12 January 2012
It’s funny the way God works.
At the beginning of this Race, I would have told you that my biggest fear was to be put on a team with me, to grow to trust and care for those men, only to have a team change come and take them away. In fact, I did tell multiple people that, and in doing so, knew that the likelihood of it happening was high.
It was also my greatest hope in coming on Race that the LORD would teach me to trust men again… no, not again, but to trust them fully for the first time. The LORD began that journey when He created Kaleo, because He blessed me with two astonishingly different but equally wonderful men. I have learned more because of their strength, compassion, joy and pursuit of the LORD than I could possibly tell you about in one blog. I’m so thankful to have lived life alongside them these last three months.
It’s funny the way things work out.
The end of month three always brings the possibility of team changes. In all honesty, I faced this possibility with a lot of fear, not wanting to be separated from a team that was slowly growing together, I prayed with my hands so tightly closed around the idea of Kaleo that I think the LORD was forced to open my fists. I was selfish, unwilling to lay them at His feet voluntarily, so He took them.
Just goes to show that I should be praying open-handed prayers. His plan is so much better than mine anyway.
All of Kaleo has been called to new, beautiful adventures. Chrissy, Laura and Rachel all join me as Finance people on new teams, which makes me laugh. Mickey’s new team is headed to a closed country this month, which I’m sure makes him feel a little bit like Jason Bourne. Thomas has been pulled up to serve as one of three new squad leaders and is already doing an incredible job.
As for me, the LORD has brought me into a new season of growth. I’ve been placed on one of two all-girls teams, still serving as the Finance person.
Leanna, Erica, Kenra, Caitlyn, me and Melanie
Kenra
My team leader, Kenra, was called up from Team Transformation Station to lead our team of six incredible women. Already I feel so blessed by her insightful, empathetic leadership. She’s a woman of prayer and joy, which just makes my heart sing. I know the LORD has partnered us for such an amazing adventures.
CAITLIN
Catlin joins us from Team Spittin’ Image. Her honesty comes served Southern style, with a flair that’s one of a kind. She’s also our worship leader and has been such a blessing to me in that.
MELANIE
Melanie’s coming in from Team Freedom. She’s our quiet fire, gentle and gifted with a child-like faith. Her heart is so focused on the LORD that it’s encouraging me to seek Him all the more.
(Note: As of the time of this blog posting, the LORD has called Melanie back to Arizona. I’m so thankful to have had a month with her and know that she’s following the LORD’s leading as she goes.)
ERICA
I was blessed to serve with Erica’s team, Ignite, last month in Nicaragua. This Carolina beauty has spunk, y’all. She speaks what the LORD puts on her heart and has been given such wisdom for our team. I’m really excited to be on a team with her!
LEANNA
Leanna and I have been friends since Honduras, when she realized that the way to my heart was through a Via Starbucks packet. Since then, we’ve enjoyed many an instant coffee date, sharing my REI mug and gabbing about life. She’s just so full of joy and life. Literally, my heart is lifted by five minutes with her. I’m so blessed to have her by my side!
We’ve chosen the name Talitha Koum, which comes from Mark 5:35 – 43. Jairus, a local leader in the synagogue asks Jesus to come to his home and heal his twelve year old daughter. Before they get to his house, word reaches them that the little girl has died.
“[Jesus] went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the little girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha Koum,” which means, “Little Girl, Arise””
I think our name is prophetic. We’re all seeking to rid ourselves of the little girls we’ve been and step into the women God made us to be. A little less selfishness and a little more Ruth. A little less disbelief and a little moreMary. A little less fear and a little more Esther. A little less bondage and a little more Rahab. A little less girl and a lot more woman.
It’s time for these little girls to arise.
