As you all know, I have shared squad leader responsibilities over these last three months. Ashley, my co-leader, is a race alumni from WR 2006 and an AIM staff person working with the World Race. Ashley is an amazing woman of God. She is in her mid-20’s but has wisdom and maturity that far outshines her “physical” age. She has been a confidant and a friend over these last three months. She is a constant encouragement and someone whose heart is only for her Father’s business.
Ashley’s tour of duty with us was a three month stint. At the beginning we all thought that we had plenty of time together. We enjoyed getting to know one another and the racers, coming together at debriefs to counsel & lead, having fun with one another, and share MANY fits of laughter!! Ashley is a beautiful example of God’s grace; she is slow to anger and always speaks from a heart of patience…she played the “good cop” to my “bad”. Ashley has a way of entering a room and making you smile; usually it’s because you have no idea what hilarious thing she is going to say next. She is dramatic…in a good way, she’s very creative. She created the drama that our teams do when on the race. She shows humility in every step she takes; from making a decision for the squad to bringing a message that God has given her to share. Ashley and I were “training camp” friends before we departed in January but now, I can say that she is a friend that I love and would work with anytime. At our last debrief in Siem Reap, Cambodia we got to celebrate Ashley. We got a nice hotel to stay in, we enjoyed good food, we had a dinner to celebrate her and then went out dancing with her. (this is an experience I highly recommend; she is an AMAZING dancer. Just ask Chris Scott!)
Although we hated to see her go, I know that just because she isn’t here physically does not mean that her spirit is not here with us. I know that she is praying for us as she settles back into her AIM life and we settle in to a new cultural experience in a new country.
Ashley thanks for your willingness to leave the Band and follow God’s calling for this season; I understand how hard that was. Thanks for everything you taught me, even if you are a kid…you’ve got some good stuff to say (says the squad “elder”). Thanks for leaving us with the reminder that life isn’t about what we can DO for God but about BEING in Him and who He created us to be…You are an amazing woman of God, a tremendous teacher, a good friend, and a born leader. Keep it up sister; I can’t wait to see you when my tour is done and who knows…maybe we will do this crazy thing for a third time! With you as my partner it would always be an option!
