Team changes are coming up! I am confident that God has everything under control because He has blessed me with my first team that became a family. Our team worked since the beginning because we chose each other, we loved one another, we picked each other up when we were down, we served each other, we have brought down walls for each other, we were a safe haven for each other, we knew (the truth) that we were not enemies, we engraved in our hearts not to give up on each other, we fought for each other through prayer, we forgave each other time and time again, we gave it our all to the best of our abilities and we had one common belief; it was always about Jesus. This made us FAMILY! This blog is dedicated to my team that might not be with me for the remainder of the race. I love each one of you. I am thankful for what you brought to the table and I will miss you. I am blessed to have partnered with you for four months to do Kingdom work. I know God has plans for each one of you. I will continue to be there for you and will always keep you in prayer. Words aren’t enough to tell you all how much I love you but I tried!!
Andy “The Dad”: Andy hates being called Dad! But, he keeps acting like one so that’s how he got the title. One of his favorites words is “unbelievable!” He is a great example of what to look for in a husband, he’s super funny and kind of cool. Andy is married to Madison and they both served in leadership to our team. He welcomes feedback; even when it may be about something tough. Andy constantly reminds me of the character of Jesus.
Andy thank you for teaching me leadership, for reminding me to keep my eyes on God and showing me how to be a hard worker. You have kept our team motivated, you represent us at all times, you challenge us and you hear us out. Thanks for showing your flaws and leading with servant hood.
Madison “The Mom”: If you think Andy hates being called a Dad, Madison, really HATES it! I have promised her not to call her this EVER again but this is the exception to the rule. Madison, I am sorry! She’s the person that you go to for questions. Most of the time she is clueless just like the rest of us and repeats the same question back to us. (i.e. I don’t know, Matt, what do you think ministry will be like this month?) Her favorite phrase is saying “Okay, Okay, OK!” with an emphasis on the “O”.
Madison, thank you for being sweet when I needed your loving words. Thanks for your kindness when I was sick and for leading in vulnerability. You have loved me well! I loved how funny you are. You know how to keep it real when things aren’t fun. We call you mom because you’re a great care taker and a leader at heart. Thanks for always hearing me out and keeping me positive. I love your confidence in Christ.
Matt “The Little Brother”: The MOST positive person I have ever met. Also, he takes his camera EVERYWHERE! He might not always film you but that’s okay. He accepts feedback best and corrects himself right away. He’s the first person to apologize if there is ever a dispute. His favorite phrase is “Hey Maddie…(followed by a question)”
Matt, thanks for being more than just the little brother. Thank you for being a friend. Roof top talks and trampoline talks will be missed. The dancing, the banana pancakes, the music night sessions are all part of the fun journey we had together. Thanks for preaching during roof top church. I will keep praying for you and your future WIFE!!
Ben “The Best Friend”: Ben is the sincerest person you will ever meet. He is hilarious, trustworthy, reliable, a listener, constantly gives affirmation, loyal, a big thinker and an observer. The “shovels” are always brought out at night for some digging on emotions during our nightly sessions of trampoline/roof top talks. He likes to ask questions that you can’t answer and his favorite word is “perturbed” (i.e. “You look perturbed right now” or “I am perturbed”).
Benji, thanks for keeping us girls safe (by staying behind us) during crazy scenarios like Charminar or bicycle riding in Cambodia. Thank you for always listening, forgiving me after I throw tantrums and being a constant friend. You don’t judge, you say it like it is and I know God has so much in store for you. Keep running towards Him! I am so proud of how far you’ve come.
Jo “The Big Sis”: Jolee loves community!! She sings, dances, listens and drops the best wisdom EVER!! Jolee, aka Jo-jo, will meet you where you’re at in your walk with God. Her favorite phrase is “Oh, my word of honor!” She never minds sharing her clothes and will not mind sharing tears with you too (during the good, bad & ugly).
Jo-jo, you know you’re one of my safe places! Thanks for staying honest, loving and caring. I’m always thankful for you because you know all of my testimony and still love me all the same. More Christians are needed in this world like YOU! Praying for ALL the desires of your heart.
Andrea “My Twin”: She’s my Costa Rican answered prayer. I prayed for God to allow me to have a Spanish speaking teammate during my first team. Jesus answers, y’all! She’s sassy, strong, funny, a sister, caring, a servant, hard worker, prayer warrior, giving and trustworthy. Her favorite phrase is “Come On People!”
Andre, no one will ever understand my jokes better than you! You have taken care of me during all my tough times at the hospital or being sick. You’re always wanting what’s best for me and trust God in that. There isn’t a day we could ever be mad at each other. I know you’re a keeper! I can’t wait to continue to see what God does through you and continue our travels together.
Thanks for EVERYTHING Team S.A.S.S.!! We made it through the peaks and the pits. We survived living in a one bedroom in India, stayed close during all squad month in Nepal, prayed for a blind goat, laughed until our bellies were full, prayed for a girl named “Vanilla”, saw Jesus answer our prayers about having a CAR on the race (in Thailand), had chai tea for mornings on hot days in India, woke up to each others face, gave the cows the right away, locked the doors and found Daniel still in our room, slept with a train passing by every 30 seconds next to us, renamed our team when we realized M 5:5 didn’t sound accurate, prayed together for the fan to come back on in India, saw miracles, mourned together, laughed at Andrea saying the word “focusing”, sang/wrote a song together, had caked shoved into our faces, painted together, built bricks, treated our hair for lice, led beauty for ashes retreats, said our testimonies (while people yelled hallelujah on the awkward parts), survived an all night worship night (well the girls did), hid food in Andre’s ukulele case when we didn’t want to eat anymore, hiked together, saw pastor’s dance in a mountain village, recapped together our days, rode our “own” bikes in Cambodia, created our own language from four different languages, didn’t complain on ministry, challenged each other, had fun during the tough parts, saw water falls together, learned about culture and history of other countries, loved people well, worked hard, had a pastor karaoke us in a tiny house, saw Ryan get feisty, cried together and let each other be ourselves. All that to say Lay-Do!
