Training Camp… BLOG 1- The expectations
Training Camp was probably the hardest thing that I have done and yet one of my favorite experiences of all time. I went in a little nervous and a little lost. I was not sure that I had packed the right items or that I was in the best physical shape that I could be. BUT I was not going to let that stop me.
Preceding the training camp experience I expected two things:
1-To confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that God had called me to this mission
2-That I was going to be broken in every area of my life
From the moment that I got accepted, the Lord began to move in my spirit and my soul so that when I arrived at Training Camp I would come in ready to receive. I began to feel a brokenness in my spirit that allowed me to be tender towards the things that God was speaking into my life.
By spying on peoples Facebook and our Blogs I found out that I was older than 99% of my squad-mates and I knew that I could not come in as a know it all self absorbed old lady, because ladies and gentlemen… The more I know the more I realize I know nothing, and that attitude is a huge turn off for people. So I mentally prepared myself to be receptive and to learn from people that are much younger than me (one of them is 11 years younger, which means I could be his mama… scary!). I prepared to listen and be teachable which was not always easy. In the past I have prided myself in knowing a WHOLE lot of information; I have 2 associates degrees, 2 bachelors and 1 masters degree. These will come in handy, but ONLY the LORD and the guidance of His Holy Spirit would allow me to come into the brokenness and freedom that I expected out of this week.
I enjoyed my flight to Atlanta because I got a nice 3 hour nap which helped offset the sleepless night before. I had popped my knee out of place and strained my ankle so I was wearing a brace on both and it all throbbed. I woke up twice during the flight… Once to drink a nice little Ginger Ale and the second right before landing. I was pooped!
When I got to baggage claim, my bag was not there. I burst into LOUD laughter and just whispered, "of course God, this is a test… I know it has to be!" The airline had misplaced my luggage and I was stuck with just what was in my carryon. They asked me to wait and Thankfully… It magically appeared in another airline's baggage claim area within 15 minutes. I was grateful! Especially since I had repacked my bag 5 times the night before just to make sure I had everything.
When I showed up to the Atlanta Bread Company at the airport I saw a myriad of backpacks and people wearing 4 different colors. I got really excited! I knew that this was it… The moment I was waiting for and the expectations of the unknown were becoming a reality.
