New country, new team. So much change!! But it’s good!! We had a whole squad debrief a couple weeks ago and in that we also got new teams! Along with new teams, we also have our raised up squad leaders (shoutout to Trav, Corban, and Meg!!!) excited to watch them step into their role and lead O Squad!!
Okay, back to our new teams. MY new team!!! We are team circle-makers!! The name came stemmed from a comment I made about how I’m a circle person (meaning I like going in a circle when everyone is sharing) and then when it came to deciding on a team name we started wondering what the Bible had to say about circles. And we found this:
“He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.” Job 26:10 (ESV)
Woahhh the Lord inscribed a circle on the earth??? Crazy!!! Then we found this story: a Jewish sage who drew circles and prayed until he saw God answer prayers, whether in ways he expected or not.
We wanted to be a team that was led by prayer. We wanted to be a team that allowed God to answers our prayers in whatever way. We wanted to dwell in the circle that the Lord created here on earth.
My new team is so fun and I feel so close and comfortable with them even though we’ve only been together for a few weeks.
Who’s on my team? Here they are:
left to right: Barret, Karlie, me, Malachi, and Matt
Karlie and Barret Bender –
What a duo to have on my team! Karlie is one of the kindest, most intentional people I know. She listens intently, she makes you feel so seen and heard. She also exudes so much joy. The amount of times we’ve been able to just look at each other and just burst out laughing is honestly amazing. She has a heart for those who are often overlooked. She stands up for what is right. People look to Karlie and see a person of peace. Barret is truly a man of God. I have seen people talk to our team because of Barret. He truly exemplifies who Jesus is in the way he speaks, in the way he interacts with people. On top of that, Barret is the king of one liners. We’ll just be going about our business, talking, and Barret will just say something that is absolutely hilarious. Grateful for someone who brings laughter even when we’re in a pickle (if ya know, ya know).
Follow their blog here: https://barretandkarliebender.theworldrace.org
Malachi Schroeder –
A creative. A dreamer yet at the same time a realist. Malachi is one of the most intelligent and wisest people I know. He has so much knowledge in his brain, and he knows exactly what to share and when to share it. Malachi sees people so well, even down to the smallest detail. I love every time Malachi has had check ins and feedback because it’s always so unique and fun, it replicates who Malachi is.
Follow his blog here: https://malachischroeder.theworldrace.org
Matt Weir –
A familiar face to some of you, that’s because Matt and I started the race together on team Without Borders! Matt is a man on fire for the Lord. To his core, he wants to serve the Lord and do it to his best ability. Matt also wants to make sure everyone is heard. He takes time to make sure everyone has voiced their opinions and thoughts and take them into careful consideration before moving forward. It’s a way he cares for our team and just reflects his heart for people.
Follow his blog here: https://matthewweir.theworldrace.org
I asked my team two questions: what is a fun fact about you? what is something you’re looking forward to on this team?
Here are their answers:
Karlie:
Fun fact – “I want to be in a bluegrass band someday. I’d be the banjo player. Ideally it would be with Chris Stapleton.”
On the team – I’m looking forward to getting uncomfortable with y’all and stepping into new things with God.”
Barret:
Fun fact – “I once worked with Will Ferrel to make a podcast advertisement for Charmin toilet paper.”
On the team – “I’m looking forward to seeing how this team is going to take what we’ve learned throughout the first half of the race to go even further in building community and pursuing people along our path.”
Malachi:
Fun fact -“Shawarma, which I never tried before coming overseas, is my new favorite food.”
On the team – “I am looking forward to seeing how all of the different personalities and gifts on this specific team work together and how God uses each of us to further His Kingdom.”
Matt:
Fun fact – “I played on a drumline for the MLB team Kansas City Royals and we were invited to play in the World Series Parade when they won it in 2015!”
On this team – “I’m looking forward to seeing how this team is going to change the people we come in contact with. We will make circles with people and show them the love of Christ in a new way.”
There’s my team! I’m excited to do life with them in this new season!
Please be praying for us as we continue to see what the Lord has for us here in Armenia!
