Dear Surrendered 7,
I can’t believe our time together is so quickly coming to a close. It seems like a lifetime that we’ve been together, and yet awkwardly trying to live together with 6 people we barely knew in a rectangle space at launch seems like just the other day. This team will always be our team, and each of you have such a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget us.
Thank you for how you loved me so well, especially when I didn’t always accept it gracefully.
Thank you for always being so chill and open when it came to big/hard/deep things.
Thank you for the countless laughs.
Thank you for the vulnerability we shared.
Thank you for choosing us.
Thank you for how we worked well together in various unique situations.
Thank you for for honoring each other well.
Thank you for all the growth.
T h a n k y o u.
Micah,
The curious cobra…
I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it, but you are a leader of leaders. It has been an honor to have you as our team lead and to watch you step into that role with such a willing heart. You carry joy and it naturally affects those around you and the atmosphere. I’ve seen you grow in communication, leadership, worship, and vulnerability these last 4 months. The way you dig into scripture and question things so that your foundation is built on truth inspires me to go deeper. I’m so thankful to call you friend and I can’t wait to see how God continues to move in your life for the rest of the race, and beyond. Love you brother!
Andrew,
The articulate black bird…
I know you know this, but you have wisdom and understanding beyond your years. Thank you for being willing to speak and share it with others. Your heart for evangelism, the American church, and discipleship is God given and incredible. I’ve seen you grow in vulnerability, patience, and humility over the last 4 months and I know you’ll continue to grow in new ways during the coming 7 months. Your willingness to have deep conversations beyond the surface level is valued and appreciated. I am very thankful to have gotten to do life with you during this season and I am excited to see what the rest of the race holds for you. Love you brother!
Paul,
The attentive nightingale…
What a wonderful friend you are. Joyful, kind, thoughtful, humorous, and yes attentive. You are a really wonderful example of a true leader. It isn’t just something you do but it is who you are. The way you worship, and also just the way you play around on your guitar always changes the atmosphere in such a positive way. You make those around you feel safe and heard. Watching you grow in joy, friendships, and leadership has been a delight. I’m forever thankful that you’re a part of this team, and I know God is going to do big things in and through you during the rest of your race. Love you brother!
Jamey,
The committed ram…
The youngest among us but the oldest soul. Thanks for always letting us roast you for anything and everything. Your dedication and commitment to treasury, even when it’s hard and not fun, is to be commended. You’re beautiful and trustworthy and a joy to spend time with. What you bring to our team is irreplaceable. Thank you for being unapologetically yourself. It has been a pleasure to see how you’ve grown in friendships, vulnerability, and freedom over the last 4 months. 7 more months on the race will continue to bring new growth and I am excited to see how God continues to shape you. I love you and I’m so proud of you!
Catherine,
The ethical owl…
You’re easily one of the hardest workers I have ever met. You give this team and this race your all, and it’s inspiring. I cannot thank you enough for hiking all of Acatenango with me and pushing me in the kindest and most loving of ways. Your words are impactful and you carry a wealth of wisdom about the Kingdom. I have seen you grow so much these past 4 months in confidence, boldness, and wisdom. It is an honor to have you as a sister and friend. As the next 7 months of the race pass, keep growing, and keep being the lovely you that God created. I love you!
Teresa,
The perseverant hummingbird…
Powerful, gentle, joyful, tender. You are one of a kind, and I couldn’t imagine this team without you. You bring such a unique combination of strengths and characteristics to the table that are truly beautiful. When there are tasks to be done, you do them with excellence and diligence no matter what. I have seen you grow in your understanding of the Lord as well as yourself, and in worship, and vulnerability. The upcoming 7 months will bring so much more, and I am excited to see what God has for you. It is a joy to have you as a friend & I love you!
Honorary mention to our SQL –
Connor,
The influential buffalo…
There is a certain depth to you and also a deep joy you carry that are both so uniquely you. You communicate kingdom principles well through both words and actions. You make people feel comfortable and seen. The time you spent with our team was valuable and I am thankful to call you friend. Love you brother!
All my love,
Laina
