So last month in Colombia was spent with my entire squad (about 43 people) and it was great. I got to work alongside different groups of people and get to know them in unique ways while doing ministry. It was a crazy beautiful month and I’m very thankful I got to start my Race the way that I did.
The whole squad always travels together to each country, and once we get to each new place, we will break off into smaller teams (of about seven people) and travel to different parts of each country to do ministry. For the next three-ish months I will be with the same six ladies doing ministry in Ecuador, Peru & India and I couldn’t be more excited. We are a very unique bunch, each of us bringing something distinct to the group dynamic. Let me tell ya ‘bout my girls!
This is Emilie or, as her friends call her, Em.
This girl was not at all what I expected her to be (I guess that’s why they say don’t judge a book by its cover, eh?). She is a 23-year-old middle school English teacher from Wisconsin and her sarcasm is dangerous. She is a fellow introvert with striking green eyes and head full of the most gorgeous curly hair I’ve ever seen. Her faith in the Lord is contagious and evident by the stillness she has about her. She has several tattoos and one of them is in Latin and it says “Blessed are the Warriors”. When she first told me about this tattoo I wasn’t sure how I felt about it but, after being with her NONSTOP for forty days, I think it embodies who she is. She is a quiet (at first) yet mighty and fierce warrior for the kingdom.
This is sweet, sweet Valerie.
I had no expectations before meeting her because she had no blogs posted for me to creep on! Lol anyways, Val is a 27-year-old a crisis counselor from Arizona and she might be the wisest person I’ve ever met. She is overflowing with patience and she sees the world through lenses that can only be from God. She is very quiet and, more often than not, you have to seek out her opinion rather than her just giving it, but if you wait and listen, the truth and wisdom she speaks comes directly from the Lord.
This is our fearless leader, Laurie.
Mama Laurie (pronounced Law-ree) is a spunky 26-year-old trauma nurse from North Carolina. And while she doesn’t think so, she is a natural-born leader. I call her Mama Laurie because of her nurturing tendencies, which perfectly suit her profession, but also make her the best possible fit for our team leader. She knows when we are struggling with something and when to approach us but she also knows when it’s best to sit back and let us work things out for ourselves; she knows when to be just a friend with a shoulder to cry on and when to call us higher. She also has the THICKEST accent I’ve ever heard and it helps me feel better about mine! Lol
This is Shondra, or as I like to call her, Shon Deeter, ShonD, Shonnie, or The Milk.
She is my little ball of sunshine (even though she is not always sunny lolol). Shondra is 24 years old, from Ohio & is just letting God take the reins of her life (hence the World Race). Shonnie is quirky, fun, and so uniquely crafted I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone like her. She actively seeks the Lord with all of her heart and watching her find His faithfulness over and over again is not only extraordinarily beautiful, but wholly encouraging to my own walk with Him.
This is Shelby.
Shelby is a 22-year-old college grad from Oklahoma and she carries the gift of joy; she practically oozes it. For those of you who know me, this type of person usually grinds my gears (cause ya girl does NOT carry joy), but God absolutely knew what He was doing when He made Shelby and when He put our team together. Shelby’s joy is contagious like I’ve never seen, and the love that she has for everyone, even total strangers, draws people in; she loves like Jesus does, and she’s teaching me to do the same.
Last, and most certainly not least, Nikki. Sometimes called nik-nik-nik-nik-nik-nik-nik-nik-nikelodeon (yes, I know it’s spelled wrong). Also, I totally went to your Facebook, Nikki and stole this picture lolol
Nikki is a 21-year-old college graduate from Ohio and is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met (besides myself, of course). We actually encourage each other’s goofiness and it can get pretty extreme. Her meme game is quite strong and her talent for music and worship has been such a blessing not only for our team but for our whole squad. Although she probably doesn’t know this, she’s been teaching me what it looks like to agree to disagree with someone and yet still deeply love, care, and value them and their opinion.
There are so many other things I could say about each person but I think the most important thing about this team is that we meet one another where we fall short; we don’t use individual weaknesses or flaws against one another but instead we lift one another higher. I’ve never been part of a sisterhood until now and it was definitely worth the wait.
Maci
