Training Camp.. After all the waiting, it was finally here! What were my feelings? Total excitement!
Everyone asked, "Aren't you nervous?". The answer was simple, "No!". Even as my mom dropped me at the airport and she began to cry, I couldn't even bring a tear to my eyes. Even though I was sad to leave my family and friends, there was a greater excitement to start this journey God has lead me to.
I had a peace in me that could only come from God. Any fears, doubts, or worry were completely taken from me.
As all of us future Racers do, I was blog stalking days before, trying to get any last minute tips or advice. And the common theme.."Go to Training Camp with NO expectations."
Well let me tell you.. I think I did the exact opposite. I truly went to Training Camp expecting the very worst, and after much prayer, God gave me such peace about it.
To say the least, I was pleasantly surprised! All I heard was how it was the hardest week of any Racer's life, but for me, that was not the case. It was the most wonderful experience!
I was broken by God that week, but in the best way possible! God took away all my insecurities, doubts of the upcoming year, fear of the future, and all my hurt and pain from my past.
11 Training Camp High/Low Lights:
11. I saw my first, and SECOND, scorpion.. GROSS!
10. I got to be apart of worship like I've never seen or done before.. It was amazing!! As I stood, surrounded by 200+ people, I had never felt so alone with, or close to, God before!
9. I realized that I need to workout the next month before I leave, because carrying my pack is a lot more physical than I thought it would be.
8. I built friendships with 50 plus people, and am looking forward to the next year spent with them! I realized they all have past much like me, but we all get to live a fuller future because the love of Christ we share.
7. I was forced to step outside my comfort zone, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me! That includes the food I ate, the places I slept, the way I prayed, and so much more!
6. I asked God to talk to me that week, and He did in so many different ways! My favorite: as a speaker asked us to listen to God's voice a strong, cool breeze came through the pavilion where we stood. It was something you truly had to see (or feel) to truly understand the power!
5. I learned that through my past pains or hurts, I can grow from them, and even help others who are going through the same things now. By truly reaching someone's heart on a personal level it is so much more likely to lead them to a knowledge and relationship with God. -Quote by Ron Walborn, "joy comes in the mourning".
4. I learned how to accept God's will for my life, even when it doesn't fit the will I have for myself. -quote from one of Ron Walborn's sessions that really touched me, "Lord do what you need to do in me, so you can do anything you need to do through me."
3. God uses us all to talk to, and touch, each other. He did so to me twice, through two different people.
In one break out session, one of our trainers, Tim, said he had a vision of a wave, and asked if that made any sense to me. I told him "heck yes it did!" When ever I need God time, or to remind myself that He is powerful and in total control, I go to the beach and watch the waves. He told me that God isn't the wave, I AM! God is the wind behind, pushing me forward, but I am the wave. Beautiful. Powerful. Going out into the world to show God's love, power, and mercy. WOW!
Another night, as we were doing a prophecy exercise, one of my squad leaders said he saw a vision of a beach, looking out over the horizon. I was blown away! The beach has so much meaning to me, and it was amazing that God was using it as a way to talk to me. Dan told me that the importance of the horizon is we can only see out so far, but we know there is much more out there. He told me it was ok if I didn't know all of God's plan for my life, just as long as I knew that He DID have a plan for me.
2. I kind of already mentioned this.. but my prayer life was forever changed!!! I have prayed thousands of times with other people, but NEVER prayer over or with other people. It's amazing how when you not only pray to God, but WITH God, how much more He hears and answers us. As I was about to go to the hospital for an allergic reaction to bug bites, my whole squad gathered around me and placed hands on me. Talk about Love. Power. Devotion. Wow….
1. Lastly, as I went into the week I not only asked God to talk to me, but to show me a sign that He was there. As I sat in the hospital, watching my ankle swell larger and larger the nurse from camp decided we should make a mark so we can monitor the swelling. She did so, and we then began talking again. When the doctor came in not even five minutes later, I lifted my leg to show him. You would not (and I could not) believe it!!! The swelling had finally, and almost 18 hours, started to go down. IN FIVE MINUTES! I had taken no medicine in the time, just made a simple pen mark. And boy oh boy, did God do some might quick work!
Needless to say.. there was alot more that went on at camp, but I hope this helps give the a good idea! Basically.. In one week God wrecked me, formed me, lifted me up, prepared me, and blessed me with amazing Godly people to do His work this coming year. I am ready.. and waiting. T-minus 23 days until launch! Praise the LORD for bringing me to this point!
