A big, I mean HUGE part of the World Race is community. Yeah we are traveling the world partnering with different ministries and serving in numerous ways. Yeah we are growing in our relationship with the Lord and learning more about ourselves. But I think if you ask any World Racer what was the most impactful aspect of the World Race- most (if not all) would say: Community.
I come from a fairly small family. Usually it is just my mom and me. No brothers and no sisters. When I desire alone time (because us introverts need it- sometimes a lot), it is not hard to come by. So leaving home and the small quiet life I lived to a trip where I would be living with other people constantly was going to be a big task for me. It wasn’t as difficult as I had imagined it to be. It was fun to always have someone around. It was good to know they needed their alone time as well, which led to understanding for rejuvenation time. There were moments/days where I was tired of community and desperately desiring to be home alone in my room. But for the majority of the time community has been great for me during these 11 months. Going back to Colorado while the rest of my team scatters around the USA will be something challenging for me. I can see myself sitting on the middle of my bed waiting for a teammate to walk in seeing whether I want to take a walk, play with some kids or watch a TV show.
Family Force 6 has been a wonderful team. But more than that, they have been a wonderful family. This grouping of people has been a great blessing for my life. Each person in their own way. Emily, Ashley, Steven and I have been together since the beginning while Nick and Nicole joined shortly after.
8 months as a team.
8 months as friends.
8 months as a family.
Emily Bouche: She has been my go to person since the beginning. It was in Ecuador where we bonded together to be the Spanish translators for our team. I always viewed her as an older sister– someone who would look after me and care for me. Someone who would speak truth to me and disciple me. It was soon into the trip I told my mom not to worry because Emily was here. Emily and I share a love for the Spanish language (we are still speaking it in Month 11 in Malaysia) and our love for Peru. She was my running buddy throughout the cornfields of Romania and my random adventure buddy throughout the rest of the world. I have loved seeing her grow during this trip and realizing that:
She Is Enough! Seeing her confidence in the Lord and in her relations with people around the world have encouraged and inspired me. I always know if there is nothing to do I can go to her for a TV show, or a card game or processing time. And who else would go back to the same restaurant and eat the same meal every day for an entire week! Even though I sound disinterested in Wisconsin, I can’t wait to visit her there and see her life back at home. And don't worry– your husband has been going through preparation this year just as you have.
(Hanging out in Bolivia) (Photoshoot in Romania)
(Jumping in South Africa)
Ashley Caple: This woman is awesome and I have loved seeing her come out of her shell and reveal her true personality to us. I have never seen someone like card games as much as Ashley. I thought I liked cards- but this girl takes it to the max. All you have to say is ‘500 anyone?’ or ‘card game’ and she is ready with cards in hand. It has been great to see her learn her giftings from the Lord and how to adequately use them. If you want a child to be disciplined- send them to Ashley’s future daycare. She will whip them into shape real quick!– in a loving way of course. This lady is a giggly one who likes to have fun and is always go with the flow. She has really found her voice this trip and even though she is usually up for whatever is on the agenda, she knows when it is time to speak up and that her voice will be heard. Not sure what the future holds? Don’t worry- God’s got it under control!
Proverbs 3:5-6
(Seeing the city in Romania) (Getting crepes in Albania)
(Hanging out in South Africa)
Nick Rice: If this guy has taught me anything—it could be summed up in one word: AWKWARDNESS! Just kidding. No but really. Nick is a very logical/rational guy (still waiting for that emotional side to show). He has done a great job serving our team and squad by getting us to and from ministry sites with his great logistical skills. Nick is one who is not afraid to say it as it is. When I say something/ask a question that is very clear already—he has no shame in pointing it out. Nick is one who is full of truth. Nick is one who likes to have fun and doesn’t let the little things bother him. He is a true Californian and never lets me forget it. Nick is filled with wisdom (and not because he has gray hair) but because he is walking daily with the Lord and will be a great spiritual leader for his future family. Whether it is about a TV show, a book, the Bible, or personal things- Nick is one I have learned to talk to and to trust, only when he is not wearing more than a speedo that is. Some of my favorite quotes:
“Check your walk!”
“Bite your tongue!”
“Shhhhhhh!”
“Uh Huh!”
"You Chach"
(Hiking up Table Mountain) (Ready for battle in Cambodia)
(On the beach in South Africa)
Nicole Ransom: Nicole and I have a special relationship. It took awhile to come together but through the toil and trouble of a couple of months we have come to love each other A LOT! Yes Nicole I know you love me just as much. Nicole is a great processing buddy. Whenever there is something on my mind, I simply crawl over to her bed roll and say what’s on my mind. (or strategically place my bed by hers) Or even throw a note in her direction. No shame or fear knowing that her words will come out of love and understanding. Nicole and I have similar testimonies (which is a little creepy) but has helped me a lot these last 8 months and I am so blessed to finally have her on my team. (I cried when we weren’t on the same team after training camp. But God knew.) Nicole has kindled a love for veggies in my life (make sure you thank her mom) and a desire to workout and live a healthy lifestyle, which I know will continue when I go home. Nicole is also my Insanity/P90x workout buddy for many months now. Skype workout dates at home? I think so!
God has given Nicole a passionate heart—I can’t wait to see how He and where He uses her in the future!
(On our way to Angkow Wat in Cambodia)
(Dunking Nicole in the River and enjoying Thai Tea in Thailand)
Steven Reed: Steven has been my team leader for the Race. We have had numerous finance meetings (where some resulted in the throwing of money and coin swaps). We have a very jokingly brother/sister relationship and he is one of the people I am closest to on the Squad. He has shown me that I can trust men. He can tell when something is wrong and is now not afraid to call things out and speak truth into my life (even when it’s not the easiest to hear). I can always count on there to be an awkward moment when he is around. Our favorite moments (not that I am speaking for him, but I am sure he will agree) are adventures up mountains to a cross (or almost to a cross). Steven has grown a lot during the Race. He has stepped more into the role that the Lord has called him to. Though Steven doesn’t know what the future holds, (probably refugees) God has already begun preparation in Steven’s life during these last 11 months for BIG things in the future. And no as much as you think—I’m not heartless!
(Being gangsters and then being creepers in Greece)
(Being creepers/awkward on the beach in South Africa)
I’m gonna miss this team.
I’m gonna miss these people.
I’m gonna miss my Family.
More than I probably think or realize right now. Even though we all live in different areas of the US and we will be separated physically, they will always be in my heart! (Is that cheesy? Yeah I know.)
