A few weeks ago I got the idea to interview my squad members as a way to introduce those who are close to me to the people I will be serving with for a year, and I immediately got excited about the idea! So this is the start of a new little blog series where I’ll post about 3 interviews per blog post of each of my squad mates. I’ll also link their blogs so y’all can read more into their hearts. I hope each of you who read these can enjoy getting to know a little bit about the W Squad. ??
1. Where are you from and how old are you?
“I’m from Stanton, MI, but live downtown Grand Rapids, MI now. I am 21!”
2. When did you become a Christian?
“I became a Christian at a very young age. Throughout middle school and high school, I strayed away from the Lord and lost touch with my faith. When I went to college I knew I wanted to work on it and got involved with Young Life, found a great church, and have recommitted my faith in Him.”
3. What is one difficult thing you are proud to have overcome?
“The most difficult thing I have overcome is forgiving my dad. He left when I was a sophomore in high school. When I went off to college, I started to begin the forgiveness process. I am proud to say that I have forgiven him, and our relationship is back to where it was before the split.”
4. Why did you decide to join The World Race?
“Since a young age, I have always wanted to do a mission trip. Since recommitting my faith, it has been more apparent that this is what He has planned for me. The WR kept popping up in my life and I knew it was time to commit to it and apply. Now here I am, 5 months out from launch in August!”
5. What are you passionate about?
“I am passionate about life. I love people and adventure. I’m an adrenaline junkie and love doing out of the ordinary things!”
6. What is your current life verse?
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
7. What is one thing you want people to know about you?
“I am SO excited for this next chapter of my life. I cannot wait to see how He will use my team and me across all nations.”
1. Where are you from and how old are you?
“I’m from a small town in Southern Illinois called Energy (it’s named after a coal mine that was here at the turn of the century), and I’m 25, but I’ll be 26 when we launch.”
2. When did you become a Christian?
“I’m not sure of the exact day, but March 2016 is when I made the commitment to follow Jesus, and that’s when my life started to change!”
3. What is one difficult thing you are proud to have overcome?
“That’s a tricky question. There are a lot of things I could say, but the truth is, without God I would be just as much a slave to things that I used to do. I’m proud and humbled at the things God has pointed out in my life and given me the power and desire to be free from.”
4. Why did you decide to join The World Race?
“I want to do the race because I feel it’s what God wants me to do and because I think it will help me grown in ways that I could never grow at home. I’m also looking forward to being around believers my own age!”
5. What are you passionate about?
“I’m passionate about Jesus, hands down. I want to tell others what He’s done in my life and in the lives of so many others and what He’s capable of doing in more people’s lives, and then I want to see Him work and set people free.”
6. What is your current life verse?
“I don’t have one particular verse, but I’ve always loved the book of James because James doesn’t mince any words and tells it like it is.”
7. What is one thing you want people to know about you?
“For some reason, people’s first impression of me is usually negative, (I tend to be quiet and reserved), but once people get to know me, they usually like me!”
1. Where are you from and how old are you?
“I am born and raised in Southern California. Currently living in Los Angeles, and I turn 35 at the end of our 2nd month on the race in China.”
2. When did you become a Christian?
“I was officially baptized November 27th, 2011, but the Holy Spirit invaded my life a few years before then. I had difficulty calling myself a Christian for the first couple years I was saved due to misunderstandings and difficult teachings, but as I grew with Christ, so did my heart, and I can honestly stay it’s my favorite identity these days.”
3. What is one difficult thing you are proud to have overcome?
“I was born with a radial club hand. When I was super young, I wasn’t aware that it bothered me, but reaching adolescent and teenage years, I became painfully aware of how different I was. There was a period in my life where I wore a sweater every day for probably 7 years. It didn’t matter how hot it was outside. In my late teens, I was told something that changed my life. ‘They’re gonna talk crap either way!’ I took my sweater off the next day and started to live unashamedly. I’ve had to learn to adapt to many things that may seem easy or normal for others. I can shuffle cards like the best of ’em. I still have my days, but for the most part, I am so thankful that our Lord took the time to make me uniquely special.”
4. Why did you decide to join The World Race?
“I’ve traveled a lot. I’ve been blessed to visit many places. Every time I return from a land that I’m visiting, I’ve said to myself…there would be nothing better than to travel the world and talk about Jesus. Good thing the Lord agreed with this idea and called me to participate in the World Race. I’m beyond thankful, and ultimately it is a response to His call. I have a feeling it’s going to be the most challenging yet fruitful time of my life.”
5. What are you passionate about?
“I’m passionate about existential conversations and talks about God. It may seem cliche, but it’s true. I was always someone who knew a little about a lot of things. I decided that I wanted to be someone who knew a lot about one thing, and that’s Christ. I’m almost finished with my first 2 masters (1 in apologetics) and will be continuing to learn more about our Savior once returned from the World Race. If we must list some other things I’m passionate about, I like making people feel special, I like roller coasters, I enjoy acrylic painting, I like artsy things, I think color is awesome! I’ll always choose adventure, and I can’t wait to see if there’s bungee jumping available to us this year!”
6. What is your current life verse?
“I went most of my adult life with 1 Corinthians 13:13, but I have been really loving Colossians 3:11 these days. Though it’s really hard to choose. There’s sooooooo many that pierce my heart.”
“Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
“In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.” Colossians 3:11
7. What is one thing you want people to know about you?
“Wow, all the tough questions! Hahahaha. Let’s see. I am a huge empath, which in turn I think makes me a big introvert despite what anyone might think. I have a huge collection of bouncy balls, and I love clowns. I know, I know…that’s more than one thing. Clearly, I have trouble following the rules.”
Doing these makes me super excited to meet these guys. I’ll try to upload all interviews before training camp, which is June 5-15th. However, I and my driving buddy (hey TJ!) are planning to go down one day early for a storytelling workshop! Until next time! xx
