Alaina The Very Worst Blogger

It’s not like I don’t have anything to say either. I have so many stories from the past few months that would do everything from inspire you to sell all your belonging and become a missionary or that will have you to the point of tears from laughing so hard. And that’s kind of the problem, the past 4 months is just one giant blog post bouncing around inside my head and I have no idea how to format it into something remotely inspiring or even comprehendible. There’s just too much for ONE blog post. A small part of me thinks that I should write it all down in one giant memoir and then a bigger part of me says that sounds like way too much work and it probably not the best use of my time.
So instead I am going to devote my THIRD (man that's pathetic) blog from the past 16 weeks to tell you about the greatest part of this adventure.

Growth. 

Seeing myself and every member of my team grow into the men and women that God created them to be has been beyond rewarding and it makes me smile to look back at where we all started and to see how far we’ve come.
 
Mike has learned about the power of his testimony. In every country we’ve gone he has been asked to share his story countless times, and each time I am blown away. He has learned about the authority and impact that a testimony can have and he has learned to use his story to challenge and inspire others. Seriously, Gods hand has been over Mikes family and protecting them fiercely for a long time. If you want to hear a powerful story that will challenge and convict you about how easy you have it, email him and them buckle up my friends.

Madison came on this trip excited about the possibilities but so nervous about speaking Spanish and not being able to understand what’s happening around her. But her eyes have truly been opened to the amazing things that God is doing all over the world with anyone who is ready and willing to serve him. This simple, American, easy life could never satisfy this girls hungry heart. She is going to grab hold of the kingdom so hard and pull with everything she has until His glory explodes all over the planet. And she is not going to do it alone. Get ready Mark, you are in for one adventurous ride.

Liz is the coolest person I know, bar none. And anyone who knows her will agree with me. She is the life of the party, a joy to everyone she meets, and always has people keeling over laughing. But over the past few months I have seen her blossom into someone who is not only confident in herself, but also confident in what her relationship with the Lord is going to look like. She might not always have the answers, but she is going to seek after Him, she might not always feel His presence, but she is going to have faith to know that he will never forsake her. Liz came on this trip cooler than me, confidence in who she is, and a plan for the future. Liz is leaving this trip A LOT cooler than me, boldness in walking in who He created her to be, and walking in His will for her future.

Andy has been a powerhouse on this team from day one. He is so much fun, a natural leader, and his energy really sets the tone for the whole team. It has been so rewarding to watch him grow into a man of God who not only walks in a lot of wisdom and knowledge about the Lord but also someone who understands and is able to receive Gods love in a new and intimate way. It’s been amazing to watch him gain a new understanding of Gods love and then turn around and apply it to the way he loves others. This man is moving forward and pushing towards the Lord with everything he has, and I am so excited to see how his future plays out.

Moriah. Silent but Deadly. The nickname that we gave to her and Kaitlyn at the beginning of this trip was oddly prophetic. She’ll get you when you’re not expecting it- do not underestimate this girl. She has a kind heart and a quiet and gentle spirit that automatically endears people to her. She has been wonderful to have on this trip but it’s been even more wonderful to see her grow and use her words to lead and challenge all of us. The Lord speaks through her in a mighty way, whether it’s through her amazing writing or gentle encouragements. And she is going to passionately follow wherever He leads her. If God tells her to go climb a mountain, that mountain doesn’t stand a chance.

Quirky Kaitlyn, the other half of SBD. When she first came on this trip she admitted that she was running away, or at least that’s what she thought. God called her here so purposefully and her placement on our team is nothing short of divine. I feel like she has grown before my eyes into a bold, brave, warrior for the Lord. Her heart burns to see an end to injustice. She is not ok with the way lives are being broken around her. She and I sat and had a conversation the other day that centered on the question, “What would it take to see an end to the dehumanization of our generation?” And the answer we came up with was willingness. Someone ready to stand up and say, “Enough is enough.” And Kaitlyn is more than willing.

The incomparable Miss Laura has been filling this team with joy and giggles from day one. Her presence on this team could never be overlooked. She is always inspiring me with her smile and her ready-to-go attitude. But over the course of this trip, especially the last 6 weeks, she has been ignited with a passion that makes darkness flee and angels rejoice. Her eyes have been opened to the reality of the Holy Spirit and how he is moving in a very tangible and accessible way today. She has grown into someone who is pumped and ready to bring the truth and love that she has received back home and share it with anyone who will listen. Hartney Manitoba better look out, because you are not going to know what hit ya.