It's looking like we have our team formed, which is rather exciting. This has always been the point for me when a trip ceases to be a theoretical, ethereal concept and becomes real. (Maybe I'm more people-oriented than I thought). I created this blog to 1) keep anyone who is interested and praying for us updated, 2) keep some record of how things go for next year and 5) help me process things as they happen (i.e. keep me sane).
Our team - assuming no last-minute changes - is as follows:
Pastor Rodger Lewis: Fellowship Church's administrative pastor, Rodger is conveniently fluent in Spanish and has been taking Fellowship's teams to Mexico for years. His understanding of Mexican culture and skill with conversationally sharing the gospel are mind-boggling.
Sheryl S: Also a many-year veteran of the Mexico STM (Short-Term Mission), Sheryl has recently been accepted for GCM International Staff and will be spending much more time in Mexico in the future. Sheryl is crazy-passionate about the gospel and is great at making friends in new places. She roped me into coming however many years ago...
Justin and Ana Poenisch: Recently married, both Justin and Ana have been on previous (though different) trips to Monterrey, MX with our church. Justin is on staff with Fellowship and leading a student Homegroup (Mustard Underground). Ana is also on their HG's leadership team and has a big heart for the church in Mexico (and she speaks Spanish too!).
Craig P: Craig's my roommate and also on the Mustard Underground leadership team with Justin and Ana. He's the stuff of legend, essentially. Craig is a fantastic unity-builder and will be a great encouragement to our team.
Lizzie Hemann: Lizzie is in HG with Sheryl and me (Ebenezer!) She heard about this trip and jumped right in. Lizzie is phenomenal at meeting new people and making friends (she drives buses for A&M). I am super excited that she is part of the team!
Heather Watts: I met Heather recently because of this trip, but I can already see her deep love for Jesus and passion for the gospel. She has been two steps ahead of me the entire planning process for the trip and I think God is going to do great stuff through her in Mexico!
Kristina Carter: Kristina is on leadership with the HG Connect (they're nerdy, but we love them). She loves Jesus and is great at connecting (Connect?) with people...which is exactly what we're doing in Mexico (convenient). She'll bring a lot of energy and joy to our group...
Chris Langham: Also on leadership in his HG, Chris has been on the ball throughout this whole team-forming process as well. He's not a stranger to STM's, having gone to Guatemala (aw, I love Guatemala!) with a different church and now coming to Mexico with us.
Kassy Sanchez: Kassy wins the most-prepared award because she has actually been to Queretaro before! I haven't known her long, but before she had even finished filling out her trip application, Kassy was helping and making suggestions to improve our trip!
Sam Baker: That's me. I love Spanish and Mexico and I love the gospel. I wouldn't miss this for the world...
So there you have it, a Dream Team if ever I saw one... I know God has good plans in store for our trip and I am excited to see what he is doing in Queretaro and how we can join in!
