So you’ve just been accepted to the World Race. You’re overwhelmed by all the papers you have to read, starting support raising, telling your friends and family, and pricing all of the gear you’ll have to buy. There is tons of information to take in, but still nothing is specific…there is still an ere of mystery about this whole thing. The next step is training camp. It is just as mysterious as the Race…no one will really tell you what you’ll be doing or how to prepare. It would be so nice if some one could just tell you something about camp! Well that’s not going to be me – I am not going to tell you anything about camp. The mystery is necessary.
I will tell you a little bit of how to prepare for camp though…
First, try to get rid of all your expectations of training camp, the Race, your future team, your squad, and your route. It’s best to just come in with a blank slate regarding these things.
Second, be prepared for God to show up. He will be there no matter what. It will be your choice to embrace Him and let Him work in your own life OR just watch Him work in other’s lives and close your own off to Him.
Third, be prepared to be broken. If you decide to let God in and start working through you, He will break you. Everyone has something they’re struggling with or have struggled with, the Lord will bring it up. He will break you regarding it so that He can start healing you and teaching you.
Fourth, be prepared to deal with your crap. Once God breaks you, He will want to start bring healing. That may be really hard for some people to let happen. But restoration is necessary, and the Lord is the only that can bring it. I recommend not keeping anything bottled in and being open and honest from day one. The earlier you let Him break you and bring restoration, the earlier you can start rejoicing in His restoration and you can start letting your squadmates into your life.
Lastly, have an open mind. Most likely this will be a very unique experience for you. Don’t let frustration or disappointment from certain expectations sink in just because it’s different than you’re used to. Leave your mind open and allow the Spirit to work. You WILL be amazed.
I know it’s not that much, but it’s all I can offer. Training camp isn’t about the physical events you’re going to be doing or the people you’re going to meet. It’s about preparation, healing, restoration, forgiveness, finding joy, finally believing truth, and finding Freedom. It’s going to be your experience if you let it. No one can tell you what you’re going to encounter or how you’re going to be changed because that is different for every individual. Just come ready to be changed – if you let it, it will happen.
P.S. – If you’re coming to training camp in the fall, make sure and bring lots of clothes for layering because mornings and nights have the potential to be very chilly!
