A Tribute to the Daughters

You’ve got a friend in me…

Way back in October (wow, that feels like an eternity ago), this was the first introduction to my team. I honestly didn’t know all the words of the song, only that line, so I wandered around the crowded room blindfolded, probably singing off-key, listening intently for someone singing the same tune. What I didn’t realize when I took my blindfold off and looked at each one of these beautiful faces, was how true that would be. I have found sweet and rich friendship in each one of them. 

As soon as we were on our own in Guatemala, Jenna felt like one of those friends you’ve known forever. Someone even thought we had already been friends for a while! Some days we feel more like sisters, but our love runs deep. We often find ourselves sharing one heart and one mind, on the same wavelength about the important things.

Paula and I solidified our friendship when we were left at South Beach with one bike between the two of us. We were determined to make it work; after all we’ve watched the Ticos ride every sort of ways, all month long. It only took a few attempts before we were cruising. Beach hair, sun kissed skin, beaming from ear to ear. We were having the time of our lives. She shares my wild sense of adventure and deep appreciation for the simple things in life.  

Friendship with Madison can only be described as faithful companionship. Like a golden retriever that was always by your side when you were young. Her presence is calm and gentle, full of love and support. She’s also full of life, often spunky and fun! But you better believer she’ll be there for you when you need her most. 

I think friendship with Wags came in unexpected ways. Creating space for her to be herself, bringing life to her dreams and visions, finding the little things that bring her joy. We have a beautiful, messy blend of similarities and differences. But my favorite memories with her are probably in the kitchen, helping her cook. Sioux Chef is one of my favorite roles, and I love watching her intuition in creating something delicious. 

My friendship with Rachel was cultivated slowly over time. Every day new growth took place; seeds were planted, the warmth of the sun brought nourishment and rain brought refreshment. Now I see a friendship that is strong and healthy, with deep roots and so much fruit. I look back and can clearly see all the small moments of cultivation. 

Team changes are bitter-sweet, but I believe that change is actually a healthy rhythm of life. There are good things ahead that I want to walk into with open hands. In this new team, I will be transitioning out of leadership. It’s going to be interesting to be a normal human again and not feel responsible for the world, but I think it will be refreshing. If I’m being honest, it’s weird to take a step back. The world pushes advancement, and moving backward is seen as failure. I am seeing more and more how the Kingdom of God is upside down, the inverse to the values of this world. In the Kingdom we have new metrics to measure success, things like love and maturity, rest -not striving! Choosing the path of humility and submission so others have the opportunity to step forward? It’s worth it. 

We rise by bowing
We live by dying
When we give what we could never keep
We gain what we will never lose

We Rise by Johnathan Helser 
(click the link for the full song)