Training camp… the ten days that every racer begins to dream of the second they learn they have been accepted onto the race. You put a count down in your phone, read every blog ever written on training camp, watch all the videos to get a sneak peek on what is to come, and pray that you like the people on your squad.
But oh little racer, you have no idea what is in store.
For those of you who don’t know, training camp is a ten-day camp to prepare racers for what they may experience while on the field of their World Race. We had to bring all the gear we’re bringing on the race (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.),live out of our backpacks, take bucket showers, and use porta-poties. During those ten days I was physically, spiritually and emotionally challenged in so many different ways, I gained 48 new friends/family and was pushed to new limits of my faith.
Workouts almost every morning at 7am, lugging around our daypacks with necessities for the day like our bible, notebooks, baby wipes (which were a luxury) and spending almost every night sleeping in our tents, I was physically challenged. One of the biggest challenges being our fitness challenge; 2 miles hike with our full pack in under 40 min (they wanted us to aim for 35 min). For all you fit people out there, you may be thinking “piece of cake”, but let me tell you that hot Georgia heat, and 35lb pack it wasn’t a walk in the park. Not to mention I may have forgotten my water bottle at the campsite that morning…. It was defiantly a challenge on my body but in that moment, on my second mile feeling like I wasn’t going to make it, I learned to not depend on my own strength but to depend on God’s instead.
Emotionally, waking up at 6am almost every day, not going to bed till 11pm or 12am, going to sessions and “field sceneries” all day and eating less than a normal amount of food does have it’s toll on you after a few days. At camp we got to experience exotic food, community style, from the different cultures we are going to have on the field. It took a few days but eventually we got used to using our unclean hands as utensils and savoring the small portions of food we got for a meal. Snacks became a hot commodity and the holder of the snacks became the fan favorites of the group. Field scenarios were another emotional adventure in themselves, whether it was loosing half our packs and having to depend on someone else, being dropped off in the woods with only tarps to sleep on, or spending a night in the fake “airport” they put together. After a few days of these things emotions were high and it took more than our own power to stay present and excited for what God was doing.
The most amazing part and challenge through all of this, was what God was doing spiritually. God showed up, man did He show up, and He made himself known in all we did. It was such an amazing sight being in a room with 150 others my age that were so in love with the Lord and craving to know Him more. It was something I had never experienced and it was powerful. Going into training camp I was excited but nervous, I had questioned if I was ready for this trip, if God had maybe slipped and chosen the wrong one to go… I’m not perfect, I mess up but God doesn’t, He is sovereign. On the first night of camp, during worship we began singing “You’re a good good father” and for some reason that stuck with me and became my motif for the week. I learned what it means to abandon myself and become whom God has planned. This week aloud me to grow in my identity in Christ and see He is a good father, with a good plan for me. Standing in the truth that He loves me for who I am, He made me in His image and this trip is for me to depend on Him, to realize His grace, His love, His power and to share that with everyone I come in contact with.
At the end of this amazing time I was blessed with my team of 7, whom I will be living with and doing ministry with daily. Six other people who are all so “diverse”, as we like to say, but have such a passion for Gods plans and for going after the kingdom. We call ourselves Team Agon, “agon” meaning fight the good fight of faith. We are told to take hold of the eternal life we are given and not to keep it to ourselves but to go forth and make it known to others. I can’t wait to see the big plans God has for this team, He exclusive put us together to go preach the gospel, fearlessly and make His name known.
There is so much more I could say about camp but it is hard to put into words. Thank you for all the prayers as I prepared for camp and for this trip in general. I ask you continue to pray for my squad and team specifically as we get closer to launch and step out in faith on this journey. Also if you feel led to donate you can click “support me” above on my blog, I am around $2500 away from being fully funded, and only $500 away from reaching my next goal due on August 21st. Any support is appreciated.
Thank you for all the love and support and keep following me as I leave in 29 days!
Cecily
Reference to our team name Agon:
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 NLT
