AMAZEd by Them: How 6 Strangers Became Family

Dear Team AMAZEd By You,

It is weird to think that 6 months ago, we all met for the first time and were placed on a team together. Excited as we were, we were also full of mixed emotions not knowing what it meant to live and spend all of our time with 4 other “strangers.” Our journey as a new team officially began on October 3^rd and I can now sit here and say that these last 4 months have been an exciting rollercoaster! We’ve had many ups, a few downs, but overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride! We have cried together, we were scared together, we were nervous together, we were sad together, we were happy together, we even laughed so hard that we farted (well some of us did).

Looking back, we not only look different, but we have all grown so much and I am so proud of every single one of you. I am even more honored that I can, not only call you friends; but I can call you my brothers and sisters for life.  You all have taught me so much. You have challenged me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for you.

You all exemplified what it means to be true Christians. Dying to ourselves and living more like Christ. Now, that does not mean we were perfect, but we recognized what we needed to improve on and having the desire to be better. It means humbling ourselves and compromising on our own needs for others. It means being generous with our time and attention. It means noticing the unnoticeable. It means calling each other higher.  It means loving your neighbor as God loves us.

AMANDA – Girl! I don’t know where to begin! Since the first time I met you, there was something about you that I immediately admired. The way you carry yourself with so much confidence and joy has always stood out. I love how much you love digging into the word and how much the Lord uses you and speaks to you. My favorite thing about you, and one of the many things that you’ve inspired me with; is the way you always have on the eyes of Jesus. You always notice the unnoticeable. Every time we were in the market or walking down the street or pretty much anywhere we were, you would notice someone that needed help or needed prayer. You always lead with compassion and boldness. Thank you for opening up my eyes and encouraging me to have more compassion than I did. You have pushed me out of my comfort zone so many times. Last month, you and Ethan did not let me think about quitting when I had to teach at the Bible school. Instead, you both encouraged me and pushed me to do it.  So, thank you for believing in me when I didn’t! I love you so much! I can’t wait until Hawaii!

MAIA – Since the first time I met you, I knew that you had the sweetest heart! I had the privilege to personally see and experience how intentional you are with people, not just people you know, but everyone we encountered along the race. You have the biggest heart and I love that about you!  You constantly pour your heart out into people and love them so well. You are such a bundle of joy! A joy that is so warm, inviting and contagious! Thank you for being so intentional with everything that you do! For noticing when I was not okay or being myself. For being so intentional to want to know my heart behind what I was feeling, thinking, experiencing or saying. Thank you for your constant words of affirmation. At first, I felt weird receiving it, but I learned that is how you display your love and it also shows how observant you are with everyone. I am so encouraged by this because one word can change someone’s day around, and why not brighten someone’s day as you have to me.  I admire how great you are at connecting with people. You know exactly the right words to say, but most importantly you know the right questions to ask. As you always say; vulnerability creates vulnerability, and you exemplify that so well. You lead with vulnerability and thus, I felt comfortable sharing my heart with you. I am so proud of you for stepping into this next season as the new squad lead! Love you so much!! Can’t wait for your wedding!!!!!

ZACH – When I first met you, I am not going to lie, I thought you were a little creepy because you just like to stare at people. I later realized that you stare because you are in deep thought or because you are observing something or someone. You are a very observant, thoughtful and compassionate person. I appreciated how observant you were with me, especially when I needed help and I did not want to ask for help. Thank you for teaching me that asking for help is okay. I loved seeing you stepping out of your comfort zone. Watching you grow in boldness and overcoming some of your fears have been very inspiring to me. Also, thank you for teaching me the value of vulnerability. I appreciate that you allowed me to be vulnerable with you and for always being there to listen to me.  But most importantly, thank you for calling me higher and calling me out on some of my character flaws and making me realize that I need to depend on the Lord for everything; including comfort. I also learned that I need to do a better job at extending grace to myself and others at all times.  I am a much better person than when I started, and I am grateful for your friendship. You are THE funniest person on the team, and I appreciate all of the laughs that we’ve shared! (P.S. Stay tuned! I am still planning on completing our funny vlogs from the first couple of months.) I am excited for this next season for you as a team lead! I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses you and continues to grow you.

ETHAN – You are one of the kindest people I know.  You are also a very talented musician and you have taught me to appreciate worship even more than I ever did. I am so grateful that you brought your guitar on the race and for always be willing to play for us and for others. You have grown so much as the worship coordinator on the squad and I admire that. Your knowledge of the bible is incredible and so inspiring. I aspire to get to your level one day. I also admire how you can preach/teach the bible so easily and effectively. You definitely have a gift and your enthusiasm for the Word is so contagious. I get excited when I read the bible now because I would love to contribute to the deep conversations you have. Thank you for kind words of encouragement and words of affirmation that you have given me over this topic the last couple of months. Last month, in particular, you and Amanda did not let me think about quitting when I had to teach at the Bible school. Instead, you encouraged me and pushed me to do it.  So, thank you for pushing out of my comfort zone and for believing in me, when I didn’t! Keep sharing your testimony, even though it does not seem to be so drastic. I was definitely inspired by it and I know it can impact so many people. I can’t wait to see you in Denver! See ya in Hawaii!!

STEFFY – I remember the first conversation we had before starting the race. You were this cute little person, so bubbly and excited to get to know us. You were so interested in knowing the areas that I wanted to grow in and be challenged in. Once we were on the field, you were so intentional at making sure that I was challenging myself. You pushed me out of my comfort zone from the time we landed in Peru!  You truly live by, ministry is life and life is ministry, and I admire that.  I wouldn’t be as bold as I am now if it was not for you! Thank you for leading our team and setting a firm foundation before you left! I appreciate the guidance you provided our team and myself. I love the way God uses you, and the way he speaks to you. I love that you not only know your spiritual gifts, but you apply them in your daily life. I pray that he continues to guide you through this next chapter in your life! I hope you are living it up in Australia!

AMAZEd by You, THANK YOU! Specifically, thank you for teaching me so much about people, life and about myself. I love you so much! You will always have a special place in my heart!

With Love,

Ana Marmolejo (aka A-Money Marmolizzle)

P.S. While this chapter of my journey closes, I am excited for the next chapter with my new team: Kingdom Seekers. I am excited because new beginnings bring new growth.