Month 5: A month of change
Not only did I undergo the usual country change (What up Nepal), but also at the beginning of this month team changes occurred.
Team changes are a natural and important part of the Race. New people bring new joys, new challenges, and new opportunities for growth. Complacency and comfort can stifle joy and kill ministry, so to avoid these dangers changes are necessary.
Another tiny shift is the opportunity for me to become the leader of my new team. What is different about team leading you may ask? Not much when you have a team as rockin’ as mine. These ladies are incredible and make it easy to lead them.
When I found out the ladies I would be serving with, I was overwhelmed with a “this is going to be good” feeling. Reflecting upon the change in prayer brought the words “force to be reckoned with” and “fire in my bones” we are a group of women on fire for the Lord and determined to bring His Kingdom.
“Amala” is our new team name, which means “Beloved bird” in Arabic. When spending time in prayer about our time as a team and what the Lord wanted from us this season my teammate, Makita, was given the image of a humming bird. Upon further research we discovered a humming bird completely embodied what we felt like the Lord wanted for us.
Humming birds symbolize great courage, determination, flexibility and adaptability. It is a totem of fearlessness, and represents lightness of being. They enjoy the sweetness of life, lift up negativity wherever it creeps in and fully express love. They may be tiny in size, but are capable of amazing feats such as travelling great distances and being able to fly backwards. They are joyful, resilient, fierce, adaptable, and bring life. This is what we want for our team and what the LORD wants for our team.
Let me introduce you to the beautiful ladies of Team Amala:
Ashley Ancona
This girl is A D V E N T E R O U S. No adventure is too small, whether it is climbing mountains, biking around town, or discovering the best banana nutella crepe Ashley will be your adventure buddy. She is determined, intentional, and on fire for the Lord. She loves fiercely and exudes joy. I am inspired daily by her “let’s do it” attitude.
Alexa Anover
Is C R E A T I V E. Our creative souls mesh. She finds beauty in everything; street art, tiny things, and especially in people. I can count on her for anything artsy and a mutual quirkiness. Her heart for loving those lost in dark places inspires me daily. Her spirit lights a room, brings life, and inspires others to be their authentic self.
Annaka Welty
Is I N T E N T I O N A L. Annaka has spent years fighting for the voiceless. She is the first to consider the feelings of all others in every decision at all times. She is inclusive, loving, and loyal. Her heart for seeing the invisible and bringing light to darkness is infections and inspiring. She is wise, servant hearted, and strong.
Makita Bueto
Makita is S T R O N G. Though she hates to receive compliments, I can’t help but rain them down on her. She is strong in her faith, a prayer warrior, and constantly keeps me rooted in the ways of the Lord. She is the funniest person you will ever meet, incredibly empathetic, and you can’t help but feel loved by any interaction with her. She is the only person I am still with from my previous team, and I am blessed to spend more months with my Treasure. Her love for anything chocolate, random happy dances, and song outburst really make my soul feel happy and at home with hers.
Hannah Lin
Hannah is L O V I N G. Not only does she have the best name around, she also has the biggest heart. She is constantly looking out for and serving everyone, she has the most precious laugh, and she shares my obsession for flowers. Talking to her makes you feel more at peace and uplifts your spirit. She is a walking fact book, laughs at everything, and has an unmatched loyalty.
That’s my team, and if you can’t tell, I’m obsessed with them. I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses us over the next few months we do ministry together.
