Dear family, friends, and strangers reading Janibel’s blog,
This blog was not written by Janibel, but by the other members of her team. As Team Joyful Fortitude, we have been with Janibel since day one of her World Race journey. We have gotten to see her grow and serve the Lord in India, Nepal, Vietnam, and Cambodia. We wanted to take a moment to share with you how God is moving in and through Janibel’s life.
Janibel is such an amazing person. She has been such a gift to me these past four months! I have loved getting to walk along side her for the first 4 months of this journey. She is consistently checking in on me and making sure that I am okay. She has such a sweet heart and is there for anyone. Her arms are always open. She knows how to sit back and relax, but can also be serious. She is a warrior and has such an amazing story. She is a fighter, this race life hasn’t been easy on her, but she fights through the pain or sickness and comes out so much stronger. I have seen her walk out in freedom and step out in boldness. I have been so blessed by her friendship and I can’t wait to see what else the Lord has in store for her in the next 7 months.
-Quinn
Janibel is one of my girls, my go to, a home team member. She’s the kind of person that is quick to share a funny comment, new perspective, and faithful prayer. Janibel’s confidence, kindness, and fearlessness is admirable and infectious. She’s the kind of person that is relatable and can hold a conversation with literally anyone. And because of it, people are naturally drawn to her. In every kids ministry we have done, all the kids cling to her because she’s declared the “cool one” because of her incredible, inviting, personality. Her story is all about the Lord’s redemption and she continues to walk out her life in the overflow of Christ’s love for her.
-Hillary
Janibel is not afraid to be different. She knows who she is in the Lord as well as proud of her D.R. roots. I admire the way that she loves Jesus & others so well. She is selfless. She is life giving. She has the most hilarious stories. Never has she made me feel like an outsider, even when I had THE WORST farts in India. She will I value her fresh perspective on life. I have seen her persevere through many stomach aches & not so yummy food selections. She is teachable. Janibel is the kind of person you can rely to be with you through thick & thin. It’s truly been a privilege to get to be on a team with her over the last four months. She isn’t just a teammate, she is a friend.
-Annabeth
Allison: Janibel has such influence and is a leader even though she says she isn’t. People are drawn to her and the light on her face when she smiles. She always is able to make a joke to lighten a hard situation. She is the first one who thinks to help out with dishes and the first one to start playing games with kids we encounter. She is authentic all the way down to her Hispanic roots. She adds flavor to our day in a way no one else can. She is someone you can count on and challenges us to grow in boldness.
-Allison
J-bizzle!! I am blessed to have got to know Janibel. She is patient even with me when i kept spelling her name wrong. It’s a fact that she loves kids and kids loves her. She is a leader and she walks to the beat of her own drums. I have seen her step out of her comfort zone. We have had great conversations about life , goals, and purpose. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will be for you. God has used her to speak life and truth in me and our team. Thanks for being a listening hear!
-Linsey
Janibel has such a warm generous heart. I’ll never forget how one morning I woke up to a note she left in my backpack with money for coffee because she knew I was out. She is always thinking of others. I’ve watched her step out in faith so many times whether it be spontaneously sharing her testimony to a church full of Vietnamese people, or taking the lead in teaching kids. She won’t tell you this but she is also secretly a prayer warrior. Every time she’s prayed for me I can feel the peace of the Lord. I can’t even count the times she has made me laugh until actual tears come out. I am blessed to have gotten to know Janibel and excited for all the Lord has in store for the rest of her journey.
-Jenna
Thank you to each person who has supported Janibel on this journey through prayer, encouragement, and donations. Our team would be lacking without Janibel’s presence. She still has $2180 to raise before the final financial deadline, April 30. We ask that you would pray and consider donating to help her reach the final financial deadline.
Thank you so much for praying for and supporting our team, through sending Janibel!
Much love,
The Joyfuls
