Hello friends!
We’re like 3 months into the World Race and I figured I should probably introduce you to my team. On the World Race there are different “routes” or “trips”. Each route has a different set of countries that you will go to and everyone who is going on the same route is your squad. Within your squad, you are broken into teams. These teams typically change up every few months. On my squad, I-Squad, there are 5 teams. My first and current team is Team Storm Chasers. I would love to introduce you to them!
Tito is our team leader, meaning he is the connection point between our team and leadership. He also helps facilitate team time, check in with our personal growth and is our point person with our hosts.
Tito is a special person to me because when I was on the World Race in 2020, he was on my first team, the Kooks. It has been really sweet to be relaunched with him and to have him as my team leader. Tito is one of the most generous, dependable, hardworking, humble, sweet and resourceful people I know. As one of my teammates put it, “I would follow Tito off a cliff because he probably arranged for a trampoline to be at the bottom.”
Victoria was on the same squad as Tito and I last year, E-Squad. We weren’t on the same team so we didn’t get to spend a lot of time together. It has been so sweet getting to know her this time around. Victoria might be the coolest person to ever exist (besides Jesus). She’s like a jack-of-all-trades Evel Knievel. I’ve yet to find something this woman can’t do and isn’t afraid to try. Victoria has strength, not just physically, but spiritually. She is the type of person you want in your corner because you know you can count on her. Her faithfulness to God and self-growth is an inspiration and I find myself encouraged by it.
Josiah is wise. He is humble. He is generous. He is always ready to help in any way. And he is freakin hilarious. He’s a sneaky one. One sec you’re just chilling and the next you’re “BUHAHAHA”-ing at the top of your lungs. I am so grateful for the perspective that Josiah brings to our team and how he brings everything back to the word of God and the foundation of our faith. He is always ready to listen and to help you process. Josiah is amazing.
Sarah is probably the sweetest person I know, and I’ll fight you on that. The moment I met her in person at training camp, I knew she was special. She approaches everything with such grace and gentleness. She can be a quiet one that watches the world and when you ask her for her opinion, wisdom and consideration comes out. She will sit with you, cry with you and laugh with you. Her giggles, hugs and hair braids are the best. It’s been such a joy to watch her grow on this race.
Kevin is one of the best. He is an encourager, he is prophetic, he is kind, he is a culture setter and he is hilarious. Few make me laugh as much as Kev does. Few people light up a room like Kev does. And he probably has the best smile. I’ve seen God use Kev’s kindness in the way he will start a conversation with literally anyone, even if they are across the street and then use the conversation to speak prophetically into that person’s life. God uses Kev in big ways and I’m so glad I get to be a part of it.
I am so grateful for my team. They are hardworking, intuitive, kind, helpful and always down for an adventure. They bring a lot of wisdom and joy wherever they go, always catching me off guard with those sneaky funnies. Love you guys so much. Thank you for all that you bring to this squad and into my life.
When our team was in Guatemala, we were partnered with Team Lightning for the 5 weeks we served and lived together. #pitlife Currently we are in San José, Costa Rica for 20 days and we again have the pleasure of serving together with Lightning.
Lightning is family. I am so grateful for each one of them; Jerome, Lynneal, Jacken, Justin and Mary. The bring so much life and passion wherever they go. They are eager to share the gospel, speak life into others, help in any way and to be obedient to God.
Thanks for the memories: the dance battles, pickup truck raps, “volcano times”, hand taps, Valentine’s Day, learning worship in Spanish and soccer circles.
I am so excited that we get more time with you here in San José.
Love you guys. #lightningchasers4eva
P.S. Shoutout to Brandon and Katie for thriving in that #pitlife with us.
I adore you guys! Can’t wait to have you back soon!
I love to see each of these beautiful faces! Finish strong in Costa Rica Jackie!