Do you ever wonder how World Race Squads make it around the world and back in one piece? How does everyone get to the bus stop on time? Who makes sure they all have a place to sleep at night?
The answer: squad logistics leaders. Each Squad has two or three people who are selected to serve for 11 months doing all the behind the scenes work that’s required to transport a large group around the world. They’re some of the hardest working people on the Race, and they don’t get as much recognition as they deserve.
So today, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate some of the unsung heroes of the World Race and to offer you an inside look on the glamorous realities of their job.
KJ Blair, a logistics leader for the July 2012 H Squad, shares the details of his job and showcases his sweet video making skills in this edition of Day in the Life.
During training camp back in May, I was chosen (along with Miss Lauren Weidley) to be one of the logistics leaders for H Squad. I am so thankful to have been given this position because I absolutely love the planning side of travel. Our responsibilities revolve around everything it takes to logistically move a group of 57 people around the world…
1. Overseeing the finances of all eight teams in each country, making sure everyone is sticking to the budget of $12.00 per day, per person. This means supporting and encouraging the treasurers that have been chosen for each team, double checking all of their receipts and budgets at the end of the month, and sending the receipts back to Adventures in Missions’ headquarters in Georgia.
2. Coordinating travel for all 57 racers in between each country. For flights, this means making sure everyone is under the baggage weight and arrives to the gate on time. For buses and trains, it means actually purchasing the tickets and then taking lead at the border crossings. In certain cases (such as in Kenya next month) we will have to purchase visas for everyone.
3. Managing communication and purchase SIM cards for all leaders in each country.
4. Planning debriefs. At the end of every few months, our whole Squad meets somewhere for two to six days. Debriefs are a time for the whole Squad to come together and have some down time, receive some teaching, and refuel a little for the next month. Lauren and I have to coordinate lodging and food for everyone on the Squad, as well as find adequate space for the whole Squad to comfortably meet and worship together.
At the end of this month, our whole Squad will have our Month Three debrief in Bucharest, Romania, and this past week Lauren and I traveled to the city to book a hostel and find a meeting room. This video blog captures the whole two-day adventure…
We are so thankful for the hours of work that goes into getting our Racers where they need to be. Let’s take some time today to show the logistics leaders some love.
If you’re not on the field, give all the current logistics leaders some encouragement in the comments section. If you’re a current Racer, go find your logistics leader, tell them they’re doing an amazing job, and give them a huge hug today!
