"Let me tell you a story bout my BEST FRIEND....He's a warm and cuddly person who's loves me till the end....cause he's my best friend."
After being home for a few weeks, and transitioning back into life back in the USA, I have come to a realazation. I have some amazing friends; both from the Race, and from back home! They have loved me through some crazy moments in my life. They have been there as a support. They have laughed, chuckled, sweated, bleed, cried, smiled, and supported me financially, physically, emotionally since knowing me. They challenge me, encourage me, push me, and when I hit rock bottom, they pick up the phone at 3am without complaint and talk it out with me, and most important they LOVE ME...just simply because they want to see me grow and become better...so we just LOVE each other. Friends are a great thing, we all have them; but sometimes we forget how great they are! Today I wanted to take a minute to thank the people that have had a huge impact in my life over the last year, and share a few of the many reasons why I LOVE these crazy people, please don't think this is an exclusive list...there are so many of you that I love and appreciate! I hope this reminds you how blessed you are with the community of people you LOVE with!
Jordan - (PBS) Where do I even start?? This kid is the king of swag....He has more dance moves than Usher and Justin Beiber combined. His laugh is kinda contagious. While I was away on the trip he was always just a "Textfree", "Skype" "Facetime" or e-mail away. Loves to send me surprises in Dropbox like Hot new music while i'm sick with Malaria in a hospital in Africa. Sends the best Care Packages....(I'm pretty sure that box of food and candy was enough to put an elephant down that he sent me in India) Pretty sure Jordan will become famous one day....he kinda already is...or own his own company (Restaurant I can be the chef!) He will give Bill Gates and Donald Trump a run for their money soon! I can't count how many times I have vented to Jordan about when life gets tough...but he always stays consistent and positive, and has something encouraging to say to me. When you are around Jordan...you get filled with LIFE, he encourages the crap out of you, and at the same time makes you laugh. Being around Jordan is a good time ALWAYS!
Corry - (Prune Candy) Corry is a M.O.G. (Man of God) Pure Awesomeness in every turn! I love this kid! He has a passionate heart for what he beleives. He displays humility, grace, wisdom, and love to all that are around him. And he loves to have some random fun. I can't even begin to go into the crazy adventures we have been on together! God has used him in mighty ways in my life, and he is a huge blessing.
Johnny - (The Mexican?) Johnny is actually the whitest kid you'll ever meet! He is from Colorado, and a jack of all trades. He has a great since of humor, knows when to get serious, and can sit you down for a "Real" talk when its needed. Knows all of my secrets (not sure if i have any left anymore??) Johnny has stuck his neck out on the line for me a few times, and is a loyal and amazing friend that holds true to what it is to love someone like Christ would! And can ride a horse like no ones business!
Judy - (Ex-boss from airlines) Best Boss in the world! When working for her years ago she Prophesied over me that I would be serving the Lord in missions, before I was ever Saved! She constantly prayed for me. Was an encouragement during my Cancer, and during the decision to leave my Job and pursue The World Race. She continues to send me encouraging notes and Supports me without me even asking!
Kathy - (Awesome Aunt from Florida) Loving Aunt. I'm pretty sure I could come unannounced and stay with her and there would be an amazing hot dinner made up for me in no time, with a great conversation. She takes a huge interest in what God is doing in my life, and loves to encourage me and support me! She has been there for me when others were not able to be in my family! Awesome Women.
Terry and Marie - (church mom & dad) A Loving couple from my church I met a few years ago. Full of wisdom, insight, discernment, and LOVE....lots of LOVE! "Dad" is a carpenter and can get you working in his shop talking about the great things of Jesus in no time without you realizing it. "Mom" i'm convinced is one of the best cooks around. She gives the best hugs, and if your not careful she will eat up all your skype credit when we talk online!
Rob and Michelle - (adopted missionary bother and sister in UK) Love Love Love this folks! They are some Jesus Freaks in the UK preaching and sharing the Gospel with all they meet, and loving on everyone that comes in there path. Seeing them a few weeks ago was one of my highlights of my vacation in Europe. God is using them in mighty ways, and they are a huge blessing in my life.
Nathan - (Crazy hair...u gotta Love) Watch out Jason Mraz....Nathan is awesome...Talented? umm....YES! what can he not do is the easier question. He picks up something for 2 seconds and masters it. I am blown away every time I hang out with him. He can make any stranger smile, and he will talk to anyone...I mean anyone he meets!
Ashley - (Lois Lane) Jordan's Girlfriend. Met her for the first time over Skype while on vacation with Jordan. She is in Marching Band at JMU. Never heard her play an instrument yet...but im sure she could make a grown man cry with her talent! She has an amazing gift of encouragement, and very loving. She loves to send random text, just to see how your doing. Challenging....YES! I was scared of doing the tubes on the boat and she pushed me...and pushed me to do it and I am so thankful...That was fun! All around smiles. : )
Nick - (instant friends) A friend of Jordans. Meet him for the first time in the airport at JFK when our squad arrived in America! He was holding a sign that read "We Love Q" and hug tackled me! He asked me a million questions about my trip that night. And I am convinced God will lead him to do The World Race when he graduates....And I hope to wait for him in an arrival hall in an airport when he returns home from his trip one day!
Erin - (Pookie) She taught me how to swim....a year ago for the first time ever! (yeah i know im 27!) She claims I saved her life in The Philippines when holding an IV bag over my head in a pick up truck on the way to the hospital when she was very ill on our trip. I love this girl, she is pure awesomeness in every way!
Andrew - (Kuya) Kuya is a word that means "Brother" in Tegula. Andrew is my Kuya for life! He is a praying machine. I had the best sleep on my trip when we were on the same team sharing a room, cause he prayed up that room every night! When I was in the hospital he cursed at my sickness and declared truth over me and prayed in the Kingdom into those rooms. He has a heart full of grace, and mercy, and he is passionate! We both share a love of Miami, and Colorado!
Bible Study at Massey's - (The Massy group) I want to move this group with me wherever I go! Seriously, what an awesome group of fun loving, crazy, Jesus Freaks! While I was out on the field they wrote me prophetic, and encouraging letters that were on the money. I needed them right in that moment. I could tell when they were praying for me cause the atmosphere would change right before my eyes.
Patrick - (Local Yokal) This guy can go to any county on The World Race and look just like a local. When I think of Patrick...I think Loyal. He is a Loyal friend through and through. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone! Loves a good random adventure, and always thinking outside the box....future CEO of something big...I think so!
Jared - (Old Man) Loves to do "Wake Up Calls" at 4:00am. Sings Usher with me when I need a pick me up! Even though he has horrible sleeping habits! I am convinced that he would probably make the best room mate in the world. Great guy and can't wait to see where God takes him next with ministry!
