I told myself before last week that when I finally got to writing the infamous blog about training camp that I would be careful to remember what it felt like to blog stalk other future racers who had just finished training camp, and tend to their needs. But, just like every blog I read prior, I’m afraid you won’t find rest in your anticipation here either. Before I continue I have to disclaim that there are just simply too many moments and people who cannot be described in words from TC. Unjustifiable by any sorts of beautiful writing, trying to explain these memories to anyone are a lot like putting God inside of the concept of time – impossible.
Through physical labor, hunger, spiritual attacks on our team and the constant excruciating craving for a single sip of coffee, here is one piece of advice that never failed to prove itself time and time again: have expectancy, not expectations. God shows up, but often not in the timeline that we want it.
Training camp’s mysteries forced me to be completely stripped of an assumed schedule, have an open mind to strange food, and hold fast to The Lord as each new day brought forth troubles of their own. Though every itinerary update made my heart take refuge in Him, D Squad held such strong posture in leaning into whatever came our way. We knew this week wasn’t necessarily going to be easy (physically, mentally, relationally, spiritually) but we also knew we had each other, and Jesus. There’s so much power in knowing that truth, but there’s so much more power in believing, applying, and living that truth out.
As the week went on, the distraught we all felt in the beginning few days faded as we met each new day with more and more ease. By the grace of God, we hoped for our bodies to have rest, prayed for our hunger to reside, and with each craving that was met I was learning something so true about life: Everything has a ceiling of happiness except Jesus. He is our true joy everlasting. The Starbucks I had been bribing the staff for all week ended up pretty heavenly, but it was just a quick fix I had simply taken for granted. The American food I would have given up my entire week’s clothes for ended up just making me sick. God is our portion; this proved true to me in the simplest ways at Training. It’s obvious that these lessons will reign true a lot more consistently when we’re on the Race.
There were a lot of times at training camp when I had to look to Him for the rest of my strength. I simply couldn’t remain comfortable on my own. I now understand why training camp is such a well kept secret; it’s pretty exceptional at repairing and setting our heart conditions, preparing and strengthening our minds and yes, physical bodies. We, as D Squad, stayed extremely close to The Lord as we went through situation after situation of discomfort, resting assured that this is all for Him. I prayed peace constantly, encouraging it to transcend across and into my teammates lives through training camp and the rest of this month prior to launch. For some reason God made it impeccably easy for me to give Him all my worries. If I could choose my favorite name for Him, it would be Prince of Peace.
An extremely powerful moment for me was when prayer over D Squad was given by our leaders, staff, coaches and D Squad Alumni. It led me to tears as I recognized who I was: a daughter of God, armed in Jesus, and whether I believed it or not, fully prepared. That’s the feeling you get at training camp: completely inadequate and fully prepared in Jesus’ armor. Now that I’m home for 5 weeks, I have begun to realize that this mantra deems true for the Christian life in general. I am nothing without Him.
D Squad is a uniquely designed team by God, just perfectly pieced together by the hearts and lives and roles of each of these women and men. We are an army rising. There were some moments at training camp where that vision was so strong it felt almost tangible. It was, and it will be.
Prophetic dreams and words of knowledge were being received and delivered to our Squad specifically by staff and coaches all week; it feels like God’s trust is directly correlated with our energy. It feels like we are not only Jesus’ hands and feet for these nations, there’s quite honestly no difference between His will and our actions. His Presence was felt constantly.
Oh training camp. You and everything we endured together will always hold a sacred spot in my heart. If you’re a future racer and are seeking answers to what this place is all about, forget it. Have an open mind and have expectancy; expectations will not help you here.
Ps. A follow-up blog will be posted about my team leadership role! Still processing this week through; I am thankful for everyone’s encouragement and support.
Warmly, Brittany
