So at the end of Cambodia we said goodbye to our teams and started a new adventure with a new team.  So I'd like to introduce my new team Waka Waka! 

I get to be with this team for two months, last month in Ethiopia and this month in Rwanda.  So why did we choose the name Waka Waka?  Well "Waka Waka" was the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup which happened to be held in Africa that year.  It's a fun catchy song and we were heading to Africa so what could be a better choice?

Here's a sample of the lyrics:
You're a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up and dust yourself off and back in the saddle
You're on the front line
Everyone's watching
You know it's serious we're getting closer, this isn't over
The pressure is on
You feel it
But you've got it all
Believe it
When you fall get up oh oh
And if you fall get up oh oh
Tsamina mina zangalewa ( Come! Come! Who has called you?)
'Cause this is Africa

I think these lyrics sound like a call to battle.  We are a team of people who love Christ and want to follow what God has for us.  I think it's a really good anthem because we are all fighting a spiritual battle.  Through the ups and downs we want Christ to be at the center of everything we do!

So who's on my team?
 Back row, left to right:  First there is Preston Robinson from South Carolina.  He's the baby of the squad but he is also the tallest.  He has one of the biggest hearts for people I've ever seen.   He loves getting to know people and understanding who they are.  He also has a passion for music and worship, he even brought his guitar on the race!  Next there is the beautiful Lauren Mating in the middle.  She is from Illinois.  She is a sweet woman who loves kitties, chocolate and taking care of people.  She has made our time together extra sweet as she loves sharing her chocolate and snacks with us.  Next is Mike Pickett from Michigan.  He's our amazing team leader.   He loves studying the Bible and sharing his insight in our team Bible study. He is also always up to play sports with anyone who is willing. 

Front row: On the left is me.  I like adventures (especially when they are spontaneous), creating art through photography and videography and dancing. The smiley curly blonde in the middle is Courtney Steele.  Indiana born, she loves ice cream, volleyball and serving others.  Back at home she has 9 siblings who she loves a whole lot. Lucky her, she gets to spend next month with me too!  Lastly there's Saylah Leu from Washington.  She claims that Washington is the best state ever.  She loves traveling, hiking, mountains and telling stories through her camera.  She is also a very talented artist who likes to paint the places she visits.

So that's my team! Thank you for reading and please keep us in your prayers!

Love, Jewel