Ever since I returned from World Race training camp, I have been trying to find the words to capture my experience. I could explain it in terms of what we ate, where we slept, what we did every day, etc.; however, I would rather tell you the who instead of the what and spend some time introducing you to the amazing group of women that I will be spending the next 11 months with.
INTRODUCING…the ladies of Team Ezer!
Erin C. – From the moment I met Erin, I sensed a connection. I could hear the Lord’s soft voice telling me that Erin would play a significant role during this journey. She has an incredible way of drawing people in. As I watched her, I couldn’t help but smile because it is so evident that it is the astonishingly strong presence of Jesus inside of her that people are drawn too. Erin is passionate, courageous, and someone that I can’t wait to get to know more of over the next 11 months.
Haley – Proverbs 31:25-26 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Haley exemplifies this verse. She has a quiet wisdom that I am so excited to dive into this year. I am beyond grateful for her honestly and willingness to be open during our days together at training camp. I can already tell that she will play an important role in pushing our team to be real and transparent with one another.
Sarah – When you meet Sarah, you cannot help but love her right away. The way she loves and cares for people is a beautiful thing to watch. As a nurse, she was literally paid to care for the sick and wounded. I see that compassionate spirit in the way she cares for everyone she comes in contact with. True beauty lies in the way we love and serve others — which makes Sarah absolutely stunning.
Andie – If you are reading this, you need to go buy a plane ticket. Go to Texas. Meet Andie. Every once in a while, you meet someone and feel like you have known them your entire life. Andie was instantly special to me. Honestly, it was the first moment I heard her laugh — I knew we would be great friends. I am so grateful Andie is on my team. She is incredible not because of what she “does” but because of who she is. So what are you waiting for? Book that plane ticket!
Alyssa – I am so grateful for Alyssa. I think the Lord knew a long time ago that I needed a friend like her…not just for this unique journey we are about to embark on, but for life. Alyssa has a calming presence backed by undeniable strength. There is power in her words. When she speaks, people listen. When she smiles, you truly know everything will be okay. She is easy to trust and I can’t wait to live life with her this year and for the years to come.
Erin Peters – Erin carries an eagerness to experience life to the full like no one I have ever encountered. She brings life to anyone she meets and I loved spending our training camp days together. It is contagious to watch her passion, fire, and determination to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I have full assurance that Erin will be the person that jumps off cliffs with me and makes me eat weird things (I draw the line at spiders though…sorry Erin). I can’t wait for what the next 11 months hold with Erin by my side.
One thing that I realized over my 10 days in Georgia is that I am most clearly see Jesus through interacting and being with his people. Everything from “get-to-know-you” stories, watching people interact with loved ones, and just living life with eachother…I am reminded of the passage in Genesis that talks about how we are all created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Scripture also talks about the care and time the Lord took to uniquely knit each of us together. (Psalm 139:13) We are all a masterpiece that the Lord took time to create. That was so evident to me as I began friendships at training camp and saw how each person I met and interacted with bore the mark of their Maker. As a painter leaves a little bit of himself in his paintings, we too have traces of the Lord inside of us because we are his masterpieces. I think that is why I love people so much — because the more I get to know people, the more clearly I see evidence of the Maker and it helps me know that person and ultimately the Lord more deeply.
Although I have not known these girls very long, I cannot wait to learn more about them. As we grow deep in friendship, it will sweeten our moments of ministry because we’re doing it side by side.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:10
KT (MP)
