Long time no type I guess you could say.
To all those who have kept up on with my blog post and my journeys as a world racer as well as squad leader for K-squad I am currently back in the states as of January 2015. I completed my 5 months on the field as an alumni leader for my beloved K-squad and returned back to the states. I have been living and working in Georgia and have enjoyed the season God has brought me too; never ceasing to teach and grow me in such a loving way!
As I left the field back in January I was tired. I had felt I had nothing left to give and was depleted; with the thoughts of returning to the field to meet with the squad during their debriefs. After, being home I have put a lot of thought and prayer into the squad and what God wants from me as the squad I love so dearly finishes up their 11 months on the field. As I reflected these were my thoughts…
I am not a runner. I am not build for running and I won’t ever be. When I was finishing my last year of college back in 2011 I started a “couch to 5K” app to try and get in better shape and try something new. I started to love it and enjoy my time spent out running with no expectation of ever pushing myself past the 3.1 mile mark. A year later I completed my first half marathon. In the process I remember being in complete SHOCK that I could just go out and run 10 miles at a time. I didn’t have any friends that ran so no one knew how much work and dedication that took for me to get to that point. The early morning runs before work, the FRIGID, dark runs in early February in Wisconsin. I really felt I had accomplished something but felt I had no one cheering me on. When it came to running my half marathon race I felt sort of alone without friends or family there to share in my celebration.
When I think of not going to K-Squad’s final debrief I think of those moments I wish someone would have been their encouraging me along the journey as well as at the finish line.
The world race is hard. Period. It takes a lot of physical, emotional, and spiritual hardship and strength to get through it. The people who come alongside racers through their journey are important; relationships that help shape individuals for the rest of their lives.
My own squad mentor is someone I still look up to. He not only was a friend but was someone who cared and invested in me and continues to. He isn’t my squad mentor now but he is still a friend and someone who still encourages me.
I loved my experiences as a squad leader and my squad holds a very special place in my heart. If you ask them you would hear that I tell them all the time…”I am HERE IF YOU EVER NEED ME”.
I am hoping and praying that I will be able to go out to K-Squad’s final debrief to cheer them on at their finish line and to pour love and encouragement over them!!
I am looking to raise $1,500 by the end of May!
I am forever grateful for the love and support from all of you out there!
Sincerely,
Katelyn
