So, a lot has changed since my last blog in Swaziland (SO SORRY FOR BEING MIA)
China happened, the Philippines happened, and now I find myself in India.
The transition from Swaziland to China is definitely something to highlight…
I had been on the Race as a team leader for the first 3 months of our journey. That was challenging and rewarding all at the same time. We had 2 squad leaders guiding our group of 58ish people during those 3/4 months. They were a phenomenal support, and quickly became some of my close friends.
Seeing that their time with us was temporary, they searched for specific racers to take their place. The thought of them raising up new squad leaders stayed in the back of my mind, but I never gave it much thought. Yet God kept throwing thoughts in my mind out potentially squad leading, I told Him, He was crazy and tried to ignore it. UNTIL, our squad leaders sat me and Jamie, another squad mate, down, and told us that God had chosen us to take their place. They told us that they believed in us, that there was no doubt that this was what God was calling us into. This was shocking yet not shocking because God has been impressing this on my heart and Jamie’s heart as well.
As reality set in, I was completely humbled. This opportunity and platform to influence other people’s lives in a way that moves them towards Christ is nothing short of a dream come true. I want nothing more than to partner along side of this squad and pour into them as they pour into me, to usher them into the Father’s presence, to call them up and into the person that they already are in Christ, and so much more. Being a squad leader has its challenges.. Extra weight and responsibility, less sleep at times, more headaches, etc but is it worth it? Absolutely. Because even though putting out unwanted fires is trying at times, helping set a fire within people is invaluable! And that’s what I want to happen while being in this position. I want to help cultivate fires that constantly ask for more.. more of the Spirit, more of the Father.
After me, Jamie, and Jonathan were raised up as the new squad leaders at the end of month 3, we set out for China where our alumni squad leaders poured out and imparted to us what they had. So month 4 was a month of training which I am extremely grateful for seeing that we have been set up for success. Not only were we training in logistical areas but, more importantly, they shared their hearts for the squad with us which sparked something within me and has only continued to grow.
Month 5 in the Philippines was incredible. Jamie, Jonathan, and I really dove in head first and took full ownership of our new positions while the alumni squad leaders were there for support and advice aka our consultants!
And now month 6 is here and we’re completely flying solo in India! This country is like nothing I have ever experienced before. Cows are everywhere. Dodging the poop can be challenging yet a fun game at the same time. And I promise, I will eventually get better at giving consistent updates. Thank you for your grace!
Prayer Requests:
– We can already see that getting genuine rest will be a challenge. So please pray for real rest!
– An even greater love for the squad as a whole and for each racer
– Settled and calm stomachs! We’ve all reached for the Tums at least once since being in India
– Discernment and wisdom for the simple and difficult decisions that need to be made
– that I won’t step in anymore cow patties
THANK YOU!!
