My time on the field with E Squad is soon coming to an end. With only 11 days left until I fly back to the states, I’m beginning to feel a bit nostalgic as I look back over all that the Lord has done. I’m also overcome with feelings of expectancy and excitement as I think about all that the Lord still has in store for the Squad as they travel on to Europe and into their 6th month on the field. In celebration of all that the Lord has done over the last 5 months and the honor that it’s been to serve alongside His sons and daughters, I felt it fitting to share a few of the things that I’ve learned from the people I’ve been doing life with. While I could share something that I’ve learned from each individual along the way, I’ll save that for a more personal setting.
So, this is for you E Squad! 5 things that I’ve learned from you over the last 5 months:
1. When I think about the individual people on E Squad, one of the first things that come to mind is the Spirit of “YES” that you each carry. You are people who are not only willing, but you are excited to jump into whatever craziness the Lord is calling you into. You’ve taught me more of what it looks like to live out of a place of total obedience to what God is calling me into.
2. You’ve taught me about freedom. Whether it be freedom from past hurt, sin or any other kind of bondage the enemy may be trying to entangle you in, I have seen you pursue healing! And in that healing you have found so much freedom. While this has been something the Lord has been teaching me about over the last few years, it has been such an inspiration and blessing to see the you guys step into this. And you carry that freedom to the people you encounter as you move from country to country.
3. I am walking away from my time with E Squad with an even deeper value for community. I’ve seen you guys step into really hard things with one another. I’ve seen you pursue reconciliation when the easier solution would have been to walk away. You are the kind of people who walk in integrity, who call each other higher and who love one another with the love of the Father.
4. Over the last 5 months, E Squad has shown me new ways of living a bold life of courage and authority. Over the last 5 months we have had our fair share of spiritual attacks. Regardless of what the enemy throws at you guys, I have full confidence that he can’t slow you down. I’ve seen you take up your armor and go to battle as individuals, as teams, for each other and for your ministries.
5. E Squad has taught me about fun and the importance of just simply being myself. I’ve laughed a whole lot more over the last few months than I have in a long time. I’ve never experienced a group of people that made others feel so comfortable with being authentically themselves. Whether it’s weird dance moves, silly games or making ridiculous videos, there has never been any shortage fun and for that I am oh, so grateful.
For E Squad this is only the beginning. While none of this is my doing, there are so many moments where I feel an overwhelming sense of that “older sister pride”. This is just a short list of the things I see you all walking in, like I said there is so much more. I’m forever grateful for my time on the field with you guys. I can’t wait to follow the rest of your journey and cheer you on from home! Know that you’re constantly in my prayers.
I am still in need of $1,900 in order to join E Squad 2 more times on the field. I realize that it might be somewhat confusing that I am still fundraising even though I am about to go home, so I wanted to bring some clarity as to why I am still in need of your help. Being that I am part of an alumni team that serves on the field with a new group of racers our commitment is only for 5 months. Once that 5 months is up, it is then time to raise up new leaders from within the squad to lead their peers through the second half of their journey. It’s somewhat bitter sweet, on one hand it’s sad to think that my time with these beautiful people is coming to a close, but on the other there is a certain level of ownership that a squad takes over their journey once the alumni leave and I can’t wait to see E Squad rise to the occasion like they always do.
While my time on the field doing life with E Squad is coming to a close, I still have an opportunity to be a part of their journey by joining them on the field 2 more times for debriefs: Once in Romania in September and again in South Africa in November. Every 2-3 months the Squad gathers together for a time of debriefing as teams and as individuals. The goal is to give everyone a time to rest, recharge and sometimes refocus before heading into their next leg of the Race. My absolute favorite part of this last season and one of the ways I’ve seen the Lord use me the most has been through the relationships that I’ve built with different people on E Squad. Coming back for debrief would be an opportunity for me to not only see these beautiful people I love, but it’s a time to support and encourage them as they transition from one month to the next. When the Lord asked me to Squad Lead, I don’t believe that He was asking me to just commit to being on the field for 5 months, I want to do this all the way and I don’t want to miss out on any chance I have to be a part of the Kingdom work being done in and through E Squad! Please prayerfully consider making a donation. As always, thank you so much for your prayers and support! None of this would be possible with out your generosity.
