As we have settled into our new home here in Dobromirka, Bulgaria I can’t help but think of all the loveliness that came last month during all squad month. Normally, we live with just our 6 teammates and each team serves in a different city around the country. However, this last month I got to live with 44 beautiful souls who challenged me daily in many areas of my life.
Before I began this glorious adventure with the Lord, I prayed that He would quiet my anxious heart. A heart that was somehow frightened of the unknown and didn’t know how I’d ever be able to say goodbye to my home. My family and friends have loved me, supported me, and everything in between when it came to my decision to do the World Race.
The Lord silenced all my doubts.
Not only has the Lord given me this delightful reassurance, but He has also gifted me with 46 wonderful souls I get to have in this season of life. (40 squad mates, 3 squad leaders, 2 squad coaches, and 1 squad mentor). You guys, they are gems.
During the month of September, we were able to spend our time together in Romania as our all squad month. Everything about it allowed me to grow in intimacy with the Lord in one way or another, but also learning and leading with them was a gift. Even the people, the city, and the memories of Alba Iulia will forever have a piece of my heart.
I want to share with you 46 of the many reasons as to why or how they make the race feel like home…
- They call me higher.
- They make me feel like I am never alone.
- I can always count on hearing, “Kricket” being called from across the room.
- They always laugh with me, but also make me cry a little less.
- Making me talk. Forcing me to process really hard questions.
- They get songs stuck in your head whether you want it or not.
- You can always fit just one more person in your room.
- Learning about them helps me love them well.
- Teaching me how to dance to “Church Clap” and never getting tired of it.
- The many skills you can learn in one month from one another.
- That someone will always eat the leftovers.
- Giving me constructive feedback when my mom isn’t here to do it for me.
- Waking up at 6:30am to keep me accountable in working out.
- They invite you in to their silent disco parties.
- Letting people serve and be served.
- Figuring out a solution to chasing a bat out of the living room.
- Closing the fridge. Closing the fridge. Closing the fridge.
- Constantly filling the kettle to always have hot water.
- Last minute runs to Kaufland grocery store for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
- Reminding you how beautiful you are even when you don’t feel like it.
- Facetime calls with your coaches to check-in on you.
- Late night pillow talks.
- All the teachings and testimonies to allow my teachable heart to receive more.
- Always feeling appreciated.
- Making it possible for us to go play soccer at 11:00 at night in the beautiful fortress.
- Encouraging conversations.
- Telling me that I’m okay.
- Teams who joyfully prepare and cook dinner for 45 people.
- Small notes of encouragement are the best kind of notes.
- When they keep you inside and safe from the wildest wind storm of the year.
- Hugs.
- Knowing that despite what you read on your news app, there are people making good things happen in our world and for the Kingdom.
- Hidden places you can sneak away and have your precious Jesus time.
- Sharing memories of home.
- Their creative minds.
- When they remember to grab the fly traps for the house.
- They will always ask, “How are you?” because they care about you.
- When they share their favorite books and ways of studying the Bible with you.
- Keeping you accountable on numerous occasions.
- Walking miles and miles to find your favorite restaurant… even when there was a shorter way.
- Turning off the Wifi to allow us to be present with one another.
- Demonstrating their love for me by fighting for me in prayer.
- Guiding me through inner healings.
- Those who will sit hours picking lice out of other squad mates hair.
- Adapting.
- They magnify my strengths.
I love each one of them dearly. Grateful that God hand-picked every one of them.
XO,
Kricket
