In this past year of preparation for the World Race, there was one question that I received more than any other: “Who will you be traveling with?” Before training camp, I was only able to give a vague explanation about my 49 person squad, and my small team which would be determined later. I explained that I would be living with that hypothetical small team throughout my year. Well… it’s later and I finally know who I’ll be with! I wanted to take some time to more thoroughly answer your question, especially because my team is absolutely phenomenal!
My incredible, wonderful, absolutely flawless squad. DUBS UP!
My equally as amazing team, Team Hesed <3
Each team was given the task of developing a team name. We were told to choose carefully. Our team name needed to be something that we wanted to be spoken over us throughout our year. Something that each of us wanted to strive for. Team names are also important because when Adventures in Missions (AIM) sets our team up with a new ministry contact, the first thing that potential host sees is our team name. It’s an opportunity to give a good first impression! Our team has chosen the name Hesed. Hesed is a Hebrew word and it is featured prominently in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Ruth. Discover the Word does a great job of explaining what hesed means as it is complex and layered.
“Hesed is difficult to translate. No single word in English captures its meanings. Translators use words like “kindness,” “loving-kindness,” “mercy,” “loyalty.” Perhaps “loyal love” is close. Hesed is one of the richest, most powerful words in the Old Testament. It reflects the loyal love that people committed to the God of the Bible should have for one another. It is not a “mood.” Hesed is not primarily something people “feel.” It is something people DO for other people who have no claim on them. The word hesed is displayed throughout the story of Ruth where it is usually translated “kindness.” Love is something we do, not primarily something we feel. Hesed is difficult to translate because it stands for a cluster of ideas—love, mercy, grace, kindness. It wraps up in itself all the positive attributes of God. Hesed is one of the Lord’s most treasured characteristics. Hesed is a quality that moves someone to act for the benefit of someone else without considering “what’s in it for me?” It may be translated as “loyal love.” Sometimes the emphasis is on “loyal” and other times the emphasis is on “love.”
I feel like that gives a pretty good explanation of why we have chosen such a name for ourselves.
Now you’re asking, who are the people that make up Team Hesed? Without further ado…
[KAYLA NORWOOD]
This is Kayla N. Not only is she a member of our team, but she is our team leader! She comes from Alabama and studied education. Kayla’s call to the World Race has been a four-year process between her and the Lord. The Lord told her four years ago in a dream that she would lead a trip to Nepal and after some failed attempts, she has made it to the race on God’s time. (AND GET THIS: our second country is Nepal!) God has a sense of humor and He has used it to shape Kayla into a kind, passionate leader.
[GABBIE UEBERROTH]
This is Gabbie. Coming from Florida, she is a treasured member of our team, and is also the squad safety coordinator! This is a huge role but there is nobody that I would trust more than Gabbie. She’ll be responsible for helping to determine if someone may need to go to the doctor, if behaviors are unsafe, or if situations have become unsafe. Gabbie is a licensed EMT and studied public health. Along with the smarts, she is filled with the necessary thoughtfulness required of such a position.
[KAYLA STRICKLER]
This is Kayla S. That’s right, two Kayla’s, but no need to fear because they are certainly unique from one another! Kayla comes from New Mexico! Kayla will be using her gifts on our team as our resident storyteller. She’ll be the one constantly reminding me to update all of you every single week! This will be an awesome job for Kayla because she is so driven and talented in administrative work. If there is anyone on this team that could keep my on task, I’d probably be putting my money on her. Kayla also has a passion for preaching and has such a gift for hearing the Lord’s voice!
[GRACE KOERNER]
This is Grace. Joining our team from Oklahoma (but originally from Michigan), Grace will be serving as our team’s worship leader which is so incredibly fitting. Grace has been leading worship for years and seeing her worship the Father is truly one of the most beautiful experiences. She is gifted with such a spirit of joy and she is so fun to be around! It helps that she loves dogs almost as much as I do! Grace is not afraid to speak truth and life into every situation and her honesty will be such a valuable tool to our team as we continue to grow together!
[KAMIREN PASSAVANTI]
This is Kamiren. She is from Georgia but has been living in California for the past few years. Kamiren will be serving as our team treasurer, so she will be responsible for stewarding the money that you all have donated! Kamiren has such a sweet, nurturing presence. She is definitely someone that I would go to for a good hug and a reminder that everything will be alright! Kamiren has such a powerful story of strength and perseverance and she has so much wisdom to offer to our team and those that we meet on the field.
[PAIGE DEUR]
Last but certainly not least is Paige. She is from Michigan and I actually had the chance to drive to training camp with her and some other girls on our squad! She left her job teaching high school to come on the race and I couldn’t be happier about it! Paige has a sweet, gentle spirit and is generally a calming presence to be around. She is slow to speak and quick to listen, but when she speaks you most certainly listen. She listens intently to the voice of the Holy Spirit and it shows in the deep truths that she has to offer. I can’t wait to see the ways that the Lord uses her gifts!
There you have it, Team Hesed. These are the incredible women that I will be living life with and my love for them already runs so deep. Each of them has something unique and beautiful to offer to our ministry together. Please be praying for us as we attempt to be a model of the Church to the nations. Subscribe to their blogs too! As much as I’d like to think that I can capture the whole experience in my writing, I know that I simply cannot but with their help, we might get a little closer! Following their blogs as well as mine will give you a better idea of what we’re doing and how you can support us in prayer.
Much love,
Kristen
