A picture of Team Firme, including our alumni team leader Anna and our squad leader Philip!

Dear Team Firme,

Thank you so much for all you've taught me. You've seen so much of my heart, and you still love me the same. You've seen my strengths and weaknesses; you've pointed out what I'm doing well and you've gently called me to a higher standard.

Through our vulnerability with each other and the Lord, barriers have been broken down, and you've made me feel at home. You've created a safe space to be myself and you've given me grace. Even when it was hard, we've learned to invest into each other.

We've gone through all the "firsts" together: our first team time, our first squad church, our first ministry day, our team testimonies. It makes me sad that we've already finished our "lasts." Our last Bible project team time, our last feedback session together as a team. And all too soon, we finished our last fun team time together in this imperfectly beautiful unit.

We've laughed together, we've cried together. God gave me you as a gift for the season I was in, because He knew how much I needed you. Because God let me do all my firsts with you, I know I'm prepared to do a second round of firsts with my new team.

I'm so thankful for all you've taught me, but most importantly, I'm thankful for you. Team Firme, you'll always have a piece of my heart.

Love, Shanan

P.S. Firme (feer - meh) means "steadfast" in Spanish - steadfast was a word that stood out to our team for the season we were in. God is still using it to minister to me now - His love remains steadfast even through all the changes we're going through! (more on that later...)