The Dream Team

Although we had all been in Colorado for a week together, I didn't actually get to see much of the rest of my team, due to the fact that I am in a different EDGE class than them. (And, yes, the "them" includes Lori - now that's she's marrying Dustin, she gets to go back to EDGE!) By the end of our summit, I was missing them terribly. Fortunately, our time together wasn't up yet, and we took off for Breckenridge for three days.

Now, I feel I should point out for the casual reader that this is unusual. It's not often that you find a group of co-workers who love each other so much that they're willing to spend their own money on a weekend away just so they could hang out one last time before parting ways. It's not often that the people you work with really are some of your favorite people in the world. And it's not just a Nav or EDGE thing, either; I know plenty of EDGErs who love their team, but wouldn't necessarily choose to go away together like we did. Before I paint too idealistic of a picture, I will say that we have our issues. I've had to have hard conversations with each one of them, and I'm pretty sure they've had to have hard conversations with each other. We are sinners, and we hurt each other (remember one of my lessons for the year - relationships are hard!). But I think that's what makes it so sweet - "love covers a multitude of sins". This team loves each other.

And I loved every moment of our time in Breckenridge. Half of the shops and restaurants were closed because we went in the off-season, but we had a blast watching movies, playing games, shopping, eating, ice skating, and taking in the gorgeous mountains.

I was having so much fun, that I kind of forgot to take pictures. However, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my friends, and tell you what it is that I love about each of them.Diana is someone who worships God with her whole being. She is quick to go to God in prayer, and you will often find her playing her guitar and singing praises to the Lord. She's my fellow introvert in the Strudel house, and it's nice to have someone else who understands that side of me. Diana is also incredibly athletic. She's quiet and unassuming, but deadly on the sports field!

Dustin is the most tender-hearted thug you'll ever meet. He's someone who throws out phrases like "what up dawg" and "off the hizz" as though it was his second nature. Yet, at the same time, he can make you feel incredibly cared for with an encouraging word. He is a man who listens to God even when it's hard (like choosing EDGE Corps over medical school). Dustin is also the source of many a nickname...including Momo. (A couple of months ago, he actually called me "Krista", and we both stopped the conversation and said, "that was weird".)

Lori is a kindred spirit. We often comment on how we think similarly about a lot of things. She is a woman who has an unflagging trust in the goodness of God, and never fails to speak truth into my life. She has a beautiful feminine presence, but she has a tough side as well (just ask her about her football injury). Lori is famous for the Bowman Scamper.

Robin is the kind of friend I can talk to for hours and not realize that any time has passed (great for our friendship - not so great for Bible study prep). She has a sweet, joyful energy that is contagious. You can't help but smile when she smiles and laugh when she laughs. She is hungry for God's Word, and seeks to really apply it to her life. Robin can also do a mean interpretive dance to Il Divo.

And Steven. Steven knows more facts about a wider variety of things than anyone else I know. You can ask him to talk about almost anything, and even if he doesn't know much about it, chances are he knows something. He's an incredible man to learn from. He has a deep walk with the Lord which finds its roots in a solid foundation in the Word. He's also the only man I know who can pull off wearing a bright pink headband, a collared polo shirt and bright blue basketball shorts.

This is my team. These are the people I love. And this is a long post. Shoot! I wasn't going to do that!