I have so much to say about the past 4 days, I feel that I might explode. IT’S LAUNCH. For those of you who may not know, I have been in Atlanta, Georgia for the last few days being trained, worshipping, and tying up loose ends before we begin our journey to India TOMORROW. The purpose of this blog is just to let you into a bit of my processing before I leave. God is so cool. I wish I could tell you about all these things in person, but you’ll just have to imagine my enthusiasm and excited tone. Here we go.
First, I want to tell you about the beautiful blessing that is my parents. At this event, “Launch”, our parents were invited to come spend a bit of time with us, attend sessions of their own, and learn more about the organization that they are releasing us into. A lot of parents have been skeptical, struggled with this process, and dreaded the goodbyes, but my time with my parents was so full of grace. We ate a few meals together over the last few days, got to chat about what we were learning, and even watched a Broncos game. One of our speakers, Deon, encouraged us to pray out loud for our parents, and in return they prayed for us. It was a beautiful thing. My mother’s prayerful tears over our generation’s awakening left me speechless, and my Dad’s words have meant so much to me as he explains his attitude about me leaving… “I’ll miss her, and if I hadn’t been praying that she would be a servant to the Lord ever since she was born I would be furious. But, better is one singular day in God’s presence than a lifetime she could get with me.” Saying “see you later” was made so much easier because my parents allowed me to feel free to follow my calling, and to go. I am so proud of the growth I have already seen in them, and I am in awe of the spark that this trip has already caused for so many families of World Racers. God doesn’t just work in third world countries. I loved watching parents grow closer to God through this unique journey they are facing, and my hope is that those of you who read my blog will grow in unique ways as well.
Next, LOGISTICS. I’ve told many of you this already, but I was asked to serve my squad this year through a Logistics Coordinator role. This means I will be planning debriefs throughout the year, booking and coordinating travel days for all 56 of my squadmates, and facilitating the arrival of staff from the United States. I was asked to arrive here in Atlanta a day early to receive some specific training in my position, and I have been SO enjoying it. When I arrived at training camp in August, I had resolved that the only leadership position I would not agree to taking was logistics. I had heard horror stories about burnout that came from the position, felt fearful about the extra responsibility, and generally looked at it as a boring position. Luckily, God knows better. I was asked to step into logistics along with two wonderful men on N-Squad, and I don’t know that I have ever felt more capable. One of my favorite verses is Esther 4:14, which expresses that “perhaps now is the moment for which you have been created.” That is how I feel in these logistics trainings. I’ve learned many practical strategies to get these wonderful people safely around the world, and the challenges we may face excite me. As odd as it may sound, I look forward to the way this position will force me to rely on Christ. I will be able to see God work in ways my squad won’t always understand, like in the appearance of unusual last minute lodging, or the assistance of an amazing bus driver. My entire life I’ve seen Him arrange and execute my life and felt His presence that way. This feels like the natural next step for me. Working with Jeff and Daniel is a total joy, and I can’t wait to see the way He uses us to bring kingdom this year.
Lastly, I want to tell you a bit about my team, Daughters of Peace.
If you’ve asked me for prayer requests over the last few months, you likely received the words “peace, joy, and team cohesion.” Any anticipation I’ve had regarding the race has not surrounded things like safety, material lack or even things like malaria. Instead I’ve worried about the state of my heart, and the huge roadblock that could have been a bad team dynamic. These fears were squashed last night. 5 women and myself were asked to have our first “team time” and set expectations and goals for ourselves and how we would like to operate on the field, and it was incredible. These women are so uniquely equipped and gifted, and I can see the ways we will challenge and encourage each other so evidently already. I know without a doubt that we will have conflict, because that is the nature of living in community. The vulnerability and expressions of vision that were shared last night allow me to know that even the hardest times will be handled within a community of safety, and one of covenant. These women are my family for the coming months. Here’s a little peak into who they are. I sincerely hope you will get to meet them some day.
Hillarie Sweeney- Our fearless leader, Hillarie exudes maturity. I already feel like I can come to her for guidance and to process the things God is teaching me. She affirms me in my giftings and allows me to be myself while challenging me to be my best. She is killer at memorizing scripture and she is straightforward and seemingly effortless in teaching. She is also Hillarie-ous.
Lyndie Burnett- This girl took us to the next level during our team time. She is one of the most beautifully self reflective women I have ever met, and while humbly recognizing her own struggles and working through them, she automatically encourages us to serve better by recognizing our own. She is bold and beautiful and her energy is one that brings strength to our team. She has a servant’s heart and will serve as a liason with our ministry hosts and allow us to better bless them. She was once asked to do the dishes less often, because she wasn’t allowing her teammates to serve enough. #PTL
Audrey Keith- Audrey and I bonded hard and fast, months before we ever met. We are the direct opposite of each other in many ways (ENFP vs ISTJ), which could certainly cause conflict, but instead allows us to compliment each other in the most beautiful ways. Audrey is our team’s treasurer and I trust her so much with our financial well-being. She is willing to cuddle with me, and will share her beautiful heart often.
Amanda LaRue- I am so so glad to know Amanda. She has such an incredible perspective on international ministry that spurs me on to a better understanding and eventually, I’m sure, better practices. She is our team’s worship coordinator and shows so much passion for bringing Jesus to the people we’ll be with. The tells it like it is while also demonstrating grace. I cannot wait to spend more time getting to know her heart.
Allison Ngo- #ngowheredyougo is one of those people who so seamlessly transitions from fun, silly, and easy-going to deep, serious, and wise. She uses her vulnerability to strengthen the sisterhood of our team, and trusts so willingly. She is both the comedic relief and the eldest wisdom on our team. With a heart for prison ministry and the hurting, I believe Allison will expose some of our deepest opportunities on the race. She also said that sharing food is her love language, so that is excellent.
Thanks for continuing to follow my journey, and for your consistent love. I can almost tangibly feel the support of my team at home. Prayers for our departure tomorrow are definitely appreciated.
God Bless and Sko Buffs!
