When they told us at training camp that our first month of the race would be all squad month, everything in me felt as if I was holding my breath with all my strength. I LOVE being around people, it’s one of my favorite things to do! Building relationship is a huge part of my life that I can’t imagine giving up. BUT. I also love my own personal quiet time. Time to sit and be, talk with the Lord, listen to music, read a book… this time recharges me. The idea of being in ONE house with about 35 other 18-20 year olds made the introverted side of me want to wrap myself in a blanket for the entirety of month one. Little did I know, this would be one of the best months of my life.
My squad is bold. My squad is dynamic. My squad is colorful. My squad is willing to fight for each other. My squad is courageous. My squad is fun, passionate, curious, loving, a family, intense, adventurous… my squad is yearning for intimacy with the Lord.
My squad is a squad of honor.
These things were all shown to me over this past month. The Lord taught me these as truths about my squad; He then revealed to me that these are characteristics of what a family in Him looks like.
What beautiful characteristics, amiright? Not one family out there is perfect, and trust me, neither is the family that is our squad. Nowhere close. But hey, we are learning together and it’s so exciting to see how we grow closer through this. Now that all squad month is over, it’s time to delve into life with just my team. These girls are gold, and I cannot wait to use what the Father has taught me through my squad in a more personal setting with my team. (and yes, we did make it to Ukraine, happy and mostly healthy! Please be praying for health and deep relational time!)
On that note, here are 10 fun/ funny things I learned over all squad month.
-Sharing a room with 6 girls is doable, but sharing a room with 6 girls and a mouse? Doesn’t go over so well.
-Watching people have fun with the giftings placed in them brings so much more joy than you’d imagine.
-Baking a cake over hot coals on the ground at 11:00 at night just makes life sweeter. The conversation you have while doing it though… that’s where the memories come from.
-Nutella and peanut butter quickly become guilty pleasures. (hey Elise, I believe the jar you’re on now is jar 7? #proud)
-Stealing food from other teams is not worth it. They will find out, and all heck breaks loose. Also, this is just plain rude.
-Learning your own personal ticks can be difficult to grasp, but worth it in the long run to figure out sooner than later.
-Listening to your squad-mate pour their heart out is one of the most vulnerable moments to be apart of; be especially present in these moments.
-Earbuds + your favorite tunes + an open window to sit in = some of the best alone time ever.
-Trying to cook on 1 four-burner stove while 7 other people are trying to do the same thing tests everyone’s patience and to be frank, sucks. BUT! Just keep reminding yourself, you will get food soon. (and hey, you have an actual stove! WOO!)
-Living in community may seem daunting at first but when you take each person as an individual and dive into them personally, it becomes a pleasure instead of a task.
(That last one there is my favorite.)
Here’s some jamming music!
“Not in a Hurry” by Will Reagan
“There is a Cloud” by Elevation Worship
“Tremble” by Mosaic MSC
“Surely” by Olivia Buckles
Bernadette, I can tell you really love your squad! What an experience living with so many people in a small area. You are interested in each person and ready to listen to them. God has his arms around all of you and will help you to minister to the people you meet. We all enjoy hearing about you and your team. Love you! Mama
You have such a gift with words and a beautiful, innate ability to see the positive in ANY situation all while learning and growing through it! Praying for health and a successful month as a team both in your ministry to others as well as each other! Hugs and love being sent to you!
When you post I am there in spirit!
Thank you!??
Miss seeing you????????
Sweetie, I was wondering how the first month was going to go… with everyone together… LOTS of people…! And as I was hearing from you, things seemed to be going really well! But WOW… it is so exciting to hear how much God has been building into your heart! The words He gives you, the learnings, the growth, the humor… I just love how HE loves on you!!! Thank you so much for sharing your heart! Thank you for continuing to say ‘yes’ to Him! Thank you for being willing to learn and grow! Thank you for loving so well! I love you so very much and so enjoy your insight and perspective!! Continuing to pray for you and your team and your squad! To HIM be the glory!!! And thank you for continuing to include us in your journey! xoxoxox
Hey Sweetie, thank you for all the sweet music!!!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! It’s great to hear from you and love that you are growing and learning so much about yourself and others and you know God is right there with you every step!! Prayers and hugs as always!!
Such a good recap on what all-squad community looks like- makes me want to share it with mobilizers so that participants won’t just see the scary blogs haha!
I’m so glad you had a rocking time with your squad and that God showed you some awesome things through your squad!! I miss you and am always praying for you!
Love You,
Nick
Thank you so very much, Mrs. Hesselgesser!! Your words are so very strong and encouraging. I greatly appreciate your live and support, sending hugs your way as well!
I miss seeing you very much as well, Miss Jody!! Thank you for your support!
Month one was honestly an absolute BLAST!! I’m so thankful He decided to surprise me with that lol, He’s just the best gift giver I tell ya! I love you so much and am so thankful for your support and love ALWAYS. Thank you for being the best mum, I love you!!!!!! xoxoxo
of course!!!
I really and truly do!! They are amazing people! God truly does have His arms wrapped tight for sure and I am so thankful for His guidance! I miss talking to you very much, I can’t wait to chat sometime soon!! Love you!!
Thank you so much for being interested and investing your time and life in me!! I so greatly appreciate this. Sending hugs your way!!!
Hahahah honestly, I only remember reading scary blogs about all squad month… that’s a great point!
They are FANTASTIC people for sure! God sure knows how to love on me sweetly; I am so thankful for this:) Love you, sending hugs your way!!
Love,
Bernadette