Originally posted 10/29/2020
About a year ago I met my first World Race squad, E squad, for the first time. We came to training camp full of energy and excitement, ready for what God was going to do. We watched God break off chains and set us free, we grew close to each other and to God, and we prepared to go international.
In January 2020 we met again, but this time for launch. We gathered in Atlanta, Georgia where we said goodbye to our families and friends, got more training, then flew out to begin our 11 month journey. At least, that's what we thought at the time.
Our first few months we spent learning what life was like on the Race. There were weird smells, unfamiliar but amazing food, intense worship sessions, nights with little to no sleep, and lots of God stretching us our of our comfort zones. God connected us to cool people along the way, like hostel owners, and He always put people in our path to provide for our needs or for us to provide for theirs. We served together, cried together, and laughed together. Some of my favorite memories are when we worshipped in the hostel in Bali and the lights kept going out, when we got caught in the rain so we jumped into the pool fully clothed, or when we found goofy ways to stay entertained while spending hours in airports.
Then came Covid, emergency flights back to the States, and the end of our World Race journey together. It was a hard season being back home, but it was so nice to have other people to talk to who understood how it felt. The weekly zoom calls kept us connected even spread across the States, and it gave me something to look forward to. During some of the hardest times, the bright spot in my week was seeing your faces and hearing how God was working here at home.
The memories I have from our short time together will last a lifetime!
Team Black Ops ~ Thank you for speaking truth into my life, and for helping me see that I was a valuable member of the team, especially when Satan's lies started to creep in. I loved piling into Ubers and tuk tuks with all our bags, taking band pics, cooking family meals and eating by candle light, seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, deep spiritual talks where you tried to answer some of my biggest questions, and serving the Lord with you. And guys, thank you for making me watch Gladiator for the first time. Classic.
E Squad ~ Thank you for challenging me in my walk with the Lord, for graciously giving feedback and calling me higher, and for loving me without reservation. My time with you has forever changed the way I look at Christian community. I wish I had more time with you, but I know we have all of eternity to look forward to. I hope our paths cross before then, but if they don't I want you to know you will always have a special place in my heart, and a place to stay if you ever find yourselves in Minnesota. (The Spam Museum is calling.) I can't wait to see how God directs and uses each of you. It's crazy what He has already done in a few months! Keep seeking Him, and don't forget the amazing things He has done.
Until next time, see you later E Squad
