It’s odd to think about who I was two years ago, having just finished training camp for the World Race. I could never have anticipated what I was about to learn over the next year. What a wild ride…
Looking back, I recognized that the most pivotal conversations and profound moments from my Race usually involved my squad leaders, Alys & Andrew.
They chose to work with AIM and squad lead because they knew they were deeply loved by God. They served us and gave us everything they could in order to help us understand how deeply He loved us too.
On the Race I found myself uncomfortable, out of my depth, bewildered, lost, afraid, weak, and failing over and over. I would feel that way so often, in fact, that after a while those feelings became companions instead of enemies. I learned to keep going in spite of them. They didn’t hinder me anymore.
That transformation happened because of the way Andrew & Alys believed in me and gave me room to try and fail and learn in leadership. Because of the grace, patience and wisdom they showed me, I am a different person.
Andrew & Alys
It has been almost a year since I returned home from the Race. Since then I have had a growing desire to give back to the organization that impacted me so much, and to pass on what I’ve received. So I would like to now officially announce…
I will be squad leading with the World Race, beginning January 2016!
What this means
My fellow squad leaders and I will spend January through May of 2016 acting as liaisons between the U.S. home office and a squad of about forty new World Race participants as they begin their trip. We will train team leaders, run debriefs and monitor the overall health of the group.
A little (hopefully helpful) diagram for you
Squad Leaders have a crucial role because the World Race is seriously intense for everyone. At its core, it is a journey of personal development where all normal comfort and stability is stripped away. Racers experience extreme stress as they are thrown into new cultures, harsh conditions, and live with the same small team 24/7.
Some of these young adults have never been outside the U.S. or seen real poverty.
Some have never experienced true community, being accepted and loved just as they are.
Some don’t believe they have any ability (much less responsibility) to change the world around them.
Some have never heard God speak to them.
And as a squad leader, I get to focus on guiding every racer into as much spiritual and personal growth as possible.
My squad at our Month 4 debrief in Nepal
Why?
I still have about two months left here in Spain at the G42 Leadership Academy. This program is meant to be a launching pad, preparing us to live excellently and dive into our long-term vocations. I already know I will leave G42 with the vision and tools to move forward.
But instead of settling into something long-term right away, I have decided to squad lead first for a few reasons:
- I want to give back to an organization that undeniably changed my life for the better.
- I have the skills to do this job well.
In any normal group setting, I automatically gravitate towards looking out for the health of the community. As a squad leader, my main role is to focus on just that!
I also have an extensive international background – including my experience as a logistics coordinator and team leader while on my own World Race – that I will be able to utilize to support my squad. - I want to live out what I have learned.
The past two years have taught me that God is so much more wonderful than I realized. There is so much more grace and freedom than I knew.
Racers will be coming from all backgrounds and walks of life. I feel equipped to welcome them in right where they are, learning their stories and helping them understand more fully how our strong, kind, radiant, wise God sees them.
So here we go – I will begin this new adventure in two short months. I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this entire process, from my World Race training camp until now. Your friendship, encouragement and support have meant the world to me!
Funding
Squad leading is a fundraised position. Will you help me as I begin leading in January?
There are three ways you can help.
- Donation to my personal account
The most helpful way you can support me financially is through paypal, as there are several additional costs I am responsible for (such as my flight to World Race headquarters in January). If you are willing to help me in this way, my paypal information is: - G42
I am so close to my funding goal for G42 – only $450 left!
If you would like to give towards this goal:1. Click here: http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate
2. Choose one- time or recurring donation3. Under “Leadership Academy Intern/ Appealed By” type “Larisa Aleksandrov” and hit enter.
- World Race
The total I’ll need for squad leading is about $5,500. If you would like to give towards this goal, click the “Support Me” button on the top or sides of this page for directions on mailing a check or giving online.
Once again – thank you!!
My leadership team for this spring!
