Carrie-Anne Haufler, Uganda, 2012 | Blog #2.

Every Monday afternoon we split into two groups- some of us going to Fountain High School, and a few of us going to Fountain Primary (preschool- 7th grade). I have been going to the primary school, and for the first few weeks, I dreaded it. That sounds strong, but it seemed like we were just some kind of attraction for all the kids to flock to, and we had been having a hard time building relationships or feeling like we were doing anything productive there. The past two weeks, however, have been amazing and has made this school one of my favorite places to go.

When I left Williamsburg and my middle school girls small group I thought I had left all talk of Justin Bieber behind me, but I ended up hanging out with a bunch of middle school girls at the school, and what was one of the first things they asked me? Yes, it was "Do you know Justin Bieber? Do you like him?" Haha. These girls were amazing, and made me really miss my girls back home. Victoria, Miriam, Naomi, Julie, Rachael, Grace, Ruth and I talked for a while about differences and similarities in our cultures, music, movies (they were more pop culture saavy than me, but then again that doesn't take much), school, Bible stories, God and our families. Then it was time for school prayers (prayers here mean lots of singing with random pauses for prayer). These kids know how to seek the Lord, so much so that last week was the deepest I have felt the presence of God since I've gotten here. Sure, not all of them pay attention or care what is going on, but many of them are earnest, joyful, and so desperate for the Lord. I wish I could show you their faces and that you could experience their faith.

After prayers, the girls wanted to sing and dance for me. They were so good! I'll upload the videos when I get home. Many of them have lost one or both parents and have seen more suffering than I will probably experience in my lifetime, and yet they rarely complain, work extremely hard, and are overflowing with joy even in their pain. I've joked that I'm the mail lady of Fountain Primary, because they love to write letters and draw pictures all over them. They are literally the sweetest letters I have ever received- all they want is hope and a friend. I can't wait to spend more time with them. It continues to prove true that people who realize their need and hopelessness without Jesus are the ones who most intimately know Him and are used by him. I am praying that God would give me, and you, that kind of faith.

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 8.

Well, it’s been a couple days since we’ve returned to the United States from Haiti. If I’m being perfectly honest, I’m still processing the events and implications of the week (in a good way). Needless to say, it was such a fruitful and memorable experience. Though I could probably write a lengthy post delving into the specifics of everything I encountered and learned in Haiti, - if given enough time to sort out my thoughts- I’d like to share instead two central ideas that God worked into me throughout the course of the week. I’ll try to convey them as best I can.

First: We serve a Global God. This is both very easy to state and very easy to forget. People talk about the world, and the Kingdom of God for that matter, in an abstract way all the time. Being situated in an Internet-savvy era, also known as the Information Age, we can discuss with great facility, and even great accuracy, the state of a world we have actually never seen or experienced for ourselves. This is beneficial for us since it certainly enhances global awareness, but dangerous because it cannot be a substitute for the real thing. There is nothing more profound than seeing the reality of Jesus Christ operate in a foreign culture. When you are abroad you are first struck with obvious cultural differences that exist between your homeland and the host country. But after some time (I imagine it is different for each person), your foreign experience gives rise to a new depth of insight and all sorts of philosophical musings about life and the world, and you subsequently come to realize that we are all really the same. More than just realizing it, you see it. Literally. Concretely. We laugh at the same things, cry at the same things, and long for the same God. You don’t read about it on the Internet, you are subjected to it, face to face. This is precisely what happened to me the last time I went abroad, it is what happened in Haiti this past week, and it is what will happen the next time. (And it will happen to you, too.) For example, this past week our team relied almost exclusively on Haitians who spoke English to communicate since none of us knew Creole. Though we could barely speak to the kids, there was absolutely no problem relating to anyone, language barrier and all. The more cultural differences there are to observe, the more the sameness and unity reveals itself. This unity consists of things central to all life: Our humanity and our God. In the midst of novelty, truth remains steady. And you find that, just as you’ve read about, heard about, and believed, God is in fact moving on a global scale and His Kingdom is advancing throughout the world. That is what we saw in a very tangible way during our week in Haiti. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to travel abroad to do so.

Second: Life on Earth is a mission. I hope this second idea is not misconstrued as a contradiction to the first. The second impression God developed within me on our trip was the idea of missions. On this trip God showed me that I had a very narrow concept of missions and missionaries. Without even being fully conscious of it, I realized that my idea of a missions trip was restricted to places in dire practical need. (I am certainly not belittling or diminishing the importance of service to a developing nation or impoverished area. Giving is an integral and uncompromising component of the Gospel, and as clearly and famously stated, without works your faith is dead.) However, I failed to recognize that missions is even more than that. We are Christ’s ambassadors and citizens of the Kingdom of God. We are not in our Home, we are on foreign territory as long as we are on Earth. Therefore, your life is a missions trip whether you thought it was or not. Not every person will spend his or her life physically traveling the world. But, just because you stay within the boundaries of your own country does not mean you have nothing to do. You are currently occupying a mission field right where you are. You may not be on a trip, but you are always on a mission. In Haiti, the Lord challenged me to keep a missions mindset upon returning the US. I hope you are encouraged to do the same.

- Lorelei French

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 7.

“Orevwa! Bonswa!” We left Wings of Refuge in a tangle of arms and legs and kisses left wet on each other’s faces. As Pepe (who is very likely the most skilled bus driver in the entire world) waited patiently outside, we scrambled for last minute photos and hugs with the kids. “Angelina! Jovaness! (Insert the name of another adorable kid from WOR here)! Souri!” could be heard all around the home seconds before we stepped on the bus (“Souri,” pronounced “sue-wee” is Creole for “smile”) Would you be surprised if I said it was difficult to leave? Somehow I didn’t think it would be as we sat watching Madagascar with the kids moments before. We were all pretty exhausted from two full days with the kids (read Ashley’s blog for details on our epic adventure to the beach) and their limitless excitement and movement only seemed to increase as our energy and stamina faded. But we did leave and even now, two days later, it is difficult not to get emotional thinking about the kids. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not reaching for the tissue box to dry my eyes as I write this haha, but I am saying that it’s hard not to think about them, and even harder not to miss them. To God be the glory though. He made some amazing kids!

So, what are some things I learned from the trip? Holly is right--you haven’t had real mango until you’ve had Haitian mango; never complain that the water running out of the shower head is too hot when you have the option of having a hot shower everyday; don’t expect to pull your sunglasses out in front of a kid in Haiti and not have it reached for, put on by said Haitian child, and for you to capture the funniest picture ever as they wear them upside down. Note: they will expect you to do the same; it is probably immensely difficult to live in a tent with your family for two years, as many people have done since the 2010 earthquake, and yet families living in tent cities still manage to form a loving and hopeful community with kids that love to watch Tom and Jerry and dance with strangers from America who speak hardly any Creole. As a girl who’s never been outside of the country or even on a mission trip before, I could probably fill at least 20 more pages with the things I learned immersed in a different country, culture and language.

But you want to hear something cool? One God. He’s the link, the absolute one true and living link among us all. Because of Him, I can say that nine of us from Williamsburg, Virginia flew hundreds of miles to Petionville, Haiti not to spend time with complete strangers, but our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the same Father. We’ve been adopted into the same family. So I thank God for the blessing and privilege that it was to meet my little brothers in sisters all the way in Haiti, and my wonderful, gifted, talented, anointed, diligent, encouraging, beautiful, Godly, self-less, confident, hilarious, kind, blessed and highly favored older brothers and sisters (aka Pastor Wilson, Mommy Pas, and everyone connected with their church and Wings of Refuge Children home--for real, the kids are cute but I wish you could meet these people! They love God and by His grace are doing a wonderful job showing God’s love in Haiti--WOR is in wonderful and blessed hands!)

Now, forgive me for the pretty abrupt ending but this blog is long past due to Holly. Thank you for reading and GOD BLESS!

- Sarina Adkins

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 6.

Sometimes in the middle of situations I imagine what life would look like if that situation were to last for eternity. And sometimes these imaginings take place during really cool stuff - a concert, a moment of epiphany. However, for the most part, my what-if-this-moment-was-the-rest-of-my-life thoughts revolve around situations that are boring, frustrating, or just bad.

And one of those kinds is what I imagined earlier when we were making a three hour bus trip - a 24 seater - with all the kids from WOR, all the staff from WOR, and all of our team. I had two kids sort of sitting on me over the bumps, the window wide open (a perk, besides the loads of dust flying in my face), and a growing rumbling in my stomach (and not the hunger kind).

It was this whole thing that I was imagining lasting forever. And this is some of the unglorious side of mission trips.

In the midst of all these thoughts, one of those two kids kind of grabbed my hand for a second. I always feel so honored when kids initiate something towards me, and the same was true for this guy. But because of the way he was holding it so loosely I wondered if he’d quickly lose interest and I’d quickly feel dejected.

On both of those accounts I was proven wrong.

Just a few minutes later he grabbed my hand a bit tighter and didn’t let go for a while, despite both of our sweat. While I was reveling in the fact that Widmy was still holding my hand I managed to open my eyes to look out into the dusty landscape and I happened to see a small, young, growing tree inside this cement and dust triangle. In that I just got this picture of hope.

Hope.

As we’ve seen different sites of Haiti - one of the best views is from the roof of Pastor’s house - the theme that keeps running through my heart and mind is hope. Both regarding Haiti and just in general, I’m really beginning to fall in love with hope. In light of brokenness, and all that goes with it, Jesus and his hope is the only thing to counter it. In the midst of the harshness of the concrete, Jesus and his hope stands in stark comparison. Such a beautiful contrast that only he can make so clearly.

The whole rest of the afternoon I’ve had a John Mark McMillan song stuck in my head. Not the whole song applies, but a few of the lines are some prophetic prayers I’ve been making for this beautiful country.

Hope grows between cracks in the asphalt
in the downtown ghetto streets that contour
the government housing intentions of my heart.
No one notices the daisies don't care
about gang related violence
as long as they get enough air and water and sun
they're all just fine.

Who would've thought it but life is finding a way
through this wasteland of cynics, concrete, and pain.
There's a man down here somewhere between
the Saturday cartoons and the dirty magazines.
He's raising the dead in the graveyards
where we've laid down our dreams.
His name is Hope.

Jesus. God help us to love with that same determination as a kid who still wants to hold my hand even when we’re all sweaty. Help us to see with eyes of hope, to look to see more than what meets the eye. God, more you. Less us.

- Ashley Loveless

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 5.

Well, we are in Haiti. I'm not a very good blogger or story teller, forgive me. I keep my thoughts organized in my phone, twitter style. So I'll give you a peak into my mind in Haiti:

No matter our color, our language, our culture, our thoughts, our views, our age, our nationality: there is one God over all. There is one Jesus, one Spirit. Over all. I worship, you worship, different styles, same God. We are all adopted into a new Kingdom. Family of God. All sons and daughters. All unworthy but all saved by the blood of Messiah. #inbreakingkingdom #haiti

Worship can still move you even if you don't understand. It's not all about the words, but it is all about the God. #kingdomculture #haiti

Haiti, God is on mission here. People living life's mission for Him. God's redemption inside of people open them to change the world. God is writing the story of redemption all around the world. #inbreakingkingdom #Gospelisastory #haiti

A life lived on mission is a life lived in love #thechurch #haiti

Culture changes. Truth does not. #readyourbible #haiti

Haitians are classy #suitup #haiti

Selling everything wasn't enough. It says "then come, follow me. We are to follow Jesus is God's story. Walk with Him in life. Live out God's #storyofredemption. #luke18 #devos #haiti

"For the son of man came to seek and save what was lost." WE need to recognize without Jesus we are lost. #redemption #Jesushelpme #haiti

Be like a child. Joy is inside. Forgiveness is easy. Laughter and friends. #wingsofrefuge #community #haiti

There are people everywhere doing the work of God. #jointhefamily #haiti

Community forms around the doing. Whether setting up tables for dinner together, playing together, or cleaning dishes together. #challengedbychildren #antiindividualism #wingsofrefuge #haiti

The Church prays and agrees together. Is reaching forward together. No one does it on their own. All contribute and they move together #haiti

We always have reason to celebrate. Celebrate people. Celebrate freedom. Celebrate that we were once lost but are now found. Celebrate the gospel #walkingintoeternitybygivengrace #haiti

Christianity doesn't work just by watching or just by waiting. It is active. If you aren't moving forwards in the things of God you missed it somewhere. Our God and the life he has for us is one to always be seeking after, running for, sprinting towards. #runtherace #conviction #lifeisastory #haiti

Simply pray for a life completely led by the Spirit. #praybig #haiti

Baptism. The waters are a cemetery; a cemetery for Sin. You are a new creation. You are in Messiah. You stand and live and breathe in the love of a living God. You are given a new identity. #Liveuptoyournewidentity #jointhefamily #storyofredemption #haiti

What we believe about the future shapes how we live here and now. #resurrection #hope #haiti

We are not called to escape from life. Not to have an escapist mindset. We are to live with an engaged mindset. We should not want to escape but to engage. To join in the redemptive work of Jesus, as he puts back together a broken world. #stoprunningaway #standfirm #inbreakingkingdom #haiti

The Kingdom of God is coming, not all at once, but in pieces, not only in my live but in our collective lives, together, and to the world. #inbreakingkingdom #haiti

If you believe in the resurrection. Believe that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Messiah and answer for our deeds, whether good or bad. You will answer for all of it. Not fire and brimstone preaching, but that, in Judgment, God will set the world to right. We should hope in Judgment, Live in light of judgment. It purifies you. Be glad when you live in that hope because God will, piece by piece, place you back to how he intended #knowingthefutureeffectsournow #IwillanswertoGod #notagospelofsinmanagment #waragainstsininyourself #repentanceisalifestyle #devos #haiti

"When are you coming back?" #breakingmyheart #thingsworthfightingfor #haiti

Love requires doing. #conviction #haiti

- Nick Lopez

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 4.

Today was our fourth day in Port au Prince, Haiti. I can hardly believe how fast time has flown by. The day started off much like those before; very peaceful and relaxing. Up to this point, we had been spoiled rotten by the Pastor and his wife, who are essentially serving as our host family. They have been feeding us very well and have gone out of their way to make us feel welcomed. Though we had been helping with cleaning up after meals, I felt guilty for allowing them to do so much for us, when our primary purpose in coming was to serve them. I kept reminding myself that we are not on vacation; however, Pastor Wilson and his wife are so compassionate and other-centered, it seems as though they cannot help but cater to everyone in their company. I appreciate their hard work so much; nevertheless, I couldn’t wait to reciprocate their hospitality. Well, today was the day!

Following breakfast, we cleaned the storage room in Pastor’s house that would store all of the supplies that would be distributed to those in need. The storage room had a significant amount of supplies when we arrived; however, the supplies were not organized, therefore they could not be properly distributed. The lack of organization was initially a little overwhelming and intimidating, but Pastor and Mami Pas (Pastor’s wife) did not hesitate when it came to serving others, so we were determined to do all that we could for them, even if it took us all day. So we started off stripping the shelves of the existing supplies, then we cleaned the shelves, organized the supplies that were already there and stocked the shelves with the supplies that we brought. I was taken back with all of the items that we managed to collect. It was so exciting just to see the myriad of hair products, feminine products, other personal hygiene items, medical supplies, school supplies, candy, linen, clothing and shoes that could potentially make someone’s life a little easier. After stocking the shelves with linen and assisting the rest of the team with cleaning, I had to step back and just observe the abundance of things that we take for granted on a daily basis. GOD deserves praise for everything that HE does for us, but in our world we generally only acknowledge the ‘big blessings’—a new car, a promotion, a raise—but what about the little things? Items such as deodorant, shampoo, and soap are blessings too. However, GOD is so generous with HIS blessings that we pick and choose what is worthy of public acknowledgment. GOD’s love for us is unwavering, but HIS grace is not to be taken for granted. If you are reading this and you have taken the aforementioned items for granted, I pray that you realize the true value of those blessings, as I did this afternoon, and convey your gratitude to GOD.

Needless to say, after we had completed all of the cleaning and stocking, we were exhausted. Notwithstanding our fatigue, we felt so great about giving back to those who deserve it. Mami Pas and Pastor were thrilled with our hard work. Though, it took four hours for the nine of us to make the storage room presentable and functional, we still had more serving to do. We were told that we would meet the children residing in one of the ‘tent cities’ and we were really excited, despite not having a clue about what to expect. When we arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The devastation of the 2010 earthquake was very conspicuous in this part of town. Many of the residents were inhabiting tents donated by the U.S. government. Though I wanted to learn more about the situation that was before me, I began to doubt our purpose in being here; what could we possibly say or do in a few hours that could instill hope in people that had been through so much? Struggles of this magnitude were completely foreign to us and almost even incomprehensible. Once we started to mingle with the children, music started to play and the children went wild, dancing and grabbing hold of us. One of the songs that were played was titled “God is Enough” by Lecrae. That simple repetitious phrase was all that I needed to rid me of my doubt—“God is enough.” Though there is nothing about us alone that would make us capable of conveying hope to the people living in those tent cities, the GOD in us would appeal to their emotions. In 1 Peter 4:11, we are reminded that we should serve with the strength that GOD provides us, and I am confident that if it were not for GOD guiding us, we would not have been received the way we were today. I pray that they could see the GOD in us as clearly as I could see the GOD in them.

As we were handing out toys and toothbrushes, my heart was overjoyed. The children were so complacent with their circumstances that it humbled me tremendously. I then realized that I could serve GOD by serving those who carried GOD in their hearts. I became emotionally attached to so many of the children there, that I want only the best for them. I’m not going to ask GOD to shower them with riches, because I refuse to limit GOD’s blessings to the material world. Instead, I just pray that whatever GOD’s plan for their lives is, that it be fulfilled, and that they reap every single blessing GOD has stored up for them. I also pray that GOD shows favor to every individual living in that tent city that we visited today, and that they be encouraged by the promises that GOD makes in HIS Word. Though we could not communicate much verbally, language was not a barrier. I’m convinced the reason for that is that the Holy Spirit in us was communicating with the Holy Spirit in them, and I am just in awe with the splendor of GOD. This trip has truly been an illustration of GOD’s omnipresence, and I cannot wait to see what other revelations HE has in store for all of us.

Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. Peace & Blessings!

- Erika Lloyd

Act 20:35 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 3: Sunrises, Roosters, & the Kingdom of God.

This morning I woke up to the sound of roosters crowing audaciously. Erika thinks they sound like they’re yelling, “Oh my God,” but I really don’t see that. But hey, there’s always room for personal interpretation. And the moral of the story is that roosters crow a lot more than one time, unless if there are thousands of roosters within earshot of our house.

It was a beautiful sunrise, though. Well worth the rude awakening.

Things got started up this morning with a delicious breakfast of eggs and toast, along with Haitian coffee. Then we were off to Wings of Refuge (WOR), the children’s home run by the church we’re staying with.

I think this was one of those times when the words of Jesus came to life for me. Jesus taught us that we must become like children if we ever hope to enter the Kingdom of God. And I must say, the children at WOR were a striking image of the Kingdom of God on earth. After a brief introduction, they were rushing over and hugging us, sharing their snack with us and making us feel like we’d known them for much longer than 5 minutes.

When I say that the children at WOR represent the Kingdom of God, I don’t mean to say that they have attained some sort of state of perfection or anything like that. After all, the Kingdom of God is made up of imperfect people redeemed by the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rather, I mean that the children exemplified the community of love that should accompany any body of believers. The kids really loved each other, and I believe they loved us too; with such a pure love that ulterior motives were completely out of the question. Not even a consideration, really.

I just love how refreshing kids are. They give you their love and attention, and all they ask for is the same in return. True love never feels like a transaction; it’s a joy through and through.

I think that’s what the Church should be like. A gathering of people devoted to Love Himself, finding their greatest joy in glorifying Him by loving Him with all they are, and as an outpouring of that love, putting their neighbor before themselves. People should feel refreshed when they interact with believers in Christ. I think it’s time we started acting more like kids. I know I need to.

One final thought: Jesus told us that when we meet the needs of the “least of these,” we are doing it to Him. To borrow the words of a friend, “Today I see the Divine in everyone I meet.”

- Chris Rowekamp

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 2: Haitian Church!

Today is the team’s first full day in Haiti. So we haven’t even been here 24 hours, but man oh man, how WONDERFUL it has been! We are currently relaxing at the house after a morning at the church, Eglise Communion De La Manne Evangelique D’Haiti. A Haitian church service is something everyone should experience. First off, it started at 6am and ended at 11am. Although it was longer than we were used to, and we were all a bit hungrier (and sweatier) than we may be in a CLC service, we all loved it. Today was the 26th anniversary of the church, so it was a really special day for the pastors, leaders, and congregation. A man from Florida who had helped Pastor Wilson start the church 26 years ago was in attendance. He preached the Word of God so powerfully to his beloved Haitian brothers and sisters. Note: he preached in English (hallelujah!) and there was a man translating to Creole. As I listened to him preach I was so reminded of Paul’s relationship with the New Testament churches. Here was a man (Pastor Sunny) who had invested so much of his life into encouraging, raising up, and empowering the church in Haiti. He spoke with tears today as he remembered the past 26 years of growth between him and the church, and the church’s relationship with the Lord. How it has grown! God is so faithful. Pastor Sunny may not be able to be with these people whom he loves so much all the time, but just like Paul he is being faithful to God’s calling on his life: to love and equip. It was amazing just to witness the strength found in this man’s relationship with Pastor WIlson and his church. A relationship truly anointed by God. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has to offer!

- Meredith Tighe

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 1: And, we are here!

Well, it’s official! After a crazy road trip, an early morning, adventures with the TSA, and a smooth plane ride, WE ARE FINALLY HERE IN PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI!!! God is currently blowing my mind with the beauty of His creation. This trip has only just begun and yet God has already revealed so much to me about His glory and creation.

Experiencing other cultures has always been a joy to me. Stepping into a completely new environment, one that is totally different from my own in aesthetics, climate, and customs, is awe-inspiring. When we attend church tomorrow morning (at 6 AM!!!), I’m sure the style of worship will be different, I’m sure the entire service as a whole won’t be exactly what any of us are used to…but to know that the very same Holy Spirit who fills us while we worship in America will be very real and present in tomorrow’s service truly brings a sense of peace to my heart and, at the same time, BLOWS MY MIND. Being here, I realize that the subject of omniscience is something I have always taken for granted. Of course God had always been everywhere I went! I had never been anywhere that didn’t feel out of the ordinary or uncomfortable. To be in a place that is completely foreign to me and to still feel the very same presence I have always felt back in the states shows me that I really CAN go ANYWHERE and my God will always be right behind me. Once again, I do realize that this is a fact that is well-known to many Christians, but wait until you actually EXPERIENCE it in real life. It is a feeling unlike any other. Never again will I ever hesitate to go anywhere or do anything that my Father tells me to do.

In the past, most of what has kept me from acting on a word from the Lord, or even an unction in my own Spirit to go forth and do something for my God has been fear. The only ultimate reason for any fear I could ever have is my thought that God wouldn’t truly be there behind me like He said He would. There has always been at least a little, and at times a HUGE, lack of trust in God for my life. Feeling His presence here shows me that I could go ANYWHERE and do ANYTHING and He will always be with me. There is nowhere I can go and nothing I can do where His Spirit won’t be ever-present. That simple fact makes living a life of openness to serve God so much easier. Philippians 4:4 states to Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, no matter the circumstances! To live by that mantra; to resign to the fact that God could call me anywhere to do anything and that in all I’d be doing, He would be in complete control of it all. It’s the most freeing and wonderful way to live. In Jon Foreman’s song entitled “You’re Love is a Song” there is a lyric that says “Why should I worry? Why do I freak out? God knows what I need”. And it’s true! He does! I get to live my life free from worry because my life is dedicated to serving the Most High Creator of the Universe. My Father. God, Himself. The fear has been expunged. Death has lost its sting. My life is a life of FREEDOM and JOY in the Father.

As we begin our adventures in Haiti tomorrow, I pray that the glory of God will shine wherever my team may go. I cannot thank God enough for the opportunity He has given me to traverse this foreign land with some amazing people. I love them all. Proverbs 18:24 says that some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers. That is exactly how I see this team. The worries are the world are far from me so long as I have the blessings of the Lord on my side, and He has given me more than enough in the form of great friends. 

“…in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” ~Philippians 2:16

~ Caleb Elgut