So as you all know, starting this month in the Dominican Republic i have been put on a new team. This team is an all male and we are called Team Papa Smurf and our first week in the Dominican Republic has been a blast so far as we have got settled in Sosua and have began ministering to the city already! I will talk more about my team later but for right now i would like to talk about the amazing group of men and woman of God i got to do the last 4 months of my life with Team storm Chasers! God really knew what He was doing when He put the 6 of us Together, and i learned something from each of them throughout our 4 months together. I can truly say i was changed for the better by the special Group of brother and sisters, as they came alongside of me and helped me tear down walls that were holding me back, except and embrace love, trust again in the body as they called me higher to look more like Christ, encouraged me to trust them with things i was going through spiritually, and how to be vulnerable within community in a deeper way. If the enemy was attacking me i knew i could run to them and they never shy down from joining me in the fight, or if i lacked they would never turn their back on me. They loved in a way that was so familiar, because it was literally the same love that Christ gives and it was so beautiful to experience. It was amazing to see how fast each of them were to forgive, and give grace to one another and myself in our first conflict resolution, or how willing each of them were to give and love on those God put in front of us without hesitation modeling a true servants heart not only to those in need but even more so within the team! I remember at training camp back in October when we seen that they had put a team full of introverts together, wondering how this was going to possibly work but God had plans and it was so fun and inspiring watching each of them come out of their boxes and step into their roles as the year went on. It was a hard goodbye, i couldn’t even make my eyes strong enough to hold back a tear hahaha I really enjoyed serving God beside these guys and its going to be something i will always cherish, love you guys?? so below is going to be a short snippet of what i learned from each of these men and women of God.
Jackie: Thank you for teaching me that it was okay to share my struggles and be vulnerable. You really made it easier for me to step into that with your constant encouragement to do so and your amazing leadership in doing that yourself! Also thanks for always making sure I’m staying on top of stuff 😉
Sarah: Thank you for modeling for me what it meant to be in a place of Constant joy and peace no matter your past or current situations, you are a true ray of sunshine!
Victoria: Thank you for modeling for me what it meant to be a servant as you loved and cared for our team so well, never did i hear you complain, and also the leadership you showed with your discipline and calling us to look more like Christ out of love.
Tito: God truly blessed me when He allowed me to get to follow you. You taught me what it looked like to be discipled. You took me under your wing like a little brother and even had to get on to me like one which i appreciated. Thank you for loving me so well and modeling for me what it looked like to hold authority and gentleness.
Josiah: thank you for modeling what it meant to be yourself despite of what anybody thinks. You also modeled for me what it looked like to walk in and with strong conviction as you lived those out and stuck by what you believed with your actions. True man and warrior of God.
Thank you Team Storm chasers for all that you taught me. It was one of the best 4 months of my life and i love each one of guys, thank you all for putting up with me! Love y’all #foreverastrormchaser
