We start the World Race from Training Camp with our 4 squad leaders (and a story leader we had for 2 short months-we love you ALEX!!!) and they have each done the Race once before. They guide us, plan sessions, mentor us, disciple us, pour into us, do ministry with us and become our friends. They stay on the field with us and lead us for the first 5 months on the Race and then they go home. Then they come out 1-2 more times for “debriefs” (essentially group conference/ meetup with the entire squad) in months 8 and 11. But, essentially we as a squad are on our own after the first 5 months and new squad leaders that are regular racers get raised up to lead the squad. Our original squad leaders teach us and grow us so that we can make it without them and be the body of Christ for each other.
So, we just had the final sendoff for our 4 squad leaders this week. 5 months on the Race done. Time to fly solo as a squad. Are we ready? Yes, I think so. But, will we mourn the loss of our beloved squad leaders? HECK YES. Each one of them is unique and has poured into us and challenged us and grown us in different ways with various experiences. We will miss them dearly- shoot, I miss them right now. But, we are excited to try this thing out on our own as a squad and to watch and see what beautiful things the Lord does in their lives in this next season being off the mission field. So here’s my humble tribute to each of our 4 amazing leaders: Cristen, Michelle, Sylvia, and Zach.
Sylvia: Thank you for being our support system on Beloved Daughters Month 1 as we adjusted to the Race and Africa and being a new team. You walked alongside us and encouraged us as we stepped out and learned how to navigate the Race amidst a small village in Cotê D’Ivoire with teammates we barely knew. You poured into us with wisdom and love and made the transition so much smoother for us. And since then, you’ve always been available for 1:1 sessions to share my heart and you’ve guided me and supported me well during my time as treasurer. Thank you Sylvia: for being intentional, thoughtful, a natural safe place, a wealth of wisdom and a friend. You’re so gifted and I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses you in this upcoming season!
Zach: Thank you for being so wise and unapologetically your fun, quirky self. You bring structure and discipline and new ideas and so much wisdom. You’re a wealth of knowledge and it’s fascinating how your mind works. You are also very intentional and seek to truly understand each of us individually with deep, probing questions that make us feel seen and pursued in your efforts to know us and love us the best you can. Whatever you set your mind to do, you can accomplish! So grateful to have learned from you and I’m excited to see how the Lord will use you to impact people in the future!
Michelle: Miiiiiccccchhhhhh (Meesh)!!!!
Aaaah! So freakin blessed to have you as a leader and to call you a REAL friend! You are such a safe place and you pour into us and disciple us in such a way that we are encouraged, lifted up, and challenged and you do it without judgement and with such a joyous spirit. You bring light and exude Jesus wherever you go. You are such a ball of positive energy that one can’t help but be in a better mood just by being in your presence. You speak life over us and are a true friend that walks alongside us through the muck and the high places. I will miss your lil ray of sunshine self so much!! You are a powerhouse for the Lord, my friend, and you will do mighty things for the Kingdom and I’m just gonna enjoy cheering you on as He works out each step!
Cristen: Criiiiiiistteen mi amor!! I just love you SO MUCH. From your wisdom and deep intimacy with the Lord that you share with us as you speak His words and life into us to your positive, vivacious spirit, you are such an essential part of the Body. You are just so in love with Abba Father and encourage us to seek deeper intimacy with Him as well. You also are such a motivator and encourager and fighter for those you love. You love BIG and you love WELL. Your gift of intercessory prayer has helped so many on this squad in their walks with Christ. Thank you for mentoring me, keeping me accountable, not being afraid to say the hard things, and for building me up time and time again. Oh, and that hair cut was SO FRESH 😉 You have so many gifts, my love, and the Lord is not finished with you yet! You will take the world by storm and bring Kingdom wherever you go! And I’ll be your #1 fan 🙂
Love you all and so grateful for each one of you!!!
Shoutout to our AMAZING squad mentor Alissa!! See you in 3 weeks!!
[insert pic of above mentioned squad leaders: just imagine their beautiful selves here as my WiFi wouldn’t permit photo uploads :/ ]
What a wonderful tribute and heart felt letter to your amazing ASQLs! They really are the best and loved you all so well! Thank you Raina for taking the time to thank them in such a sweet and thoughtful way!
Wow!! Sweet Raina, thank you so very much!!!! I just love you and am incredibly humbled and honored to have served alongside you and met you! Here’s to the best 6 months ( and forever) excited to chat soon
Raina, what a great tribute to four wonderful people. I agree with you, it is been such a pleasure to have them on this race. They offer so much and have lead well.