I just wanted to give you all a glimpse into our team and who it is made up of. As our week has progressed we have all gotten to know each other better I just wanted to share with you what has really stood out to me about each member.

Our team is made up of Griselda, Michelle, Bas, Amy, Mikaela, Peter and I. 

Griselda is a physician from Mexico and she has been a great addition to our team – not only because of her fluency in Spanish.   Griselda has a very big and deep heart and really has connected with the women of RdS on a very deep level.   It has been very obvious that her love for them runs deep and she has connected with them on a level that I think the rest of us are not able to. 

Michelle is Griselda’s daughter and so also speaks Spanish.  Michelle came on this trip not knowing anyone and I have been so amazed at the way she has just jumped into everything.  She has been a great translator as well and has really connected with the youth.

Bas and Amy are married, but let me start with Amy.   Amy, who is originally from England, has also been a great addition to our team.   Amy has opened her heart up to us and been very real and honest which has been amazing.   One of the highlights for me this trip has been to see her in action with the youth.  Amy used to be the youth pastor at our church and although I have been on staff with her and she also lived in my basement suite, I have never seen her in action with the youth.   Amy really has alot of gifting in connecting with youth.

Bas, Amy’s husband also worked with the youth and it was neat to see how he connected as well.  Characteristics of Bas that have really been strong this trip have been that of overall watching out for us and just this sense that he is making sure everyone is okay and everything is going okay.   It has been great to have Bas lead us in prayer many times.

Mikaela - aka Michelle has been really fun to get to know – she has been my roomate.   Mikaela was willing to share her story with the youth and they were hanging on every word and were very encouraged by it.  I am very proud of her for stepping out in faith and trust to share her story. 

Peter, our team leader, has been very strong in leading us and giving direction when needed.  Peter has incredible insights into what is going on around us and in us and is very good at asking hard questions in a gentle way at the right time.  Peter has led two workshop days – 1 for the FH staff and 1 for the mother’s leaders from RdS.  I personally learned alot from both of these workshops and I know that all of the people who were part of them did as well.

Karen – well that’s me.  Not really much to say except that I have, again, really learned alot and my life and heart have grown and been enriched in a big way while I have been here.  I have been challenged to continue to let the walls around my heart be broken down and to be more open and also to trust in God more and face my fears.

The final member of our team – and the most important – God!  I am amazed at how our relationship with the people in RdS have grown so deep so quickly.  When you think about it, these relationships have been built across culture, across a language barrier, across and a very different social-economic status and yet they are deep.   That can only happen by God and his Holy Spirit - the  most important part of our team! 

So, a great team that grown together over this week and has had a great time.  

More to come as I continue to catch up on what has been happening this week!

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