In October our journey began. It is amazing that our four short months together is coming to and end. They placed us on a team together and asked of if we would feel comfortable on this team. I looked around, kind of shrugged my shoulders and gave them a thumbs up.
Little did I know the Lord perfectly placed each and every soul in that circle. Well-I mean I knew, but I had no idea how much I would love these gals as much as I do.
They have helped me find my voice.
They have given me a home. A safe space.
They stepped up on days when I couldn’t.
Held me as I cried.
Loved me even when I was as stubborn as can be.
We have come so far. Learned so much.
From our first little village home in Diabo Cote d’Ivoire to a farm in Thailand-we have been through so many things. We have traveled across the world to shine God’s love. Come up with sermons on the spot. Songs too. We have led kids ministry. Women’s ministry. Taught English. Evangelized even when it scared us. Danced and sung the most ridiculous songs that we just learned. Dance parties in every country-in so many different languages. Getting stuck in the bathroom. Riding motos. Movie nights. Meditation. Snuggles. Ice cream runs. I could go on all day.
Through this we have become so bold. Together but also as individuals. We have grown to glorify our Father in heaven. Shown each other the truth. That we are loved, chosen and that our story matters.
Y’all have taught me so much-about Jesus, about myself and about life.
Jess: you have taught me what it truly looks like to empathize with each and every living thing around you. From muslim girls in Ghana, Birdie the Bird (RIP) to saying goodbye to our students. You see people where they are. You are able to put yourself in their shoes and feel for them the best way you know how. This makes you an amazing friend and an incredible servant for Jesus. You truly see with his eyes and I adore this in you.
Heather: you have truly taught me what it looks like to respect those around you. It is so cool that this is so engraved in you. You pay attention to each and every soul around you. You see them. You hear them and you love them how they need to be loved in that moment. Heather you stand up for those around you and are so thoughtful. You are relational to. your. core. Just like Jesus.
Raina: you have a Yes in your spirit like no other my dear. Whether it is praying, preaching, chasing a chicken or walking home blind folded-you say yes. You are so confident that Jesus is with you in all things. In your words. In your actions. If someone needs you to stay back, you’re there. If someone needs toilet paper-you have it 100% of the time-which we make fun of you for but honestly could not be more thankful for. You say you are going to do something and you do it.
Adriana: you are a fighter. A fighter for what you believe-you bring others into it but you are firm in your foundation. You know yourself so well and I admire this so much about you. Whether it is a morning work out or your time with Jesus, you are steadfast in it because it is important to you. You see Jesus in all things. You show him in your path daily. It is so cool how you are able to point out Jesus in each day. Nothing is an accident. Everything is ordained by Jesus.
Hannah: you lead us SO well. You are gentle. You are kind. You are SO obedient. MY goodness. Jesus tells you something and you run with it. An encouraging word. A prayer. Even a hug. Jesus says jump and you say how high? It has been amazing to watch how you have obediently served this team. Thank you for consistently calling me higher and loving me from such a genuine place. You radiate Jesus in all that you do.
This is not the end of Beloved Daughters-but it is the beginning of life long friendships. Thank you for loving me so well and showing me Jesus daily for the past four months. I love you each so much.
No one was really ready for this pic-sorry not sorry. I had to lol
