You don't have to work at making conversation, it just flows freely.
Or plan out what you are going to do, or what you're going to say, or sensor yourself in any way.
Last weekend I drove out to Buffalo, New York and met up with one of my squadmates for the first time. We had only communicated a little bit on facebook, and pretty much only to make plans to meet up. I really didn't know anything about this girl….Chelsea Ellis. She coulda been a major weirdo for all I knew……What did I get myself into?!? I was a little bit nervous, but more excited than anything! What was she going to be like? Was she as excited as I was? What had made her choose to sign up for The World Race? Was she like me in any way?
I was not in the least disappointed! We were both late……already, something we have in common. And when we finally got to the meeting point it was like we had known each other forever! Hugs, and jumping around, and a little bit of squealing thrown in for effect. And so our day progressed…we shopped for World Race gear, we talked about the World Race and how it had been put on our hearts to embark on such a journey, we laughed, and since we both oooobviously drive around with all of our World Race gear in the backseats of our cars we compared backpacks, daypacks, and tents, tried them on, and even took pictures with it on…..Only a World Racer could be as excited to pack, use, and live out of a backpack for a year as we are.
We spent 7 hours hanging out! And at the end didn't want to leave….except that it was cold, getting dark, and both needed to pee like crazy after the huge Arizona's we had both consumed. So, we hugged goodbye and whined about how we didn't want to go, and then finally parted ways.
I cannot tell you how much more real The World Race became to me after actually meeting and getting to know one of the people that I will be going on this adventure with. To know her heart, and where she is coming from. To get to actually sit and talk about all of the World Race stuff we have read, and watched on Youtube. To share how God brought me to the point where I knew that this was where I was being called, and to hear her story as well. What an amazing woman Chelsea Ellis is, and I love her as a sister already.
This has stirred my excitement to new heights…..just imagine…..I WILL BE AT TRAINING CAMP IN 33 DAYS!!!!!!! I get to meet all of my squadmates, I get to live in community with them, if even for just a week, I will get to worship, and laugh, and stay up all night long talking with them. Although I would already call them family, I will actually get to spend time getting to know who they are, as God created them to be.
We will also learn more about ourselves, and most importantly more about God. We will grow in more intimate relationship with Him, which is more important than all of the rest. Because, if it wasn't for Him we would not be going on this journey.
So now…..I just want to thank God for the amazing squad of teammates that He put together. I want to thank You for their big hearts, hearts that have allowed You to work in them to bring them to this point. I want to thank You for being with them each and every day, for protecting them and keeping them safe. For pouring Your extravagant love over each and every one of them. For putting us all together for a purpose. I pray that You would strengthen them and guide them, build them up and encourage them. Take care of each and every single one of their needs. Provide for them all of the funds needed for this journey and then some…and bless them as the walk in the abundance that comes from walking with You…….Thanks Dad
Love you 'N' Squad!!!
