In month 1 of the race, I wrote a blog post about a gratitude poem I wrote for my squad. I wanted to write another one that is for month 11 and how I feel like it sums up my squad and our experience together. On the race, gratitude became a way I worshipped the Lord and I am so thankful for the past year and the people he gave me to share it with.
———
God, you are…
the fierce and humble spirit of Laiken,
and the caring, loving character of Amy.
You are…
the beauty and wisdom of Alison,
and the serving spirit and guidance of Shelby.
You are…
the loyal and trusting friend of Sarah,
and the understanding, safe companion of Mantha.
You are…
the power and authority in Christian,
and the wisdom and nobility of Levi.
You are…
the shepherd of John’s heart,
and the helping-hands and smile of Tyler.
You are…
the healing hands and hospitable soul of Pippin,
and the bold and daring spirit of Charity.
You are…
the knowledge and wisdom of Angie,
and the safety and loyalty of Ashley.
You are…
the spiritual imprint of Gisele,
and the Holy Temple of Elsie.
You are…
the Biblical, sound truth of Katie Martin,
and the prayer warrior of Hannah.
You are…
the loyal and faithful servant of Cimone,
and determination and obedience of Amanda.
You are…
the powerful and diligent spirit of Jordan,
and the joyful bright light of Emily.
You are…
the home of understanding and love of Katie Schroeder,
and the sweet melodies and love songs of Vic.
You are…
the devoted and helpful daughter, Alexa,
and the poise and grace of Lauren.
You are…
the teacher and care-taker of Kasey,
amd the bravery and creative mind of Elle.
You are…
the humble and wise words of Abby,
and gentle, but loving disciple of Claire.
You are…
the guidance of Grace, James, and LeAnn,
and the support and encouragement of Andy and Ellen.
You are…
the God who was faithful to the Israelites,
and the God who was faithful to J squad.
You are…
the reason we began the race with 31 souls,
and finish the race strong with 31 sons and daughters.
You are…
the people we met and served,
who we witnessed and brought the Gospel too.
You are…
the salvations we experience,
and the miracles and wonders we saw.
You are…
the DR, Haiti, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia,
India, Nepal, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Albania,
and all the nations of the world.
You are…
teams Decided, 10/10 Fierce, Wild Geese,
Mish’phhah, and Gospel Girls.
You are…
teams Selah, Eve, Sequoia,
Perresia, Talis, and JAC JAC.
You are…
teams Talon, Tetelestai,
Fortress, and Baby Aslan.
You are…
the reason we came together and serve,
and the reason we must go out now.
You are…
J church… and now is our time
to go out and make disciples
of every tongue, tribe, and nation.
To finish what You started, until we are home again.
