(Part 1 of 3)
As many of you know, I was recently in Gainesville, Georgia outside of Atlanta attending Training Camp for Gap Year. So what happened? Well first I have to explain the logistics of the World Race and introduce you to who I was with. So on the World Race: Gap Year 2018 there are 6 routes (or squads) each going to a different set of countries. I am on Route 6 also known as Gap Squad V. Each squad is made of of six teams. I would love to talk about all 45+ people on my squad, but I’m mainly going to focus on my team. (To meet everyone, follow our squad instagram @wrgyvsquad.) This year Adventures in Missions aka AIM (the organization that runs the World Race) decided to have all guy teams since they have enough men this year!
Introducing: THE SILVERBACKS…
NAME: Ben Chung
NICKNAMES: Mulan, Jinny, Benji
AGE: 20
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
CATCHPHRASE: “Bet”, “Phat Bet”
BIO: He is the eldest, loudest, most hype guy on the team. Resident animal expert and nickname giver. 50% Korean, 50% Irish, 100% Kool Kat.
benchung.theworldrace.org
NAME: Elijah Cordero
NICKNAMES: Mom, Jah
AGE: 18
LOCATION: Knoxville, TN
CATCHPHRASE: *Quack*
BIO: He is our Puerto Rican mother who prepared for every situation. Daredevil, break-dancer, boxer, meme-master.
Elijahcordero.theworldrace.org
NAME: Carter Blackwell
NICKNAMES: Daddy
AGE: 18
LOCATION: Greenville, SC
CATCHPHRASE: “Oooooh, baby…”
BIO: Carter is the happy-go-lucky dude. Lacrosse, athletic, pretzel dancing. He is always excited for an adventure. Big-time bromancer.
carterblackwell.theworldrace.org
NAME: Caleb Stiefel
NICKNAMES: Fred, Squirt
AGE: 18
LOCATION: Boise, ID
CATCHPHRASE: “YEE, YEE!”
BIO: Caleb is a killer on the dance floor. Humble, funny, will low-key roast you. Intense worshiper, lord of fire.
NAME: Jacob Lewe
NICKNAMES: Jlewewhatitdo, Jacobi, Tender
AGE: 17
LOCATION: Chantilly, Virginia
CATCHPHRASE: “Country roads, take hooomee…”
BIO: Jacob is the little brother, even though he insists he’s big brother. Hype, fun, ticklish, probably reminds you of your one Asian friend.
NAME: Brenden Kidd
NICKNAMES: Brenden
AGE: 17
LOCATION: Parrish, FL
CATCHPHRASE: (anything Spongebob that fits the situation.)
BIO: He is quiet, but when he speaks we all die with laughter. Methodical, smart, dark humour is his jam. Secretly our overlord.
NAME: Joshua Petterle
NICKNAMES: Shua
AGE: 18
LOCATION: Littleton, CO
CATCHPHRASE: (insert his jolly laugh)
BIO: Josh is is easily the tallest of our group (we are not known for our heighth.) Athletic, kind, encouraging, and avid hammock sleeper at Training Camp.
joshuapetterle.theworldrace.org
These are the boys. The team, our alumni leaders Eli, Dakota, and Clay, and the Squad Coach Brian. My guys. I cannot believe how close we got in 10 days and can’t imagine how close 9 months will bring us. I’m excited to get to know them better and I’m excited for you to as well. Now what did we do at Training Camp? Check out Part 2!
________________
IG: @wrgyvsquad .
Philip I LOVED this. made me smile and made me laugh (aka tender). loved how intentional you were with these guys. super cool. keep being intentional. it goes a long way
This is awesome! Thanks for filling in important blanks. More confirmation of the word I gave you regarding your heart. Someone should do this for every team. One correction; Cathy and I are your coaches. Kate is the sole mentor. That said, we aim to be transparent too.
NAME: Brian and Cathy Gray
NICKNAMES: Bridog / Catdog
AGE: Stone / Dirt
LOCATION: Comayagua Honduras
CATCHPHRASE: “Porque? Porque Si!” / “Are you kidding?!”
BIO: Brian and Cathy are by far the oldest in our group and will be meeting up with the teams every three months. They are full time missionaries / laid down lovers of God and His children, especially the children of His children.
Thanks Kyla! Your enthusiasm for Jesus is such an encouragement, and I hope to get to know you a little better while you’re on the field with us!
Ok I actually love that you did your own haha.. thanks for the wisdom you’ve given, and correcting me on the roles everyone plays. It gets confusing lol. Can’t wait to see y’all again! (Also you look great for being as old as Stone and dirt hahaha)
I laughed a lot. this is good stuff.
Thanks, Aidyn! Everyone should go check out her latest blog its amazing!! aidyncarnes.theworldrace.org
This squad seems hilarious and wholesome haha, thanks for putting together these little bios. Sounds like you’re gonna have a blast! And I love how everyone is from a different state. My prayers are with all of you whippersnappers in the Silverbacks and the other squads too.
This comment makes you sound like you are 80 haha. You would love everyone. Have fun in cheery ‘ole England!!