Earlier this week I got back from 10 days of training for the World Race in Gainesville, Georgia, where I was able to meet my squad- the 37 other people who I will be travelling, serving, and living alongside for the next 9 months.
Training camp was a long and exhausting 10 days, but strangers became family and lives were changed. I’d like to share just 11 things that I learned about myself, my new family, and God during camp.
1. Worship not only brings us closer to God, but to each other.
Knees weak, hands outstretched, voices raised, tears falling, sweat rolling- there’s just something about worshipping your heart out with a group of people who have the same desires/passions as you that brings you closer together.
2. Beauty is found within.
Training camp was dirty and sweaty, and most of us didn’t know what we looked like 95% of the time. Couple that with a lack of bucket showers and changing clothes and I’m sure many of us looked and smelled the worst we ever have. Despite that, I met so many beautiful teammates this past week. Their beauty radiated from their heart for God, not the clothes or make up they wore.
3. Living simply really makes you appreciate the little things in life.
Like public bathrooms that smell like cherry koolaid and have free mouthwash. Like having your own food AND utensils to eat it with. Like your comfortable bed and pillow. Like clean feet. Like running water to drink and shower with.
4. You’re not alone in your struggles.
Towards the beginning of the week when I was feeling shy, insecure about myself, and overwhelmed by meeting so many new people, it felt like I was the only one who was feeling this way. What surprised me was the number of people who listened to my struggles and in turn said, “me too.” You’re never alone.
5. Prayer is powerful.
Never in my life have I been a part of so many community prayers. Whenever something bad happened or someone was struggling with something, we would get in a circle and pray for them. Whether we all prayed at once or had one spokesperson, whether we laid hands or held hands, I could feel the awesome power of God in those moments.
6. There’s always a bright side.
When half of us “lost” our bags and didn’t have any of our stuff, that gave the rest of us an opportunity to sacrifice our things and share with others. Plus sharing a tent with someone that night led to a great bonding experience. When we were camping out and people (and trees) were falling left and right, we experienced the power of prayer and became more united as a squad. When we had to sleep overnight in an “airport” (complete with lights on and pre-recorded airport noises), we slept in air conditioning for the first time in 9 days. When we had to wait for over an hour for our shuttle, we sang our hearts out to T-Swift. And when we thoroughly embarrassed ourselves during our dance at squad wars…well there’s not really a bright side to that one. It was downright embarrassing 🙂
7. Everyone has something to bring to the table.
Some people’s gifts are just more obvious than others- whether it’s their strong leadership capabilities, the way they care for others, their ability to make anyone laugh, or their mad dance skills. We need to be willing to actively search and bring out the gifts in others, and we also need to readily share the gifts God has given us. Everyone has something to offer that no one else can.
8. When in doubt, dance it out.
There’s just something about dancing that brings out an entirely different side of people. So even after a long day and a long training camp, hooking an iPod up to speakers (that we maybe weren’t supposed to be using) and “getting down” to Party in the USA with your whole squad is a must.
9. Take all the guys away, and there will still be intense physical workouts and potty talk.
All girls day was nothing like we had imagined. No movie nights or painting each other’s nails- instead we worked out for 2 hours straight. We also had numerous conversations about the porta potties and poop. But we also laughed harder than we had all week, and there was chocolate, so all was good :).
10. The ability to listen is a gift.
When you’re surrounded by 37+ other people 24/7, it can get pretty loud pretty quickly. I realised that the ability to listen (and listen well) is a gift. Actually looking the person who is speaking in the eye and listening to what they have to say shows not only that you care about what they have to say, but that you care about them. People who are good at listening are just as important as people who are good at speaking.
11. 9 months is going to be a long time.
A long time to get to know each other in a much deeper way than the 10 days of camp allowed. A long time away from home and the many comforts that we take for granted here. A long time of reckless abandonment to Jesus and growing into the men and women that He created us to be. And I couldn’t be more excited.
These are just some of the things that I learned while at training. With camp over, I am now just 6 short weeks away from flying out to my first country, Guatemala! Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. I have a financial deadline coming up on July 22nd, and I am in need of $4000 more by then. Please consider coming alongside me (and my squad) in bringing Jesus to the nations. (You can donate financially by clicking the “support me” button at the top of this page.)
In Christ,
Cindy
