For this blog I let my teammates take the lead. Following are the things that they have come to know about me during the three months we have been on the race together. Enjoy!
Matt
Zach is a lot of fun. He is a huge Ohio State fan, and he makes it known to all. We all felt bad during the Iowa game. He has stepped up as the Team Point Person. He communicates things well and effectively moderates team times. He is focused on gaining a better understanding of who the Lord is. He often studies his Bible and has engaged with others in meaningful conversations regarding his faith.
Dakota
Fun Fact- The one moment I laughed the hardest on the race was with Zach in a situation I will not explain but just know we laughed so hard for a straight 5 mins over this. He is also on the grocery store dream team.
Serious- He is very good at serving people, and he is an awesome friend.
Alina
Makes a mean golden brown, and fluffy pancake. It’s a good skill to have, our team definitely appreciates it. He might not admit it, but he for sure would be down to do a Zumba workout video any day of the week. He’s also pretty much a Clark Kent look alike, especially when he wears his glasses and green super man shirt.
Zach has a passion for children’s ministry. His face lights up as soon as he sees children or hears that we get to work with them. It is truly great to see the different and creative ways he interacts with children. No matter what age, if they are fully clothed or not he will love on them so well. (Oh yeah story time, one time in Haiti I was holding this tiny tiny baby and I passed her off to Zach and… unfortunately she definitely pooped on him.) He wasn’t even phased though. The Lord has filled him with so much wisdom, and I can’t wait to see how the Lord grows within him throughout the rest of the race.
Zack
Zach uses good judgment and wisdom in everything he says. He leads by service and guides others with humility. He is a quick listener and a genuine friend. He will surprise you with his sometimes unintentional humor and will always help with dishes. A true friend.
Kara
Zach is a cake frosting expert, and practically Joanna Gaines when it comes to painting a house bright pink. He convinced me to go bungee jumping in South Africa and for that I’ll be forever grateful. I am trying to teach him to go to bed later than 9pm… but we’re still working on that one. Some would say he’s a Cavendish banana expert. It’s been such a blessing to have Zach on my team, his heart for people, especially kids, constantly blows my mind. He serves our team so well, and is always doing the work behinds the scene in order to see our team grow and succeed. The way Zach respects and honors each person that the Lord has put before him is always an encouragement. He’s on fire for the Lord and I cannot wait to see him continue to grow over the next 6 months.
Josie
Random facts that I love about Zach:
-He has seen and knows High School Musical songs which I find as an admirable trait.
-He’s one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve met, always ready to help in any way asked.
-I’m jealous of how put together he always looks…always.
-He lights up whenever he sees a baby.
-He is kind and carefully chooses what he says. For everyone who knows him, I’m sure you can agree when I say that he has an amazing work ethic. He puts his all into everything he does, whether it involves manual labor, ministry, team plans and preparation, or simply the relationships he has within the team. It’s awesome to see him interact with kids. His entire demeanor and attitude changes when he’s around little ones. I’d have a hard time finding someone who I admire more as a worker, leader, teammate, or missionary.
Kate
FUN FACT! Zach is quite the chef. Homemade cheez-its and cinnamon toast have earned him the name barefoot contessa. Artistic composition and a broad vocabulary are key.
Zach leads so well, in a way that affirms people in their value and worth, and he acts out love on a daily basis. I’m so thankful for someone so insightful, so genuine, and so excited to be chasing after the Lord.
Noah
If you are looking for someone to quote HGTV, Food Network, and 2000’s pop songs each with fluency and passion, look no further. It’s rare that someone can speak about shiplap and scripture with Justin Bieber quotes sprinkled in and sound coherent and serious. Zach once imitated someone on the food network while walking everyone through his process of making some quality cinnamon toast.
On a serious note, it is so rare to meet someone that is so confident in who they are. Zach is unashamed to be himself because there is nothing in who he is to be ashamed of. He talks about his life and his testimony with such transparency that it is inspiring to hear him. He is a phenomenal example of leadership on our team and he is truly an inspiration and I count myself truly blessed to call him a friend.
