Hey Family!
As promised I wanted to do a little blog about the wonderful people I am launching out to the world with. I am on second generation S squad, or the 45th squad to leave for the world race ever.
My Squad is awesome, we have great unity, amazing people and God is really working in many many lives (and we have yet to leave the country).
This squad of 57 people has been split into 8 teams of 7 or 8. My team name is Ergaleio, or “tool” in Greek. Our mission behind it is to be an instrument or tool to be used by God. Nate, Mindy, Grace, James, Jacelyn and Erin are my awesome teammates. Here is a little bit about them so you can know and pray for them.
Nate Landry – Nate is our team leader! He has set an awesome example of what a servant leader is like. He has tons of energy, and is great at being positive and caring in all situations. Nate is from Boston, Mass. But has worked on an Island in California for the last few years after college. He also plays the ukulele, so jam sessions will be frequent : ).
Mindy Bramlett – Mindy is an amazing person from Fayetteville, Arkansas. She is extremely funny, always joking and laughing, she carries a sweet joy with her everywhere. She is also tougher than nails and would beat me in any fighting situation. Promise. She is also working logistics for our Squad, so pray for that please!!
Grace Kerr – Grace brings such a balance on our team. When she is around, everything seems calmer and smoother. She is also hilarious, and makes every situation a blast. I have enjoyed getting to know her heart for people, and her heart for God. Grace is from Edina, Minnesota, and just graduated from Drake University in Iowa. Home my basketball bud Ben Simons, which is exciting. Grace is also our team finance person, which is a blessing because she is great at it (and I don’t have to do it).
James Muller – James is from Colorado, just graduating PreMed with Physio, just like me : ), from University of Colorado. James has the funniest laugh, and the best expressions. Every time he laughs I laugh. Every time. James has gone through literal mayhem to get to the world race, He suffers from chronic migraines, as well as was selected for Jury duty the week before we launched. In addition to this, He also took his MCAT the day before we left for Launch in Atlanta. Craziness. But God brought him here, safe and sound. Please pray for his continued health, and medical school process.
Jacelyn Bendel – Jacelyn is also fresh out of college from Shakopee, Minnesota. She is the sweetest, gentlest person I have ever met. I do not think she could hurt a fly. I sometimes just think up scenario’s where I could be mad or annoyed with her, but I can’t find any, she’s that kind. Needless to say, she is very encouraging and is such a light to our group.
Erin Johns – Erin joins our team from Wautoma, Wisconsin. She is wonderful. She has been to many countries and adventures in her past bringing a ton of wisdom to the table. She is also real fun and a joy to be around, she even made us all friendship bracelets on the flight over to Atlanta, (at the expense of the guy she was sitting next to). Erin has worked for an after school K-12 program for the past few years and has a huge heart for the world, especially Haiti. If you could lift her up, her ankles give her pain at times, she does not want to have this affect her role on the race. So pray for that please!!
Tomorrow I leave for our first Country Guatemala. I am excited to be going on this adventure! Please pray not only for our safety, but that we would change this world for Jesus, and in that we would be totally transformed. : ) Because if we’re honest, we may need more help than they do.
Until the whole world hears,
Jake
