My Zephyr Brothers

I am not exaggerating at all. I absolutely LOVE the guys I work with...and I say guys in the truest sense of the word. I am the only girl who works in this office. When I first started working here, I was overwhelmed. What was fantasy football? Why did I just get hit in the head with a dodgeball while working at my desk? Who is listening to Travis Tritt?

I can honestly say at this point that I am closer to these guys than I am to many of the people in my life. I spend more time with them than I spend with just about anyone. They are my brothers...and some of my best friends. They drive me NUTS sometimes. Literally. Insane. But I wouldn't trade them for anyone else in the world. Wait, maybe Mark Wahlberg. Okay, okay...just kidding. :)

Want to meet them? Here they are...with a few things I think you should know about each of them.

Stuart (aka: The Boss)

Stuart is the boss. He is the Executive Director on camp and has been here for a long time. When I first started working at Zephyr I did not understand some of what he said to me: "Call the water guy" or "Get me the number for the AC guy." However, I have become quite proficient in "Stuart-lingo" :) He knows things about the camp that the rest of us do not, and probably will never know. He is pretty tough - but I know we are cool because he buys me multi-colored sticky notes and brings us frappuccinos sometimes. He also makes me feel really good about myself because he thinks I'm a computer genius...haha.

Shaune (aka: Shy Shauney)

One time I told Shaune “You are like a professor, but you don’t teach any classes.” And it’s true. Shaune is SO SMART. Not only does he know what every word in the english language means, he is able to see potential in the people around him. I am POSITIVE I wouldn’t be where I am today...in this ministry or in my life, without his direction and guidance. He is also hilarious. From time to time he dances or does cheers for no apparent reason. He really is a great musician and he leads worship and writes music on a regular basis. But he also writes songs “on the fly” about pizza and crazy people and our co-workers. He also hates mornings...which, as a fellow morning hater, I love. And sometimes he brings me chocolate. 1,000,000 bonus points.

Tyler (aka: DJ Uppercut)

TY is one of the most discerning people you will ever meet. He is awesome at hiring staff because he seriously has these ‘gut feelings’ about people and they almost always turn out to be right. He is also EXTREMELY detailed. He separates his highlighters and pens in the cup on his desk. He can, right at this moment, probably list 100 things we can do to improve the camp. I admire this characteristic so much – most likely because I don’t have that ability at all. He sees things that other people miss, and that is invaluable. He is also super cool. I’m not kidding. He’s cooler than you. You think you know a great new band? He’s already heard of them, and he knows all of their songs. And he’s HILARIOUS as well. He frequently gets the guy staffers to ‘group hug’ me. He makes up ridiculous nicknames for people. He also has some pretty great dance moves, and you will never beat him in a battle of cut downs so don’t try.

BJ (aka: Beejeezy)

BJ can seriously do anything. You ask him to do something that requires his hands and he will just do it. He is hilarious and I absolutely love when he sings out loud, especially after prayer time in the morning. I have seriously never seen him get mad or frustrated. I am always getting in a mood about something and Beej just doesn’t let it get to him. He is also extremely generous. I never hesitate to ask him if I need something because I know he will do it. He has been at my house on multiple occasions jump starting a car or moving a desk or putting IKEA furniture together. He can get along with anyone and never hesitates to tell me what I need to hear – even if I don’t want to hear it. He is also the best storyteller in the world. His stories are hysterical...and come complete with sound effects and hand motions. They are the best.

Luke (aka: The Lukester)

I honestly adore Luke. We started at the same time on summer staff in 2004, so I have probably known him the longest of all the guys. Back then he was a baby high school boy and I have watched him move from that to the guy he is today. He tries to pretend that he is hard core but he’s a major softie. He is more meticulous and organized than any guy I’ve ever met – no exaggeration. He has a white board in the office that is constantly filled with a million tasks/notes written in perfect letters arranged in straight lines. What the word for that Luke? Tactical. Yes, he’s tactical. I am constantly worried about him as he is not scared of anything and seriously thinks things like “driving 120 miles an hour” or “jumping off of tall things” are great fun. Luke goes out of his way to help people – and always makes sure that I have what I need to get things accomplished. He doesn’t believe me when I say that I can handle it on my own and makes sure I have the help I need even if I don’t think I need it. He works really long hours to make sure that retreats and summer camps run like clockwork. He’s a huge blessing to the ministry here, and I love working with him.

I think if I were to get married right now I would have these guys in the wedding. Maybe as bridesmen? Hahaha...just kidding. But I really really love them.

{straight thuggin in the Dining Hall}

{BJ - "Don't do creepy"}

I have the great privilege of working with people that I admire, learn from and laugh with until my eyes are watering and my sides hurt. I can’t imagine my life without them, and I’m so grateful for these guys – even when they throw dodgeballs at my head. :)