You’ve heard a little about my squad (the 45 other people I’ll be traveling with), but I now get to introduce the 5 women who I will be serving, living and doing ministry with! At training camp, we did team building exercises to help the leadership determine the teams and to give us a glimpse of working with different personalities. The result of that are the 5 beautiful and gifted women I get to live with in the coming year! At our first team dinner, we chose the name “Alegria” for our team name, which means “Joy”.
(Dictonary meanings of Alegria: joy, happiness, gladness, cheerfulness, gaiety, contentment) We chose this name because it not only seems to characterize our team, but because we also want to be known as women who exude joy in all circumstances.
Casey Alexander -Georgia, 32
Casey has such a calming and steady personality. In the time I’ve spent with her, she has blessed me by her laid-back perspective and heart to serve, encourage, and strive for excellence. I see her desire for Truth and compassion for others. I can’t wait to learn and gain perspective from Casey this year! She will be serving as Team Treasurer and I’m excited to see how God will strengthen and grow her.
Karli Newton -Florida, 22
As an upbeat and passionate woman, Karli brings spice and drive to our team. She is full of ideas which I am looking forward to seeing God use in amazing ways this year. Her heart for children and Jesus, overflows from her. Karli has served in South America before and will be an awesome encouragement and asset to our team. I look forward to seeing God work through her as she is able to use her gifts and heart to bless the people we meet.
Benita Townsend-Missouri, 25
Benita has such a joyous and inclusive spirit. She has a beautiful smile that is a constant glow. I love her passion for the world to intimately love Jesus and her faith as she ministers to others. She is serving as one of the Logistics coordinators for our squad, so she will have her hands full! I’m so blessed and excited to be serving with Benita and I know God is going to use her tremendously to unite our team and spread His love to the people we minister to.
Isa Caszatt- Michigan, 28
Isa is one of the most amazing question-askers I have met. She has an incredible way of engaging and investing in people through challenging and encouraging them in their relationship with Jesus. She is a great yoga teacher, the only introvert on our team, and loves to cook(which I can’t wait to learn from her ideas for food on the field!). I love the dynamic that Isa brings to our team and she is such an uplifter/encourager to all. I’m stoked for the way God is going to use her in the nations and as a strength in our team.
TJ Candee-Texas, 24
TJ has a fantastic way of enjoying adventure and has a fun-loving, upbeat personality! I love her creative ideas and her inclination to think “outside-the-box”. She possesses a sweet joy and confidence in her desire to pursue the Lord and live out the love of Jesus to others. This will be such a benefit and encouragement to our team. I’m excited to learn more from TJ, get to laugh with her, and watch the Lord work through her life and love!
I get to serve on a great team. I look forward to how we will all learn from each other and how we will help each other grow. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. We will have our joys & struggles, yet through it all may it glorify Jesus! I have the great privilege and responsibility of serving as team leader on this team. More than likely I will not be leader for more than a few months, as others will be given a chance to serve in that capacity, yet I am excited for this adventure and all that I am learning through it.
