Change. I definitely wouldn’t classify change as my favorite word in the universe. I’m not a huge fan of it. Funny thing is, the World Race requires all kinds of change.
During our eleven months on the field, we change countries, ministry partners, hosts, living conditions, diet, sleep schedule, cultures, languages, and even climate every month! We also periodically change leadership roles and teams.
(In a squad of only 19 people, we have 3 teams. We travel across borders together, but split up upon arrival in the next country. Once we’ve split, each team goes to their ministry partner for the month.)
At the end of our fourth month on the field we had team changes. Which was a major change in my little world.
Team United- our little family of six- had been living every minute of life together for four months and suddenly were being separated.
It sounds traumatic….it wasn’t so bad. But the anticipation leading up to the moment my new team was revealed was gut-wrenching. I genuinely like all of the beautiful humans that make up our squad of nineteen, however I was not ready to open up to a whole new team of people.
There I stood. Five humans, including myself, stood in a circle. Reality struck – this was my new team.
“WAIT! Wait. Wait. Wait! Aw! Wait. I’m excited! AH! This is great! I’m okay! I’m okay! I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m okay. This is great! Yay!” These thoughts ran through my mind as tears of joy fell down my face.
A new season had begun and I was actually incredibly excited for it. I couldn’t believe it. I knew my new team wouldn’t be bad, but I did fear that it wouldn’t be as good as my old team. That’s so crazy- but human.
It’s insane how change can cause so much anxiety, worry, stress, and fear. Even change that we know is going to be good. We only changed teams to grow and learn from new people. Yet I was anticipating the worst. Insane!
Anyways, I can honestly say with a heart full of excitement and joy that I LOVE these women. And I am so thankful for this chance we get to empower, encourage, support, and challenge each other, and all the growth that will flow from that! Ah! Y’all! It’s so good and so sweet!!
Here is an awesome picture of our awesome team – Empower Rangers
Dani – our team leader (back right)
Kelsey – our treasurer (front right)
Melanie (back middle)
Jessica (back left)
And me (front left)
