feel the furthest thing from good.
Allyson has a deep love for her family, but not just her blood given family. She cherishes each and every sister on team hope like she would cherish her real brothers or niece/nephew at home. Always uplifting. Constantly loving and caring. Once you are in, she will love you like no other.
Allyson is so curious about the Lord and connects to Him in the most beautiful ways. The way she sings a song when she believes it makes you want to believe it too. She proclaims the Father’s goodness wherever she steps. I have loved watching Allyson use her creativity to connect to the Lord in these last nine months. Expressing her joy + love through watercolor and she always challenges the artist in me. It’s been a privilege to see her grow and learn to love painting as much as I do. Allyson’s intentionality with God is so inspiring. She’s always going deeper and when she needs a push she’s not afraid to say so. Allyson walks in so much bravery with God.
Allyson is another jokester. WHATTTT???? All of team Hope is just hilarious! What’s wrong with that? She is also the most dramatic storyteller I have ever met, but it always makes stories about her checking out at the grocery store super interesting. Also indecisive about her hair which fuels my hair struggles too much. Champion water drinker and will always share a sip with you if knows your eyes aren’t lubricated. (dehydration is real people and Allyson is the dehydration police) Still loves steak tacos. Also will probably start a Shawn Johnson fan account any day now. Never wears close-toed shoes.
To Allyson,
Thank you for being such a great friend. Thank you for always loving in so much encouragement. Thank you for counting us like family from the start. Thank you for fighting for me always. Thank you for cultivating curiosity on our team and for challenging others to step outside of their comfort zones. You love loud and also deeply appreciate others in your heart. You encourage and always ask for help when you need encouragement too. I will forever cherish spending too many hours on Pinterest together and for showing love through so many laughs.
I love you, sister
Life with these ladies has been the biggest adventure and an even bigger blessing. I can’t imagine doing any of this without you guys. Thank you for loving me so well. I am so proud to know you and love you.
Team Hope, I love you more than words. Thank you for the unforgettable memories. Wherever life takes us, I know we will always be sisters.
I can’t wait to break dance at each other’s weddings and visit each other in all of our home states and live in a small culdesac somewhere in one of the Carolinas when we get older. Thankful that these last nine months were only the beginning for us.
love you always,
Dan
