Busted Comfort Zone #2: Sleeping Arrangements
At training camp, we were given little glimpses of places and situations we may be sleeping while on the Race. Some nights were a real challenge and I didn't sleep much, but others I slept like a baby. It was so crazy to see how my perspective changed so quickly.
One night we had to sleep in a school bus. Now this might not sound that complicated, but it's 55 people AND our big backpacks and day packs. I honestly doubted we would all fit, but with the talents God has blessed my squadmates with, everyone was able to fit. Now sleeping on the other hand? Not so much. There was one hilarious moment at about midnight when all of us in the back of the bus just erupted in laughter at how funny this moment is.
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Here's what all of our packs stuffed in the front looked like
This is what it looked like when we were all stuffed in there! And yes, those are hammocks hanging from the emergency exits! Haha!
Most of us barely slept that night, but we were all thankful for it the rest of the week. Every night, no matter what the sleeping situation was, we all said "Well, at least we're not on the bus tonight". Our perspectives changed drastically and I'm so thankful for these lessons. Our squad really bonded that night and it paved the way for thankfulness for the rest of the week. Sleeping in a tent was a BEAUTIFUL gift after attempting to sleep sitting straight up.
Busted Comfort Zone #3: Community
The World Race culture is based around community and doing life together. I think this is just incredible, but something that is going to be a big challenge for me.
I'm one who likes to be independent and struggle with truly depending on people. I find myself putting walls up to protect myself from really letting people into my deep struggles and insecurites. God already showed me the beauty in walking in constant community. I cried more times this week than any other week in my life, but I can't tell you how amazing it was to be prayed for and loved on in those moments. God was breaking me down in many ways, all to pave the way for the new life He is bringing me into. I was not alone in this breaking though. I had such incredible support that was breaking right beside me.
You see, I seek to be the happy girl that has everything together. I pride myself in my ability to put a huge smile on my face, no matter what is really going on. But this is not okay. And my squadmates already saw right through this front I put up. They saw right through my constant smile that was covering up all the struggles I was going through this week and called me to something greater than what I've known. They told me, "Ally, you can have a bad day. You can cry, you can be mad, you can have struggles, and we will still love you". I've always known this, but during training camp, God opened my heart to really accept this truth.
I know my journey to real community is going to be a messy one. I know I'm going to want to run away from being vulnerable. But I know God is going to gently teach me and grow me. I know I have to experience this to be the woman He's created me to be. I am going to know Him better by letting down my walls with my team and squad. I am going to learn to be more like Him as I humble myself and show that I do not have it all together. He will sweetly love me through this process of brokenness and I know the Ally Blackwell that has finished the World Race will be more like Christ than the one that sitting here writing this blog.
So here's my Squad. Here's the people that will be doing this journey with me. They are already my family and I can't wait to see how the Lord bonds us and changes us to be more like Christ.
Financial Update: I need more than $1,500 by June 15th to be able to go on the World Race. Your financial support is needed and I pray that you open your heart to what God is calling you to give. I can't go if I do not have this money in my account in just 2 weeks. Every little bit helps and is GREATLY appreciated! THANK YOU! Click on the link on the left of the screen that says "Support Me" link on the left side of the screen to donate using debit or credit card. You can also mail a check/cash to 5053 Waterport Way Duluth, GA 30096
