Learnin’ from a Youngin’

I was a little intimidated by my Passport team since I was the oldest. But it was definitely a humbling experience and these little youngins mean the world to me. As I am trying to process my time on the field with this amazing team, the thought crossed my mind, “What did I learn from each member?” Welp. Here it is.

Laura: The youngest person on our team, with an age difference of 6 years between us. Woah. But this girl. I tell ya. Never met a Canadian like her. I not only learned about the difference between a jersey and a Holstein and what makes a good steak, but also about hard work ethic with a smile. This girl is not okay with laziness, but giving every ounce of energy to expand the kingdom of God wherever she is.

Liz: Smiling makes a difference. Laughter brings joy. Liz does both of these 99.9% of the time..Actually, make that 100%…even when she is sick. Boldness, courage and truth will follow her wherever she is led by the Spirit. Her Spanish is awesome, and if she keeps it up she will be translating for me one day! She is at the prime in her life and won’t let anything stop her!

Mike: BUENAS! He’s a great guy. He lets me hook arms with him and give hugs, weird looks and talk about synapses and other science/medical stuff. This guy is wise. Way beyond his years and has experienced some of the most crazy stuff I have ever heard about in my life. But that doesn’t stop him from trusting in God and sharing his testimony so that others can share in that praise. Need a Bible verse? Ask this guy. He’s probably got it memorized.

Moriah: Quiet, but bold. If something doesn’t make sense she isn’t afraid to let the truth be known and how she is feeling. Give her kids and she will love on them like they are her own, even when she doesn’t speak the same language. She perseveres through anything the world can throw at her. We come from very similar testimonies and her trust in God never ceases to amaze those she comes in contact with.

Kaitlyn: Physical touch love language can be acquired and she definitely did it. From being one of the most ticklish people I have ever met in my life to be being able to hug attack her. She is living proof that God makes us all unique for a purpose. When this girl gets on fire for something, you better get out of her way and be on her side or you’re gonna get burned. Once she sets her mind to something, there is no turning back and she is going to advance God’s kingdom on earth by saving lives from the truth that she speaks.

Madison: God’s word says He is compassionate with unfailing love and Madison is a walking example of that here on this earth. Whether it’s fighting for bunnies, or for the kid in the back who gets ignored or even cooking for 50 people, she doesn’t stop until everyone is taken care of. Even through tiredness and annoyance, she keeps walking step by step in the will God has placed her in. Want to play a game- go to Madison, no matter what it is, she is more than likely up for it.

Andy: You can ask too many questions. But it’s because he wants to know, he desires to be of assistance. It’s because he has a heart of compassion. He desires to help and to know more of God and His characteristics.  And though sometimes, I knew a question would be coming and nothing in me wanted to answer it, or give it a blah answer rather than a definitive answer (this happened lot when leaders don’t even know what’s going on).  But with these questions, Andy sees the heart of God. He desires that wisdom and discernment that will lead him into a deeper relationship with the Lord. We ask. God answers.

Alaina:  I could not have done this trip without her. She is an example of a Holy Spirit led life and has encouraged me more than I could ever have imagined. Her heart, mind, and soul are connected so closely to God’s. Need a sermon? Need truth spoken over you? She isn’t afraid to share what is on her heart/mind. She is a perfect example of a spiritual leader and those who come into contact with her know it.  She has guided this team into a deeper relationship with the Lord and doesn’t let a moment pass without listening to His voice and being obedient to His calling.

Each one of these amazing people are younger than me. Either by years or months. But each one taught me a life lesson, and a characteristic about God that I will take with me for the rest of my days on this earth.