In my last blog, I tried… and probably failed at giving you some insight into what training camp was like for me, but that’s okay. Just know that it was hard, tiring, emotional, and LIFE CHANGING. God took my heart and molded it, softened it, and healed it. He took lies that I believed about myself and told me truths. He made my heart hurt for what hurts His. And He showed me that I am worthy and beautiful and His daughter. I wouldn’t ever take back what God did in my heart in those ten days.
But, even more than that. He showed me community. I have had community before, but nothing can prepare you for this type of community. Real, raw, 24/7 living community. Let me tell ya. I only experienced it for 10 days, but it was tough and rewarding all at the same time.
On top of giving me a community of 50 people, I was given...{drum roll}…
TEAM ETHEREAL FLAMES!!!
I get to live that real, raw, 24/7 community life with 6 other women! They are some of the most amazing, inspiring women I will ever know. And no, I am not just saying that out of obligation because they are on my team. They honestly have already pushed me out of my comfort zone and shown me what Christ-centered love looks like.
So, without further ado, I want you to get to know these women a little bit better, because believe me, you will want to!
From left to right: Quincy Taylor, Elizabeth Chapman, Darcy Callaway, Me, Rebecca Rinaldi, Mallorie Ramsay, Irene Miniard
Darcy Callaway: She is our fearless team leader who has a beautiful servant-heart and is seriously on fire for the Lord! She shares my passion for hand-written notes and orphans with disabilities. Pretty much every interaction I have ever had with her, she is always asking what she can pray for or help with. Now, if that isn’t the definition for “leader,” I don’t know what is. Darcy has the grace and wisdom needed to make people want to listen to her. And I can’t wait to learn so much more from her! I love her to death and am beyond excited to journey alongside her!
www.darcycallaway.theworldrace.org
Mallorie Ramsey: One of the first times I ever really talked to Mallorie was when we were put in a small group together and told to share anything and everything… Basically our deepest, darkest secrets of shame and guilt. It was an intense and vulnerable time that ultimately brought us all closer to each other and God. We were all able to relinquish some of that shame and feel free that we didn’t have to struggle alone. Mallorie is the type of person who feels what you feel. She is the most sincere person I know. She never let anyone cry or laugh alone. She is always there, which is an amazing gift. Her compassion and love never ceases… And it’s so powerful. All of that combined with her story makes her one heck of a disciple who is gonna change the world!
www.mallorieramsey.theworldrace.org
Rebecca Rinaldi (aka Reba): At the beginning of the week, I didn’t know Reba very well. It wasn’t until team formations, when we were put together that we both started actually talking… And boy am I glad we did! It did not take long for me to see that there is a fire inside of her. At the market, she jumped right into evangelizing to anybody and everybody. Whereas, most of the rest of us avoided those opportunities at all costs in an effort to stay in our comfort zones. She was inspiring to watch and made me want to do a better job of seeking out chances to share the gospel. I am so excited to learn from her and the many gifts she has to offer this next year!
www.rebeccarinaldi.theworldrace.org
Quincy Taylor: Quincy is one of the first people I started getting to know at the start of TC. One thing that drew me to her is her passion for people with disabilities. She has so much love and compassion to offer and that is evident. She was in that super vulnerable small group I talked about earlier with Mallorie and I, and I am so glad she was because God was able to use her story to connect to me, just like He will use it to draw others to Him on the race. She is a disciple of the King, and watching her in action is gonna be so cool!
www.quincytaylor.theworldrace.org
Elizabeth Chapman: Oh Elizabeth… This girl cracks me up!! She is so happy and outgoing all of the time, it’s contagious. She brings so much life and joy to our team! which is much appreciated by all of us. I cannot wait to serve alongside her. She has the gift and ability to lift people up. Her words are laced with love and her humor lights up a room. She is amazing and God is gonna use her in unimaginable ways. I just can’t wait to be there to witness it and learn from her!
www.elizabethchapman.theworldrace.org
Irene Miniard: Irene is beautiful inside and out. She has so many words of encouragement and wisdom to offer! For real though. She has the light of Christ shining out of her and she pours that onto you when you talk to her. Irene is so gentle and kind that she draws people near. Also, Irene has an amazing talent for taking pictures, which I am excited about! She is able to capture beautiful images of what the Lord is doing, which is pretty neat. I feel like I have so much to learn from Irene, as well as about Irene, and am beyond excited for what that will look like on the race!
www.ireneminiard.theworldrace.org
***If you feel led to support any one of these ladies on their journey, you can visit their blogs, which I have listed! Then click the “support me” tab in the top right corner!
God is going to do amazing things this year with my team! I am so thankful and blessed to be a part of it and walk alongside these women of God.
