It hit me a few days ago that I am going home soon. In less than 5 weeks in fact. As I pondered that thought my heart was flooded with emotions, questions, and regret. Did I make the most out of every opportunity? Did I press in daily? Did I seek to edify my team mates and the people around me in every way possible?
On October 17, 2008, one year ago this week, I drove to training camp and met the 52 people I would be spending this year with. That week I also got put with Team Spectacle. We clicked right from the start and I absolutely could not wait to spend a year with them and get to know their hearts. Little did I know what I was getting into! These six people have grown, changed, and shaped me. They have gotten on my nerves (as I have done the same to them), and they have been my allies and friends. Together we have cried, eaten weird foods, gotten sick (all at the same time!), battled spiritual warfare, celebrated Christ’s victories, and loved deeper and fuller than we ever thought possible. I’ve had times with them where I wanted to be nowhere else in the world, and times I when I couldn’t wait to go home. But through it all we were together. It was not an accident that I was put with these six people. I fully believe it was Gods divine plan for us to “do life” together this year.
Here is one of the biggest things I’ve learned this year: It’s not about what you do in life, but the people you do it with.
One year ago I would not have told you that. Life for me was about accomplishments and being a part of something big. Do I still dream big? Absolutely. But now my dreams include people who I want to do it with me.
Last November, I wrote a blog introducing Team Spectacle to you. But that was before I knew them. Now, let me re-introduce you to my family.
Anna Ruth Coffey
Anna is a servant and has used that gift as she has encouraged us with notes and cooked for us this year. She has learned to overcome her past with strength from the Lord, and through that, He has taught her bravery. She desires to become a wife and mother more than anyone else I know and she will minister to a motherless generation. I’m honored to call her my sister.
Darci Danae Simpson
Darci Simpson brings me more joy than just about anyone I know. She can change the atmosphere when she walks into a room and call the presence of the Lord when she prays and sings. She’s learned to seek Gods face this year and stand up for what she believes is right. She gets us through the tough times with her laugh and utter craziness, and I am honored to call her my sister. David Christopher Brown
Dave Brown was the first person I met on the Race and has been my brother since day 1. He has prayed for me everyday on this trip and encouraged me in leadership. He’s a student and lover of the Word. This year he’s learned what it means to be a meek leader. Quiet and steadfast, he has learned to fear the Lord and not man. I trust Dave and the decisions he makes and I’m honored to call him my brother.
Jennifer M.E. Myers
Jenn Myers was only on our team for half of the Race, and we joke that when she left we lost our “moral compass”, but that’s what Jenn is. She’s firm in her convictions and has a quiet strength that draws people to her. People are comforted by her touch as she truly feels whatever you’re going through. She’s a free spirit and I’m honored to call her my sister!
Rachel Lynn Hartman
Rachel is the first one to ask if you need prayer. She’s learned to be a student of the word and has a thrist for knowledge. She speaks truth and has sharpened us all this year. Her loved for her family and women is evident as she passionately pursues the people God has put in her life. She is the only one on the squad who I have spent the entire year with, and I am honored to call her my sister.
Zachery Alexander Trute
Zack is not a man of many words, but when he does speak, profound thoughts come out. He seeks to understand what it means to be loved so that he can love, and through that can feel what people are feeling, and laugh and cry harder than anyone I know. He has the character of a priest, and is also a free spirit. I am honored to call him my brother.
One year ago we were strangers. Now we are family. It’s not easy to live, eat, sleep, work, and breathe with the same people 24/7 for a whole year, but we have done it (almost). I will truly miss seeing them day-in and day-out, and am grateful for the unity we have developed as a team.
