I love my squad. We are an all for one and one for all kind of unit. It’s not at all what I was expecting but thats what makes it so amazing.
This past week has been a whirlwind. We had a squad debrief, which is where the staff comes in from the States and allows us time to refresh and process from the things we’ve experienced. During that time, we had team changes and three people were raised up as squad leaders. You could say the dynamics have changed a lot but in a good and very healthy way.
I want to introduce you to my new team that I’ll be serving alongside with in Africa.
Team Limitless-
Troy-He is our team leader and I am stoked to serve with him! Troy is full of life and good ideas. We get along well because we’re both not afraid to speak our minds. He loves hunting and pretty much anything that involves being outdoors or sports. Troy is extroverted yet humble and leads from that humility.
Andy White-I got to know this guy well because he was on my last team! Andy is a warrior. He’s always protective of us girls and loves serving other people more than anything. He’s selfless and determined to ministry to the best of his abilities. Did I mention he LOVES construction?
Kaci Eccles-Kaci was also on my original team at the start of the race. Kaci is a peace maker and always has an amount of patience that I admire. She has been and will continue serving as our team treasurer. She never freaks out about anything and always seeks ways to solve the problems. Kaci is light-hearted, kind and so much fun!
Shara Perry-I’m really excited to get to know Shara. She is an ex-professional soccer play, coach, and studied physical therapy in school. Shara and I share similar passions for sports, life and people. She’s a fighter and loves to work hard.
Lauren Sigmon-She is blessed and highly favored! Inside joke. Lauren has one of the best sense of humors I’ve ever encountered. She is a realist and won’t beat around the bush with you in any matter. Lauren’s heart to grow and go deeper inspires me to do the same.
Rachel Tart-Colorado born and raised! This girl isn’t afraid of adventure. Her special skills are keeping it real and hiking. One of the most extroverted people I’ve ever met-Rachel is honest, straight forward and genuinely desires to know the people around her.
Their blogs can be found here.
Today(written on Nov 1st), we embarked on our 72 hour travel day from Atlanta to DC to Dubai and finally to Lusaka, Zambia on the 3rd of November. I have a leadership role among the squad in serving as their logistics coordinator. Somehow, in moving the squad from the hostel in Guatemala to the airport I lost my phone and while running through the US Customs and Border protection to make our connecting flight my guitar was also lost. I found my pack at the baggage claim but my guitar was no where to be seen. If you know me, you know my heart for worship and how much my guitar means to me. My dad bought me a Taylor 110 almost five years ago and I still won’t let go of it no matter how much it goes through. Anyways, myself and “the last of the Mohecians” as we called ourselves, finally made it on the plane to DC within ten minutes of the doors closing because of unsaid problems at customs. Walking through all of my squad mates down the isle of the plane, I couldn’t get to my seat without every single person asking about my guitar and how I was feeling after the first travel day. At first I was annoyed and my flesh just wanted everyone to leave me alone because that’s what I do when I’m tired or upset. I need and like my space to just breathe for a minute, but then I stopped and realized how incredibly lucky I am to serve a squad like this. They love the Lord so much and they each love me so well. They ask because they truly care.
Blogs never do this whole experience justice but here’s to the next three months in Africa, the rest of the race and friendships we’ll have for the rest of our lives.
To my family(and friends) back home: You alol are thought of often and definitely not forgotten. I’ll say it again-I could not be doing this without all of your prayers and support, so thank you!
To my Dad: Thank you for coming to see me even if it was only for a few hours during my layover in DC. You mean the world to me and I’m always so thankful for the ways you’ve loved and supported me through everything over the years. You put family first, you inspired/pushed me to finish college, I learn something new from you every time we are together and look up to your work ethic in so many ways. A girl couldn’t ask for anything more. Stay amazing! I Love you!
You can subscribe to my blog on the left as well as follow the pictures I’ve taken throughout the race so far at this link.
