Month 5-Squad Debrief, Team Changes, New Roles.
Before officially moving on to the new changes let me tell you about my team that I served with the last four months!
So here is a little story about Team Valor…
When we first found out we were on a team at Training Camp back in October, most of us were confused on how our team was put together because it seemed like we were ALL so different and we just didn’t click right away. Even at training camp, we didn’t really hang out but we were told to CHOOSE EACH OTHER and that we were meant to be on a team together and that we would realize that as the time goes on.
Up until this month, we still were a team that was very different from each other but we had the most important thing in common…We all were passionate about having a deeper relationship with Christ and we did Choose to love each other every day.
These ladies are very special and it was a pleasure doing ministry with them.
Our team dynamic was super healthy. No drama, no gossip, no side clicks, no negativity…just 7 women trying to serve the Lord while serving His children around the world.
We were a team of encouragement, compassion, prayer warriors, wisdom, passion, and servant hearts!
In Ecuador we played a game called Red Flags (super fun game about your future date if you never played-you just have to take out a few PG13/R Rated cards) so we thought it would be a fun idea to introduce each other this way. Everyone had someone on the team to describe.
Let me introduce you to them individually.
JEN:
WHITE FLAGS:
She has the voice of an angel.
She makes the best sound effects while playing volleyball
She finds the good in every single person and situation. “Everyone is beautiful.”
RED FLAG:
She doesn’t wake up to her morning alarms that everyone else hears
Jen is such a sweet joyful soul. Since we met her at training camp, she has gained so much more confidence in who she is! It has been a beautiful journey to watch. She is such a great encourager and is such a good listener. Her random bursts of energy bring joy to those around her. I don’t think she has a judgmental or angry bone in her body. God truly shines through her while she worships and it radiates to those around her. She is extremely musically talented.
KELLY:
TWINS
WHITE FLAGS:
Will help you in any way you need it
She is a master listener
She gives the best hugs when you’re feeling sad
RED FLAG:
Will wake up at 5am to clean the house even if it wasn’t her turn to do the chores
Kelly is truly the most selfless servant I have ever met. Serving others in all areas comes so naturally to her and it is truly inspiring. Kelly is an internal processor which has been extremely helpful because she actually thinks things over before she speaks unlike myself. She is super loving and so in tuned with how others are feeling. There have been many times, especially in Peru, where she would just know when I needed a hug, and then I would cry in her arms and she would just be there for me. She is always there to pray for others even if it’s for the simple small things. She was super helpful to me as team leader. She thought of the small details that I may not have thought of. I can’t thank her enough for all of her help. She walks in so much faith and truly wants to sacrifice her comforts to be more relational with the people in the communities we are serving.
ANNA
WHIT FLAGS:
Super intelligent and one of the best travelers
She is strong and independent
One of the most accomplished and driven women who finds her source of life from Jesus.
RED FLAG:
She has no idea what she’s going to be when “she grows up.”
Anna Banana! “She is like a watermelon. Hard on the outside but soft on the inside.” She takes more time to open up to people but once you get to know her, you will find out that she is sweet, caring, genuine and a fun person to be around. She has a lot of world travel experience, wisdom and loves to explore. She walks in so much confidence in who she is and what she believes. She is someone you can trust from personal things to being able to get you from point A to point B in a foreign country. I have already seen her grow so much since I first met her and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned for her!
WHITNEY
WHITE FLAGS:
This girl was born to preach! Such a natural!
Radiates Joy in everything she does
Loves ALL of God’s creation so well (well maybe not bugs)
RED FLAG:
She will try to cuddle all the animals not matter how dirty or how many fleas they have
Whitney is truly a ball of joy! She always seems to be able to laugh and smile even through the tough times. She is able to love everyone and embrace who they are even if they may be difficult. She walks in so much boldness in her faith and is confident in sharing about Jesus. When this girl gets up to talk about Jesus, she speaks so naturally and with so much love and knowledge. The Holy Spirit truly works through her to get the message out. She listens so well and remembers what people say even the smallest details. Whit is a joy to be around and a really great friend!
COURTNEY
WHITE FLAGS:
Loves all tiny humans
Always full of Joy
Can make fun songs out of any situation
RED FLAG:
Super ticklish and can be tickled from 10 feet away
Courtney is a ray of sunshine. She truly finds the positive in every situation. Also we have the same brains. We are both verbal processors, get distracted easily, have side stories to our stories and can explain a situation with sounds and as little words as possible and understand each other. I love how confident she walks in what she believes and how she is not afraid to stick up for it. Courtney is super caring, encouraging and puts others needs above her own. Court is both mature but can still have child like fun which I appreciated because we joined each other in spontaneous adventures including playing on playgrounds in different countries. She has a beautiful soul and a contagious laugh.
SARAH
WHITE FLAGS:
Best Bear Hugs ever
Instrumental Prodigy
As faithful as a Golden Retriever
RED FLAG:
She calls all animals “no” because she doesn’t like any of them near her
Sarah, my girl from day 1. We are super opposite but we work together really well as evangelism partners and friends. Our friendship started when we went evangelism in Atlanta at training camp. As we were walking down the street, we started getting chased by a dog trying to attack us. I was scared and also dying laughing where I couldn’t move and I hid behind Sarah, the girl who doesn’t like dogs. She fought it off the best she could even though it kept trying to get us. This moment we will never forget and definitely brought us closer. I am so thankful for Sarah and for her knowledge of the Bible and her loving hard truth. Serving with her both inspired and challenged me in stepping out and truly living what we believe. I have had more laughs and tears with this girl. She walks in so much faithfulness and she truly tries to glorify God in everything that she does. I have appreciated our deep talks but also being able to be 100% my true goofy, weird self around her!
I have learned so much from this team and have them to thank for a lot of my growth in my faith journey.
Their next teams are blessed to serve with them for the next couple of months and God is going to do BIG things in and through them!
Check out our famous V pic in each country!
Last Day in the USA
Colombia- Our Rooftop Terrace
Ecuador- Ziplining Adventure
Peru- Beach & Rooftop
India- Village Visit
Nepal Debrief-Last Day as a Team
I am sad that I won’t be spending 24/7 with these beautiful ladies but I am looking forward to what these 7 months will bring.
Let me introduce you to my new team…
TEAM SOAR
S Squads new Squad Leaders
Madison (Previous SQL), Kelly, Myself & Jon (Raised up SQLs)
Thank you so much for reading this and staying on board through these last 4-5 months. As we step into these new leadership positions, I ask for your continuous thoughts and prayers. God is so good and we trust that he will guide us every step of the way!
Thank you for your support and God Bless!
Love, Kristen
