Hey you guys! I miss you so much already. I’m still here in Bangkok and everywhere I turn I “see” another one of you. The guys here with me are being all tough and “it’s ok we are fine whatever we will see them again” but of course Michelle, Gretchen and I are about to burst into tears again at any given second. Well ok, not quite that much, but we did go to Starbucks to journal and grieve for you guys. I just wanted to post some messages for you, what I would have said to you as good bye except that I was trying so hard not to cry/ crying too much to say anything. Thanks for being such an AWESOME squad and making this such a fabulous year. I love you all!
Mark: Thank you so much for all of your work this year. We would all have been wandering around like penguins in a desert if you hadn’t known everything. You have the balance between serious and fun. I love the way you fell in love with Asia. I knew you came on the race not knowing which area of the world you were called to, but sensing that God did in fact have a great calling on your life. It’s so incredibly awesome that you found out where your passion lies. Do not forget what you have learned this year. Do not let go of the dreams God has now given you for Asia. Most of all keep proclaiming kingdom for yourself and bringing kingdom to everyone you meet. I love you brother!
Tammy: I love you! You have taught me so much this year I can’t even start to list them all. From day to day stuff to more deep spiritual things. You aren’t afraid to speak your mind and it is always in a gentle constructive way. The patience you have demonstrated this year is truly Christ like. Thank you for being my constant encouragement, my spiritual guidance and most importantly, my friend. I was always learning from you, I loved our chats especially in Durban. I loved jumping off that cliff with you… Are you gonna be my girl?
Steve: All I can say is wow! The change and growth you have gone through this year is outstanding. You are going home a new man. The difficult times have made you stronger. You have always been open and willing to share- always wanting to get to know people better. This is very admirable. You are very sure of your faith and so I know that you will continue to grow and be refined by God into the man He has created you to be. You are so genuinely caring and I thank you for being there for me in India. I love you brother- the Wild She Camel dance just wouldn’t be the same without you.
Rubie: You are such a fantastic, wonderful woman of God. You have learned so much this year from being weirded out by tongues in Chincha to 5 months later sharing the key to revival in a small South African village because of the way you listened and were obedient to God. I even think you don’t suck at relaxing quite as much. I appreciate your down to earth-ness and your servants heart. You are so willing to help in any situation even if you don’t really want to. You get to keep living the life! Do not let anyone tell you that what you are doing isn’t where you are supposed to be. You know God’s voice and He will tell you when He wants you to move. I love you so much, and you will be sure to hear from me as soon as I get my toe nails painted again!
Becky: My first World Race friend! Your encouragement over these past months has been invaluable to me. Your zeal for life is infectious, it is so amazing how your joy and creativity can turn a hot house into a winter wonderland in August. You are a continual life giver. You are able to breathe life into any situation. God has given you a special heart to love the most unloved of the world. The passion you have has grown so much this year and you have become quite the prayer warrior. I appreciate that you were always truly in the race and did not always get caught up with things at home, as east as it could have been. You are awesome Becky Miller! I love you!
Sarah: I’ve told you many of these things, but I know you like to hear them again. You ARE a NEW person. You are NOT the same. You do not have to go back, concentrate your firey passion on stomping on the devil’s head and running far away from temptation. Sarah- get a mirror and look yourself in the eyes everyday and remind yourself of who you are. I can’t even begin to imagine the incredible things God has in store for you. He clearly has a purpose for your life- He keeps chasing you down to get a hold of you. Don’t let go of Him. One of the great things you have gained this year is a family. We love you. We want to hear from you. Stay in touch with Michael and Kathy. I want to hear from you! I love love love you! You are an amazing woman of God- His chosen woman to bear His message of love and hope to the nations.
Caroline: You are a beautiful woman of God! From day 1 you have been bringing hope to people. You were Baby Carol’s family’s miracle. Jesus shines through your in a way I’ve not seen in other people. Your honesty is such a great characteristic that you possess. You are always uplifting, always smiling, and always focussing on the unseen. You bring kingdom in every step you take. You are radiant. I have appreciated every moment I have spent with you. I love you lots!
Matt S.: Man of God! You are a fire breather. You ignite everything in your path. You have moved from being a head guy to a heart guy which is the most important transformation. You are covered in a lot of dust. I have appreciated you in many ways, especially for worship. Remember to lead with love and not answers. You are so awesome! I love you! And by the way, Angie says you should write verses on the bottoms of all of the socks you give away.
Michael and Kathy: Your very presence in a room makes me feel loved, safe and peaceful. Your visits truly were the highlight of each month. They were much anticipated and felt like a piece of home was arriving. You have poured your lives into us, invited us to your home and call us your children. Your warmth and hospitality is clearly Christ working through you. Thank you for being such a wonderful example of being sold out for the kingdom and for the generation. I love you. Thank you for believing in me and for helping me to become the woman I now am.
Rusty: I really do appreciate what you have done for our squad this year. You have worked tirelessly and endlessly to make sure that we got to where we were going, that each detail got worked out and that we stayed focussed and encouraged. When you say you don’t give a flying flip about the ministry you are wrong. Your ministry that God called you to was us. And I know you cared a whole lot of flying flips about us. You stayed behind in Lima, you flew back to the states, you always managed to go ahead of us, and bring up the rear. You are an incredible man- one of a kind. My life will never have so much running commentary again. I love you!
Rachel: The joy bursting out of you is unstoppable. I’m so glad you had the opportunity to find a team that was able to be a good support and encouragement to you. Your endurance is astounding. I’m so proud of all you have accomplished this year- from your new healthy lifestyle to the growth you have had and the discoveries and truths you have found in the Lord. I know God has some great plans in store for you. Don’t ever settle! Always be looking to Him for guidance and comfort. I love you lots and lots!
Jenn: You are a seriously quirky girl. You make me laugh. You are so carefree and it’s so great how you rely on the Lord for everything you need. You have such a pure relationship with HIm. I’m so glad that you have been able to deepen your relationship with Him even recently with your new found language. Bring kingdom where ever you go. Never forget this year, but use it only as a step to the even more crazy adventures that God has for you. I love you!
Andi: You are a wonderful, wise, beautiful, kind, generous, loving, amazing woman of God. You are so calm in every situation. You have so much talent and creativity. The services in Iquitos were great, and the indian grinch was so funny. It has been so incredible to have the chance to spend the year on the squad with you. Thank you so much for all of the wonderful advice you have given me and all of the ways you have served our squad. I love you!
Patrice: Pillar of strength. You hold everything together. You are so wise and have a lot of common sense (which really isn’t that common). I have enjoyed every conversation with you. And I remembered another time we shared a room this year- even a bed! Remember ALL the way back to Fort Lauderdale in the Holiday Inn. We were fresh racers, about to embark on what was a big question mark to us. Now here it is- the end of this chapter. We are a bit battered but we are better for it. Patrice you are an amazing woman of God. You are so sure of your faith. You are steady. Thank you so much for everything you have brought to our squad. I love you love you lots!
Angie: I’ve said everything to you at the beach. I love you so much with every bit of love I have. You mean so much to me. Keep looking at our feet over the ocean. Remember the peace and freedom. I’m so proud of you! I love you so much!
Nate: You are such a powerful speaker. You hear the voice of God like no other. You always have your listening ears on- both for God and for other people. You are patient and wise. I can see you have learned lots this year, about God, about women and about being the man that God has made you to be. I love the passion you have. You are so close with God, and so obedient to Him. I really enjoyed going out to do the Bible league with you every day in Cambodia. Thank you for always having an encouraging word to say. I love you brother!
Kim: The passion in you is huge! You really want to get in there and get your hands dirty. You have such a beautiful voice, you are so talented with music. I love sitting and listening to you sing, or play piano- especially songs you have written because when you have written the song there is so much of that huge passion on your face and in your voice. I will miss hearing the random songs throughout the day. Your smile always brightens a room. I love you!
Meredith: Oh Dita! You are a fabulous story teller. You are so good at writing songs. You are so good at so many things. You are such a prayer warrior, and your prophetic side certainly shines through. You have been so open to learning this year, your love for everyone is awesome. I know it isn’t always easy, but you are always up for a challenge. I love listening to you laugh, because you let it take over your whole self. I know God has so many wonderful plans for you- and for your family. I love you lots!
Eli: Always doing your own thing. You are so good at connecting with families and really pouring into them everything that you have. You really have come into your own this year and made leaps and bounds towards becoming the man God has intended you to be. You have so many talents and you are going to be great at whatever you do. Always remind yourself of who God says you are. You have so much in you to give to others. I hope to see you in Israel since you ran off to the airport without saying good bye to any of us. Love you!
TEAM ISRAEL- I AM STILL WITH YOU!!! I WILL PROBABLY WRITE YOU MESSAGES AT HOME, SINCE I WILL LIKELY BE CRYING TOO MUCH TO TALK TO YOU WHEN I LEAVE YOU TOO. BUT UNTIL THEN GOOD MORNING!
