Logistics…. what does that even mean? It sounds fancy & fun, right?
If I had known what this looks like in real action in July, when I received a call from Stacy, a squad leader, asking if I would be interested in doing logistics for the squad, would I have still said “Yes!”?
This month has been logistics heavy. I know, you still don’t even know what logistics means…
It means I work with the squad leaders & my partner in crime, Julia, to help with the behind-the-scenes set-up & movement of our 45 person squad.
So, we had to get everybody into Sofia, Bulgaria at the end of October from Croatia, Serbia, & Hungary. Set them up in a hostel, and plan the Most Amazing Race Day Ever. Yes, I said, the Most Amazing Race Day Ever. I am really proud of this success! It was alot of work, but tons of fun.
On location during Race Day!
Then we had to move them (ie. arrange transportation) to Istanbul, Turkey, find a hostel, and find our contact here for training.
The Blue Mosque
Now, we are busy preparing for debrief. A time every few months when we have people fly in from the States and get together as a squad. This includes arranging transport, finding a place to stay, and places for large group meetings.
Just one of the views of we had to “suffer” through seeing during this scouting for the perfect place!
Soon, we move on to our next country, and we are busy figuring out how to get there & what we will be doing once there! Whew.
So,,, as I’ve finally been inducted into the real life action plan of the logistics team I’ve learned a few things:
1. I am SO lucky to work with Julia. We really are a great team. Each good at something different and totally click.
2. We are beyond blessed to have had Brian & Stacy to teach, guide, and prepare us for this role. Also, Jake & Mark back in the States- WOW! That’s all I can say about the work they do for us, wow!
3. It really is fun to see how things happen behind the scenes.
4. I will always mess something up: like tell 3 girls to get off a train, meaning wagon, and have them have to jump back on a moving train! It was barely moving, but still… my fault.
5. Sometimes language can be a barrier- like when I say dollar but mean euro. It really is a HUGE difference in price.
6. My e-mails have become SUPER long. I try to include every possible detail. And I now do everything in bullet points.
7. I love working with contacts: the people that run the hostels, our friends in various countries, the man that owns the coffee shop… It’s just fun to build a relationship with these people.
8. I can’t do it all. I have to share the responsibility with others.
9. Really, none of us can do it. It really is ALL an act of God to coordinate this stuff.
10. God really does care about the small stuff. He’s in it ALL.
So, yes, I would say YES whole-heartedly again. Because I’ve really been able to see God care about me, my struggles, and see Him move in BIG ways to work it all out.
Julia, Stacy, Brian, & I enjoying our Dunkin Donuts (found in Sofia) after a day of logistics work!
