“That summer I turned a corner in my soul,
down that red dirt road…”
Ten days.
Thirty-six new brothers and sisters in Christ.
Two squad leaders, one squad mentor, and two squad parents that love us endlessly.
A whole lot of laughter, tears, and sweat.
Eleven lessons learned, because eleven is the World Race’s favorite number:
1. Deodorant, baby powder, baby wipes, and sunscreen are an acceptable form of a daily shower.
2. Georgia has a whole lot of giant flying bugs and they really like flying in your face to get to your headlamp, so journaling in your hammock at night is traumatizing.
3. Even though you’ve only known your tribe for a few short days, your squad mom will let you cry on her shoulder during a full breakdown.
“You’re a good, good father,
it’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are,
and I am loved by You,
it’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am…”
4. A head buff headband makes for the perfect eye mask to sleep.
5. The smell test is an acceptable way to choose which tank top to wear, especially when your teammate is willing to tell you which one smells better!
6. Abba speaks truth into your life through numerous squadmates whether it be a long prayer, a prayer over the whole squad, or just a simple sentence.
“I found my freedom in the river,
I found my freedom in the river of your love…”
7. At the beginning of the week, I prayed to be stripped of being so self-conscious. And throughout the week, Abba stripped me of that. Things got easier; I wasn’t nearly as nervous in group settings or talking about tough things with a small group. Abba answers prayers and He is so faithful.
8. Freedom from bitterness and freedom from past sins is possible.
“I am no longer a slave to fear,
I am a child of God…”
9. W stands for FAMILY. In just ten short days these squadmates of mine went from people I talked to texting and online to family. We went from “I’m so happy to meet you” hugs to wiping food scraps off each other’s faces without saying a word. We said “I love you, I’ll see you in six weeks” instead of “see you later.” We prayed over one another, spoke truth to one another, and celebrated each other.
10. Squad wars is infinitely more fun when the squad as a whole really doesn’t care about winning, but more about having fun!
11. You may think you’re tan from spending so much time outside in the sun, but really it’s just that red Georgia dirt ingrained deeply into your skin that even baby wipes don’t uncover it all.
3rd generation VWXYZ squads at squad wars
#sqWad152
team discover & disciple
Rachael, me, Kim, Abbie, Louise, and Kim!
