So this is the start of a desperately needed update to my blog. Over the next few days I hope to post quite a bit about the places I’ve been and the things I’ve learned over the last several months. Stay tuned for more
Written May 5th
Over the past week there have big changes in Bucharest. After our ministry finished in Moldova we traveled on an overnight train back to Bucharest for five days of debrief with the whole squad. The first four months of this trip represents the first of several unique seasons. During this debrief, our coaches (Seth and Karen Barnes) and two members of AIM staff (Mike Paschal and Sean Champ Smith) flew to Bucharest to help us transition into this new season.
For the last four months our squad has been led by Noe Rivera and Hollis Johnson, aka Nollis. They have played a critical role in every aspect of this trip. As we transition into this new season they will begin to step out as they train our new squad leaders, Aimee Wood and John Hearn to take their place at the end of Swaziland. As planned, Noe and Hollis will return home and come back to the squad for month 8 and final debriefs.
In addition to the change of squad leaders, teams have also been changed. Although I will miss my old team, I know that God has big plans for this squad and the new teams are definitely evidence of that. While I have a new team, I also have a new role. Since training camp in October, I’ve had the healthy expectations that I wouldn’t hold the title of team leader for the whole trip. I’m excited for the transition and the new things that God has to teach me from it.
Over the last four months I’ve placed an unnecessary burden of leadership expectations on myself. I’m excited to step out of these expectations and redefine my leadership outside of a position.
So without further ado let me introduce my new team.
Team Tandem
Team Leader: Tabitha Blanchard
and myself.
Thats about all I can say for now. I need to pack and get ready for the plane to Johannesburg, SA. We’ll be in Swaziland next month working with El Shaddai Orphanage. I’m excited to see how God moves!
