Rough Places– The WR goes to the most needed places… when we go to Europe, we don’t go for the Leaning Tower of Pisa; when we go to Australia, we don’t stay at a resort (it’s been referred to the worst living environment); when we go to Asia, we don’t go to see the astonishing gardens. We aren’t going on a yearlong vacation, were going to serve God where no one else wants to go.
As in my last blog, Training Camp really trained us for these rough conditions. Sleeping in small tents with roommates and our packs, overcrowded dorm rooms, and buses (thank God for the Eno!) These conditions are necessary because we need to know how to reach these ‘lost souls’ and what better way than to live like the live. We put ourselves in their shoes.
Close Community and Honest Feedback– In America, we have been accustom to bad communications skills. We rarely find time to get to know someone in person because there is texting and instant messaging now-a-days. Most importantly, if someone has a problem with another person, they gossip rather than confront the person themselves.
At Training Camp we had to give and receive feedback; both positive and negative. I thought this was amazing! Finally someone will tell me a negative and how I can improve myself! I didn’t hear much negative feedback due to the fact that we are all just met each other but I was super stoked! And this will also get me out of my comfort zone and be able to open up… which I am soo ready for! : )
Trained Support Staff– Awesome! I L O V E the staff! Everyone is supper supportive and actually listens to what you have to say! I think this is because most all of the staff has gone on the race and has firsthand experience. They love to support you financially, blogging, and most importantly by praying.
K-Squad did have a ‘hiccup’ with staffing. We had a team leader drop out because of personal reasons but she is still supportive of our squad. She might not be there for us physically but she will be there for us through prayer… what more could you ask for!? And I will always remember how to tie a knot for my tent! Now we did end up with another team leader. She thought she was done leading squads but she listened to God and is now leading our squad this sept! We have been soo blessed!
A Constant Challenge to Mature– Once we are born, we are maturing. Some people mature faster than others (while others seem to never mature <–sarcasm lol). In America we are considered and adult at 18 but yet we don’t have complete freedom to do whatever till we are 21. I feel as though we are fighting for freedom and rights and maturity. But maturity isn’t something you can win it’s something you gain threw life experiences.
On the WR we are challenged to make adult dissensions and (of course) act like an adult. At training camp, we were challenged to make adult decisions. I only remember one rule “don’t pee in the bushes!” Other than that, we had to make the right choice to go the childish route or the adult route… I feel we all chose the right route.
Confirmation from God and hearing the Voice of the Spirit– We all were chosen to come on the race. We all had to make the choice to come. We all had to go through an interview. Of course we all passed because we all made it to Training Camp. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if God gave me a confirmation to go on the race. Yes, I had the funds. Yes, I had support. But I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to go. At training camp, I knew this is where God wants me to be. I didn’t hear him speak to me, I didn’t see a sign that said yes, but I did feel him wrap his arms around me and comfort me. He knows exactly how to speak to you; you just have to be willing to listen.
