P's of P squad, 3rd generation

In January 2015 my daughter, Alyssa Nobles, and fifty three young adults left America for the World Race.  This group is labeled P squad by Adventures in Missions, which is the organization sending them on this Kingdom Journey. Ahead of them are 11 countries over the course of 11 months. They will traverse 3 continents and spend the entire year in summer. 

In less than 11 days, forty six young adults will re-enter America. They have lived Hebrews 12: 1, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

In the spirit of "11 in 11" here are 11 P's for P squad, including some scripture I prayed for them during the year.

Plans 
These young people gave up their plans for a year.  They were willing to put plans on hold and seek after the plans that God had for them. They had no idea all the challenges they would encounter as God grew them and changed them for His glory.

Prayer
Much prayer has accompanied this squad. They have prayed for healing, they have prayed against spiritual warfare, they have prayed for protection. Parents, friends, family and even strangers have interceded for P squad during their "normal days" and the struggles they have faced this year. 
"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up." Luke 18:1

Poop
It happens!  It was all squad month during February, and everyone suffered some type of intestinal problem.  I'm sure having abdominal issues is even less fun when you can't flush the toilet paper...which is typical in 3rd world countries.

Perseverance
Living in community 24/7 in a foreign culture, with unusual foods, serving the local church as missionaries, giving up comforts like a bed, and regular bathing facilities for 11 months requires perseverance.  Bus rides through street riots. Bridges that are out and require you to walk for miles with your pack through Bolivia.  A life changing car accident in India.  An armed robbery that involves machetes. These type of difficulties would cause most people to give up and go home. Not P squad...they persevered!

Power
They experienced the power of God in the Nepal earthquake.
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

Patience
Everyday required patience and dependence on God. 
"For this reason also, since the day we hear this, we haven't stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing n the knowledge of God.  May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enable you to share in the saints' inheritance in the light." Colossians 1:9-12

Pleasure
They knew how to work hard, but also to play hard. They enjoyed many pleasures as they traveled and enjoyed God's creation.  Waterfalls, safaris, boat rides, beaches, sunsets, sunrises, lakes, puddles, rice fields, volcanoes, swings, hospitality of others, good food, sweet children, great worship, and baptisms.

People
P squad knows how to love people.  They love like Jesus.  They love the unlovable, the hurting, the broken, the children, the widow and even the enemy.  
"Show family affection to one another with brotherly love.  Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10

Pain
They experienced so much pain...physical pain, spiritual pain, emotional pain. 
"Therefore we do not lose heart.  though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Purpose
These young adults all went on the race for one purpose - to serve the nations and glorify God.

Pursuit
They pursued a deeper relationship with Jesus and He in turn pursued them.  They have grown and changed during this journey called the World Race.  

P squad keep pursuing Jesus, living life for His purpose, and pushing through the pain while loving people. Take pleasure in each day and know that God has a plan for you as you return to America.  I will keep praying for you.  

"The Lord is indeed going before you- he will be with you; he will not fail you or abandon you.  Do not be afraid or discouraged!" Deuteronomy 31:8

Love from MamaNobles

PVT - Thailand, part 2

I read all the blogs of P squad...every one of them.  I comment on many of them. This group of people on 3rd generation P squad have encouraged me over the past 7 months. They are willing to ask the hard questions, go to the hard places, love the unlovable, walk into the unknown and embrace life with their whole being.  They hear scripture in a new way, they listen to God with new ears and they pray with a renewed fervor and spirit.  

I knew going to join Alyssa and her squad at PVT would be a blessing, but I had never been off the continent of North America.  I was not excited about the long travel days and hours in the air.  I didn't know what to expect because I had never been immersed in another culture.  

After a few days in Thailand, I found that being away from the normalcy of America to be so refreshing.  I think that is what the World Racers experience as they move to different countries and cultures.  In the spirit of one of my favorite P squad blogger, Melissa Bjorklund, here are some things that stand out from my time in Thailand.

So many

smells

markets - everyone is selling something

smiles

motorcycles, scooters, songtaews, tuk tuks

temples

spirit houses with food offerings

animals roaming the streets

people outside - sitting, hanging laundry, eating, talking, working, walking

coffee shops

The people in Chiang Mai never seem to be in a hurry

The children don't throw temper tantrums or seem cranky

I loved hearing the new language and trying to communicate with people and the racers do it so well and with such ease.  I learned a lot about relationships watching P squad during my week at PVT.  

I learned

share your story

hear their story

let go of your desires and serve others

accept those that are different 

World Racers spend 11 months in 11 countries serving and loving others.  They are learning about relationships and in turn they have taught me so much through their examples. 

Thank you P squad for living out Colossians 3:1-17

(my paraphrasing)

  

Racers set their mind on things above and put aside worldly things and desires. 

The racers have compassion, they are kind, they are humble, they are gentle, they are patient, they forgive and accept others. They truly have an attitude of gratitude and do all for His glory.

Fresh Vegetables at the market

Fresh meat at the market

booth at one of the many night markets

A few P squad racers reunited on streets of Chiang Mai