In April I gave my “Yes” to be a squad leader, in May I started to buy new gear I would need, and in August I said goodbye to all my family and friends and flew to Gainesville, Georgia where I would start the race again!
Since being back I had a week of leader training where I met my leadership team, had long teachings , and attempted to prepare for possible scenarios that may come my way this year! A few of the teachings we had were on the topic of the World race foundation, identity, processing, how to vision cast to a squad, biblical leadership, humility and how to teach out of love vs law! While these were long days of teachings, my leadership team and I grew a great bond over the long hours. A beautiful gift my team carries is laughter. Our meetings could be strenuous , long and emotional, but often we end up peeling over in laughter, slapping the table with joyful tears down our faces! Praise God for joy, laughter and fellowship !
My leadership team consists of me, Megan, Skyler ( the 3 of us did our race together), Jordan, Braden,and Carter! Our mentors are Ethan and Baylee Johnston and our coaches are Stephen and Teri Jernigan! We bring a wide variety of skills and gifts to the table, which is beautiful that our racers have so many different leaders to learn from.
All of D-Squad arrived on August 29th! I was one of 3 leaders who drove the 15 passenger vans to the Atlanta airport and back… and in Atlanta fashion I got in slow traffic and ended up being gone from our base from 10:30am-6pm. Rough. I was very happy to be back and meet the squad!
D-Squad is 31 racers who are eager , excited, open to growth and overall just a happy bunch! Mostly 18 year olds, but up to 20 year olds! It has been an honor to get to know them all on a surface level, and already some of them on a deeper level.
My team is 6 girls + me and our team name is team Gili (GEE-LEE) which is a hebrew word for rejoicing. I already have so much love for them, and it’s just the beginning!
One other highlight in Georgia is, I have been able to see so many of my friends, and most of them I have not seen in over a year!
We leave for Eswatini early October ( followed by Malaysia, Guatemala, and Nicaragua) and until then we will still be sleeping in tents, having teachings every day, starting daily team times and bible studies, long logistic meetings and hopefully so many more laughs!
I am still fundraising for this trip and need $2,773 more! If you would donate that would go directly towards my flights, housing, food and ground transportation! https://linktr.ee/abbywallace
prayers requests:
– my team would have an easy time being vulnerable to one another
– any sickness wouldn’t come to me or my team
– our leadership team would continue walking in unity and peace
– my team bonds a close friendship
– that I would stay present here fully, and not think ahead to the future
Team Gili! Carlee, Avery, Naomi, me, Jaydin, Kynsie, Karen
Team craft time!
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