I’ve been on the Race for almost three months now, living in constant community with my team, Agape Vita. It’s been hard at times always being around people and never having genuine alone time. But, I wouldn’t want to do this crazy life with anyone else.
4 months ago when we chose the team name “Agape Vita”, I had no idea how accurate that name would be for this team. “Agape” is a word used in Greek translations of the bible that is used to describe Jesus’s love for people. It’s more than just love. It’s how He loves. And “Vita” is latin for life. We chose this name because we wanted to live everyday like Jesus. Everyday we wanted to love others like He would. These six women that I get to do life with exemplify His love everyday. They always live out Agape Vita. I’m so blessed to have them all as my team members and friends.
So, I’d like to formally introduce you to my lovely team.
Sarah Dickmann
This is Sarah. She’s 33 years old and is from Sarasota, Florida. She likes math, long walks on Florida beaches, running, and tea. She’s also our Treasurer and has 9 siblings. One thing I love about Sarah is her intentionality in loving others well. We have morning prayer everyday before breakfast and pray over prayer requests and our upcoming day. Sarah always remembers prayer requests from weeks ago and will bring it up and pray over it again. It’s so nice to know your life and friends and family back home are being prayed over. Fun Fact: Sarah got her nose pierced for $3 and she says words weird/funny.
Frieda Ibarra
This is Frieda. She’s 25 years old and is from Ohio but was born in Mexico and lived there for a big part of her childhood. She’s fluent in Spanish which is a huge blessing to our team. She’s also one of our Logistics Coordinators. Frieda is an ESL teacher and loves to eat sweets. One thing I love about Frieda is her wisdom and gift of words. I know if I come to Frieda with a problem I’m going to get sound advice that comes from her heart and from the Lord. Fun fact: Frieda is unnaturally good at surfing.
Aryne Gardea
This is Aryne. Aryne is 22 years old and is from Stockton, California. She is our Team Leader. Aryne loves sarcasm, every genre of music, golden retrievers, the beach, and kiddos. One thing I love about Aryne is her confidence in herself and her opinions. I know if I go to Aryne for advice or with a question I’m going to get her honest opinion, no matter what it is. It’s refreshing to have a friend like that. Fun Fact: Aryne is the squads designated eyebrow shaper, eyebrows on fleek.
Emily Ann Burger
This is Emily Ann. Emily Ann just turned 23 years old and is from Rome, Georgia. She’s a sweet Georgia peach with an accent to match. Emily Ann loves kids, movies, and Madison Hayes. She wants to be a kindergarten teacher one day. One thing I love about Emily Ann is how she speaks her mind but always does it with such kindness. She’s honest but always thinks and prays before she speaks. Fun Fact: Emily Ann has watched Dear John at least 10 times while on the race.
Tori Field
This is Tori. Tori is 21 years old and is from Midland, Texas. Tori is our Worship Coordinator. Tori loves kids, music, Reese’s, painting and drawing, and the color yellow. One thing I love about Tori is her spirituality and trust in God. Tori’s unfailing faith is something I aspire to have. Fun fact: Tori got a tattoo on the race and her mom thought it was $5, possibly in the back of a van. (p.s. she got it at a respectable tattoo shop.)
Fabienne Boss
This is Fabienne. We call her Fabi. Fabi is 23 years old and is from Switzerland. She’s a teacher and speaks 3 languages fluently (Swiss-German, French, and English) and knows some Italian and Spanish. Fabi loves prayer, quality time with friends, running, and good food. One thing I love about Fabi is her faithfulness in seeking the Lord. Fabi is very diligent in spending time with the Lord and encouraging our team to do the same. Fun Fact: She can eat a whole 8 slice pizza by herself.
