I seriously have the best team.
I know everyone probably thinks that their team is the best but as I do life with these specific six other people I am blown away at how life giving and fun they are. I feel like I got picked for a stacked team for kickball.
Since these six are so much a part of my life now I wanted to do a quick run down of how I see them so you all can get a feel for the greatness that I live with. Without much further ado meet NOOMA to Nations:
Jen Bentler-Morrow aka hyphen Jen. She is our fearless team leader. This girl has THE BEST stories; I could listen to them all day. The fun factor with this girl is outrageous. Her laugh and zeal for life are so infectious. She’s a natural born leader who walks in so much power its ridiculous. She keeps us real by telling us how it is but never in an intimidating way. She pushes us to be better people with her wisdom; there is no question in my mind why she was put in her position.
Bradley Burton aka the body guard. Okay, so we’ve never actually called him that but if there was one characteristic that stood out about this man it would be protector. I suspect he may have been in the secret service; we’ll never know. He’s also the funny guy; cracking jokes that make me laugh at some of the most not so convenient times. Musically talented, this guy can usher crowds into the presence of the Lord with his voice and guitar. He loves hard and is admirably diving full force into the World Race life in an attempt to be radically changed.
Lauren Kell aka Kell Bell. She reminds me a lot of Kathryn so you know that there is A LOT of fun to be had with this one. Our mutual love for some rap is what first bonded us. Kell has this venerable ability to see and read people; she often speaks for those who can’t or won’t speak for themselves. She hates to admit it but she is great at feedback. I didn’t know that you could be great at that feedback month one but she freakishly good at it. You want to dislike her for it but every time she says something with her very calculated but easily flowing words you’re like dang she’s right! Also Emerill you better watch out because this chick can cook some delicious food.
Jenny Manning aka Jenny from the block. Her easy-going manner is what makes living with this girl wonderful. When I was too lazy to set up my tent she gladly let me sleep in hers. She seems quiet to the outsider but once you spend some time with her you quickly realize how witty she is and how wrong that first impression is. This girl is willing to do any “job” put in front of her including pulling weeds for hours without complaint. We share a love of chocolate and all things games. We bring the party wherever we go.
Rebecca Pokryska aka Porky. This girl loves people so hard and with so much heart that from the moment you first meet her you feel as though you’ve known her forever. She’s a fantastic listener. Physical touch is clearly her love language. One of my favorite things about her is that when she gets excited her voice gets so high that I think only dogs can understand her! Porky would bend over backwards for anyone and her pursuit of the Lord is inspiring.
Brendon Woodall aka B dawg. He doesn’t know I call him that. This man was so hard to read in the beginning but in just one month I have seen him change so much and come out of his shell. He is the quiet protector. There have been moments I have turned around realizing I should probably have someone with me and he’s already there. He is willing to do anything asked of him and I have never heard him complain once. When he preaches he brings the Word. He walks with some much integrity. What I like most about him is his humor and that he loves games. Also he is from Canada, J Biebs’ homeland, so you know he automatically has cool points in my book.
There is one other man that is very important to me, and that is my logistics partner Matthew Rater. Decked out in his long sleeve flannel shirt and green fly fishing hat you can spot this Texan anywhere, especially in Africa. He has the distinct pleasure of spending a lot of time behind the scenes working for the squad with me (lucky him right?!). We are in charge of everyone on the not so fun days of travel and yet he handles all situations, good or bad, with a smile on his face and with a level head. He’s very analytical and blows me away with his endless knowledge of a thousand different topics. Recently I was introduced to his ridiculously fun sense of humor, which makes me excited for the stories to come.
So there you have it, seven of forty-five people who mean the world to me already and are about to experience one crazy journey along side me.
