That was an incredible trip! Who knew I could go a week without eating a cookie or looking in a mirror. I joined in as a stranger and walk away knowing about everyone's intestinal issues! It's just mind-blowing that God hand-stitched this team together.
We all brought our most honest versions of ourselves. Given the accommodations, we didn't really have a choice. But from that authenticity came real community with genuine interaction. I think there are some incredible people on this team, and I think God uniquely placed each person there for a few reasons. I whole-heartedly believe each person came as an example of something God calls us to be.
Lindsay- BOLD. She showed us what it means to be out of your comfort zone. She watches the online service in Canada and never met any of us until the day we met to get on the plane. She has also never flown before, and to share in this experience with us, she flew a total of 9 times! I've heard it said, "When you step out of your comfort zone, you step into your purpose". I hope that Lindsay continues to have this attitude of adventure.
Matt- WELCOMING. He provided genuine conversation. He made everyone he talked to feel listened to and appreciated. He is real and easy to relate to. One night, I walked around Santiago with him, and it was nice just hearing about his background and relationship with God, but he also inquired about mine. It's nice to have real dialogue with people.
Zach- HILARIOUS. Faith doesn't have to be so somber all the time. Zach is a man of God who brings humor to situations. He does it appropriately which makes it easy to both open up to him and listen to him. And if you listen to him, this experienced traveler has wisdom to share.
Jacob- PEACEFUL. He is so likeable. Everyone becomes friends with Jacob, I'm convinced. He is so easy to be around. He is someone who is easy-going and doesn't bring drama or conflict. Of course walking with God will naturally bring disagreement, but Jacob shows respect that would keep a heated argument down to a healthy discussion.
Brent- PATIENT. While everyone around him was yelling and throwing chairs about going into triple overtime in a game of taboo, Brent found a way to calmly continue to play and led his team straight to victory. He was patient and paced himself, which was wise. He never complained about anything and I think there are few people who demonstrate patience well in our society. He is going to be a great leader to his family.
Robin- SELFLESS. What a wise young woman. Married with a child, keeping things in balance. She really knows how to give without being taken advantage of. She even came up with an idea with Brent to turn their side photography into a giving opportunity. I feel like she did a great job checking in with people to make sure we were doing okay, and I never once saw her make herself first in line for the bathroom, the food, or the shower. Such selflessness really will show a great deal of spiritual maturity.
David- GENEROUS. At lunch on one of the days of construction, I realized I hadn't seen David all day. He had jumped on a job that someone needed help with and no one even knew it. He is always very willing to jump up and give of himself and his talents. He is so appreciative of the life he has lived, and he just gave off a vibe of generosity.
Katie- JOYFUL. Katie has an absolutely infectious laugh. Joy just pours from her. Even being in a tent on the ground, hot and uncomfortable, she persevered with a smile on her face. I feel like every time I talked to her we laughed hysterically at one point or another. She is friendly, and a joyful outlook goes a long way in being an example of Christ.
Christina- PASSIONATE. She calls herself emotional, but I just think there is so much beauty in feeling everything you experience so deeply that it moves you to action and impact. This is someone who will be moved to do something against injustice and I can really see God using her in that way.
Danielle- WISE. I am so blessed to know Danielle. She has unwavering character paired with inspirational faith. She is constantly learning about herself and people to find ways to better communication and leadership. She is making transitions in her life out of wisdom and obedience to God. She really has a gift for capturing people's hearts and is a great leader.
Stephen- INFLUENTIAL. He is truly a man of God. Though he has a goofy side, his character and authenticity absolutely shines through. He is very wise and was a good person to lead this trip. He is down to earth and very wise. He makes you feel heard. I think God wants us to use our qualities to reflect His beauty and power and have influence in people's lives.
This is not by any means an exhaustive list. Every person on here has overlap in other qualities, but I hope you see that my point is that God made people different so that collectively we can build off of one another as we build the kingdom.
Laugh. Inspire. Believe. Love.