When I first signed up for this season, I felt like I was stepping into a new world in many ways. And not knowing anyone, I was moving forward alone.
But I’m 8 months in, and I know now that I’m definitely not alone.
God has placed many people in my life–in addition to my great friends and famiy back home–that have been on this journey, walking through this season with me, and I with them.
There’s my team.
There’s A squad.
And then there are Squad Leaders, Squad Mentors and Squad Coaches.
That’s where most people have gotten a little confused when I try to explain it.
So, with no further ado…
INTRODUCING A SQUAD LEADERS!!!! (SQLs)
Every squad starts the race with 3 SQLs that have been on the race before and therefore, have more experience with traveling, team dynamics, and much more.
They are capable of leading and are passionate about seeing transformation in the lives of the racers. They also share their experiences of the race with us, their wisdom, their insight, and prayers. They invest their time, their hearts, and part of their lives into the journey with us.
Meet A Squad’s Squirrels: Madisson, Michael, and Geena!!!
Madisson is a fun, spirited, outgoing woman. She is confident in her beliefs, but willing to hear the opinions of others. She is gentle when others are hurting, but also honest enough to say the hard things that need to be said. She desires her friends to walk in truth, and seeks that for herself through personal struggles and challenges. Madisson is funny and goofy. She loves the wobble, and even broke a leg doing it–almost literally. 🙂 She has challenged her faith and walked purposely into situations where God has needed to provide because she had no other option. I like this woman. 🙂
Geena. When I think of Geena, I think of joy. I think of positive statements in the midst of a somewhat tense situation. While she does so well at seeing the good in life and in others, she willingly listens to the hard things, and likes to hear the stories of friends and family. She’s creative and always challenging herself and others to do things they’ve never done before–to make life better by being present–really present–where you are. She makes friends quickly and her laughter is contagious. 🙂
Michael. While I didn’t spend much time with Michael on the race, it was easy to see he cared deeply about A squad–every single person. Michael can make any normal conversation or situation interesting. God has gifted him in living in every moment and making every moment memorable. Michael desires to grow and learn every day and become the man God has created him to be, and treat the people around him as men and women of God. Even though he isn’t with the squad anymore, his one-liners and dances remain. 😀
At the end of Month 4 in Costa Rica, three new squad leaders were chosen by Madisson, Geena, and Michael.
The new SQLs are called raised-up SQLs ’cause they were raised up from the squad.
The Squirrels then traveled with us to Thailand, and focused on preparing and supporting these new SQLs to lead A Squad the remainder of the race. At the end of May, we said good-bye to the Squirrels…
and welcomed The Squiggles as our new leaders!!!
Introducing Nikki, David, and Erica!
Erica. I did not spend much time with Erica on the race before she became a squiggle, so I didn’t really know her. But it didn’t take long for me to realize she’s awesome. 🙂 Erica is a fighter. She is refreshingly honest, but in a way that you know she still loves you. She pushes you to be better, and is not afraid of talking about hard things in relationships. She has a great laugh and it’s easy to just hang out with her–and enjoy the simple things. She also has really pretty handwriting and I’ve seretly wished my journal pages looked like hers. 🙂
Nikki. I got to spend the first month of the race with Nikki and her team in Guatemala, and it’s been cool to always have that connection. Nikki is a very motivated, positive person and that motivation drives her to be consistent and dedicated to what’s important to her–whether that’s working out, supporting family at home, investing in her team, and continuing to pursue God and allow Him to pursue her. Her laugh is great, she’s a kick-butt trainer when i work out with her, and she loves volleyball. Need I say more?? 🙂
David. During the month in Cambodia, David came and spent a few weeks with our team as a SQL. Some of the girls were sick during that month, and David’s willingness to jump in and help in any way he could was a blessing. His sense of humor caught me by surprise and I still laugh at some of the stories he told us about his life. David is focused and intentional every day, yet calmly adjusts to changes in plans. He supports and encourages growth in the people around him well, and has a knack with children. But if you ever consider stealing his dog, let me just tell you now–that is a very bad idea. 🙂
And now…introducing our Squad Mentor!!!!
Jeremy is our Squad Mentor, and is married to this beauty, Kat. He is our contact in the office and stays in close contact with all of the SQLs and Team Leaders during the race. He works so hard supporting not only A Squad, but other squads that are on the field, as well. During months of debrief, Jeremy travels out to whatever country we are in, and pours his heart out to our squad, whether that’s through one-on-one time, speaking during sessions, or prayer times that we don’t see.
Jeremy’s message to A Squad at the beginning of the race was, “DIG IN, DIG IN, DIG IN!” While he always encourages us to do that in the hard times, he brings lightness and laughter through emails and funny comments that makes digging in a little easier.
Kat was at training camp and has been such an encouragement to me personally, and many others on A Squad. We always love it when she can come along to debriefs!
PS. Thanks to whoever posted this picture on facebook! 😛
Last but not least–our Squad Coaches!!!
The simplest way to describe the Coaches might be calling them the A Squad Parents. Gary and Joey could be considered older, but they are young at heart in so many ways. They are a married couple and have invested so much of their hearts, their time, their prayers, and their lives into A Squad. They travel to debriefs along with Jeremy, and spent their days listening to us verbally vomit about ourselves, as well as sharing messages from God with us as a group or as individuals. Beyond debriefs, they stay in contact via email and facebook. They are also a huge asset to the squad leaders through their support, prayers, and guidance. I used to be afraid of these two…sometimes I felt like they could see into my soul :D, but I’m learning to appreciate the gifts God has given them. 🙂
There you have it!!!
Take 5 minutes and pray God blesses each of them today!!
🙂
