#SparkLA2010 Spark Team

I decided to do a separate post about the team itself.  Serving with this team of women was perhaps the most surprising joy of the weekend.  We were the epitome of variety.  20 year old college students, 74 year old great-grandmothers, North Dallas socialites, working moms who picked up extra jobs to pay their way, nurses, paralegals, social workers, stay-at-home moms, p.e. coaches, and ex-cons.  You name it, we probably had it!  But, the one thing you would not find numbered among us was a princess.  (Even I left my tiara at home on this trip!)  I watched these women serve tirelessly, kindly, generously -- at Hope Gardens, on the bus, in the hotel.  They consistently looked for ways to bless whoever was within reach.  It struck me the morning we got to the ranch and there were boxes that had to be carried up a long path.  They fought for the opportunity to carry a box.  Then, that same day, the wind was blowing our screen over, and Linda volunteered to sit behind the screen and hold it steady throughout our session.  I smiled because I realized she was grateful for the opportunity to serve and because I knew any one of us would have gladly traded places with her.

At every meal, every bus ride, and on the planes, I had the opportunity to get to know different members of this remarkable team.  I met Jolie, a fashion merchandising student from Baylor, on her second Spark Trip.  She was traveling with her mom and her sister, and she'd recruited two of her college roommates and their moms, too.  I met, Sharon, a p.e. teacher and coach's wife from Abilene, on her second trip as well.  She rescued me from having to use the helium tank to blow up balloons, and she let me snuggle up next to her when I couldn't stop shivering around the camp fire.  I met, Sherry, the wife of a minister who was very influential in encouraging God's gifting and calling in my life when I was a high school student.  I sat next to Carrie, a Premier jeweler from Kansas City who heard about the trip in September and decided to fly out and see for herself what all the fuss was about.  She brought her coworker, Janet from San Diego as well.  I met Allison, a pastor's wife, and her friends Beverly and Nancy.  They were there to check things out so that they could recruit women from their church to anchor the next Spark trip to Orlando this coming February.  I met Sue, an incredibly organized and talented cook who worked for hours on her feet preparing incredible meals for all of us.  I met Linda, a librarian from Plano, a grandmother with a heart of gold.  I met Cindy, an ex-con who wants to go to seminary.  I met Jennifer, a paralegal who moonlights as a photographer.  I met Stacy, a minister to person's with special needs with a gift for running sound equipment.  I met Sandra, a life coach with a single son who lives in Alaska. :-)  I met Ms. June, who shared her testimony about how God has become a husband to her since her own husband was tragically shot five years ago.  I met Julie, who is allowing God to heal her broken heart after addiction held her captive for years.  I met Amanda, who bravely told her story of shame and grace and repentance.  I met Kathryn, a brand new believer already learning how to serve.  And on and on and on ...

Each and every one of these women with a story and a heart to let the Lord use her however He sees fit.  It was the most beautiful picture of the Body of Christ I have yet to experience.