Good-bye Brothers

This week was debrief in Lima, Peru. ‘Debrief’ is a time when the whole squad is together, our coaches fly in, and we go over the previous months. Teams get evaluated. And individuals get to rest.

I came into this week expecting changes…but I did not expect for those changes to so drastically affect me.

My previous blog was about a friend of mine who will not go with us to Month Three. He wasn’t on my team, but his team had been with my team since launch. He was my buddy…the first good-bye.

Then last night, during worship, my team was called upstairs to speak with our coaches.

One of MY teammates was heading home. My brother, Kurt, had decided to go home. My brother-who runs with me, plays cards with me, lets me sample all the scraps of what he's baking, and even teaches me a little six-step every now and then…was heading back to the States. We got to encourage him and pray with him, and then he left the room…the second good-bye.

His departure meant our team was left with one guy…which we try to avoid if we can.

So my other brother, Thomas-my volleyball partner, my encourager, the one who tells me every day how much he loves me, and who makes me smile each time he calls me 'sister' in that New York accent of his…was sent to another team that needed a guy…the third good-bye.

Sometimes we don’t understand the why of things. And some are tempted to question original decisions and placements. But God is always sovereign. And He is always for our good.

He’s in the original decision…and He’s in the change. Sometimes a heart needs to be prepared through the season of the original decision so that it will receive what’s given to it during the season after the change.

I don’t know if I would have received an all girls team in the beginning. I honestly think I would have rejected it.

In the last month, my heart was made ready for this. I loved the brothers I had as teammates, but I am overflowing with love and appreciation and excitement for the sisters I’ve been placed with.

So…after many, many, many tears…many hugs…many questions…I am rejoicing…because I know His ways and plans are SO not mine…and He doesn’t want what is just comfortable for us…He wants the best for us. 

Let me introduce you to my new team…5 beautiful chicas…Bolivia, here we come!