Before I write any other blogs, I think it's necessary (and long overdue) that I introduce you to my amazing teammates! At training camp, our squad leaders prayed about who should be paired together and after a couple rounds of team formation exercises, I was placed on an all girls team. Tthe past 2 months with my team has been more life-giving, fun, and beneficial than I ever could have imagined.
Let me tell you a little bit about Favored 414. First off, we are favored women of God. Ashley, our team leader, felt like she received this specific word from God out of Esther 4:14. Our team has come together “for such a time as this” to fearlessly proclaim the love of Christ to the Nations. We are learning how to be intentional with everything we do. We choose to honor and encourage one another on a daily basis. We give and receive postive and constructive feedback at the end of every day. (We joyfully call this Soul Sister time because we are choosing to “bare our souls” to one another. We laugh and joke often. Our team is the smallest on the squad. We've yet to live with any of the other teams on our squad which has allowed for ample team time. This is a true gift which we are all incredibly thankful for.
With all that to say, let me introduce you to…
Alex- Alex is 22 and she is from Chattanooga, TN. Southern girl all the way! She smiles a lot and talks fast. She adores children and leads songs and games so well with them.The diet of a Word Racer suits Alex just fine because she can eat beans and rice for breakfast/lunch/dinner and be happy. Alex has such a passion to share the love of Christ to everyone she meets. She is bold and courageous. She loves chick flicks and romance novels, especially Nora Roberts. Alex loves to bake and has a dream of opening her own bakery one day with her two besties, Brittany and Ashley. Alex told me whenever she saw my picture on the WR blog site, she knew we would be on the same team. I'm so happy we are!
Ashley- Ashley is 22 and she is from Cumming, Georgia. She is our team leader and has done an amazing job at loving each one of us so well. She loves being around people. She's not afraid to ask tough questions. She is one of the most giving and selfless people I've ever met. I asked her, “Why do you so freely offer your stuff to others?” She replied, “Because God has given me so much.” Ashley loves to seek the Lord in the place of prayer and worship. The diet of a World Racer is perfectly fine for Ashley as well because rice and beans are one of her favorite foods. She laughs a lot. She has a gift of faith that spurs me on. Her eagerness to proclaim the good news of Jesus is contagious and I love that she is my team leader!
Julie- Julie is 27 and she is from Sacramento, California. Her smile lights up a room. She has a tender heart for children and she bonds so well with them. Julie has used her creativity to bless our team with plentiful ideas for songs, dramas, and bible stories. She genuinely cares for people and seeks to tend to the needs of our team whenever she can. Julie lived in China for 3 years and taught English to young children who are like her very own. She loves cheese. She lives a life fully dependent on God for everything which has encouraged me greatly. I love her laugh. Her prayers are powerful. Julie loves to sing and finds so much joy through praising God! She values others and makes everyone she meets feel so loved and appreciated.
Shelli-Shelli is 26 and she is from St. Paul, Minnesota. She left her home 5 years ago to help plant a church in Seattle. She has a heart for the lost, needy, and homeless. Shelli is a strong intercessor and enjoys praying for others. She loves people with great intentionality.Shelli is sensitive to the needs of those around her. She sings beautifully and is great at playing the guitar. Her songs of worship bless our team daily. Shelli is open and honest. We both love avacado's and fresh mango's. She is full of wisdom and loves to encourage others. She daily seeks to find her true identity in Christ. She is very creative and has used her artistic skills in powerful ways for the kingdom of God.
We will at least be with one another for one more month and then after our month in Thailand, there's no telling what changes could be made to our team. For now, we are simply going to relish the time we have together as Favored 414!
