Hi friends! It’s been almost two weeks now since I got home from training camp in Gainesville, Georgia. What a wild 10 days that was but man am I thankful. Thankful for the adults and mentors who took time to pour into my squad and I, thankful for my squad and the hearts that the Lord has instilled in each of them, thankful for the way the Holy Spirit is at work in this program, and just downright thankful for the ways our sweet Father loves us. Quite honestly I’m still processing the work the Lord started in my heart those weeks and quite honestly that’s why this blog has been 2 weeks in the making, but I’m sure with time I will have more words to share. For now I am just abundantly thankful for the coexistence of peace and vulnerability and the space it cultivates for the Father to do His thing!!
With that being said I thought I’d use this space to introduce you to some faces and names you’ll probably see around over the next few months. I will be traveling to South Africa, Ecuador, and Cambodia with a group of 33 sweet humans, but sometimes due to space, cost, and all sorts of different logistics, our larger group will have to split up within each country. Because of this, our squad leadership has so wisely and graciously split us into “teams” of 6-8 within our “squad” of 33.
My team consists of 6 girls, including myself, and honestly I am absolutely blown away by how sweetly we already fit together. The Lord DEFINITELY placed His hand over putting the 6 of us together and I am beyond excited to learn, love, and live alongside these special souls! During training camp our team was asked to come up with a team name. Together, we decided on the name “Avodah”. This Hebrew word means “called to worship and service” and I can not think of a statement that more accurately describes the cry of this team’s heart. I think I can speak for us all when I say that we are so very eager to walk into a season of faithfully pursuing a life of worship and service. So without further ado I introduce you to my teamies!!
(Also just to be clear, this list is very intentionally in alphabetical order because gracious knows if it was by favoritism they’d all have to be first!)
First up, Grace! Grace is 18 years old from Willard, Missouri and let me tell you this girl is PURE SWEETNESS! Grace’s quiet yet eager spirit reminds me so much of the love Jesus Himself showed for the people around Him. Grace is quick to listen and although her words are few, the way she pursues her Father is so very bold. Grace, thank you for reminding me to pause and go to the Father with my ears before my lips, I am so confident that the Lord is alive in you!
Next up, Julia! Julia (W) is 18 years old from Indianapolis, Indiana and is a true SERVANT! Julia absolutely radiates Christ and is so evidently eager to lead others to Jesus. She so faithfully bestows grace on the people around her and loves without fear. Julia, thank you for reminding me just how intentional our Father was in creating us to love one another, I can’t wait to learn from you and the way you serve!
Next up, Karson! Karson is 18 years old from Lubbock, Texas and is the definition of SUNSHINE! Karson is the life of this party, always laughing and pursuing the laughs of others. She is so attentive to the people around her and I’m convinced she can see straight into the depths of any and everyone’s heart. Karson, you have a true superpower and the way you care for others inspires me, I’m so excited to see the ways the Lord stretches you in this season!
Next up, Sarah! Sarah is 18 years old from… well she’s not “from” anywhere, this girl is basically a nomad, but right now she lives in Agoura Hills, California. Y’all Sarah is BOLD in alllll the best ways. She is bold in pursuing her Father, she is bold in loving others, she is bold in creating community, she is bold in the way she leads, she is bold in pursuing a life of growth, and I am just blown away by her courage and strength. Sarah, you make me feel known and loved and I am ecstatic to see the way the Lord uses the gifts He’s given you!
Last but certainly not least, Shelby! Shelby is 18 years old from Cape Girardeau, Missouri and it is ironic that she’s the final teammate because I really think she’s our GLUE. I told you earlier that this group is already so perfectly knit together and I like to think that Shelby played a big role in that. Shelby created a home and space that allowed our group to be vulnerable and create meaningful community. She is quick to meet the needs of those around her and is so very brave in her faith. She is love wrapped in the most fun spirit and I feel so blessed to know her heart. Shelby, thanks for being our glue, you are so very loved by us and by your heavenly Father!
Aren’t they just the best?!? I can’t wait for y’all to get to see the ways the Lord moves through each of these beloved daughters. I am so very thankful for their friendships and am so expectant of the relationships we will continue to form.
As always, thank you all for the crazy amount of support you continue to pour over me. The Lord is teaching me so much about community and fellowship and I will never be able to express my gratitude for each and every one of you!!!
With love,
Hannah
sweet grace!
julia :))
sunshine karson (ironic cause this picture is black and white ;))
sarah!!!!!
our girl shelby!
