Some of you may have noticed my absence from Facebook this week. I am currently at Training Camp. My brand new Team Leader (Michelle) is posting this for me! They wanted us to give you guys an update and put anything we'd want to tell future racers as well.
Well I'll start off with basics: I left last Saturday, the 21st and headed to the big ol' small town of Copperhill, TN. The drive took about 5 hours with the time change. I will be here til next Sunday, the 29th . It has been a little rough, but totally rewarding. Mom, you'll be glad to hear they make us get up and exercise at 7 every morning. I have not been Rip Van Winkle (Emily). And…I actually have a bit of a tan!!! It's kinda awesome.
I have the most amazing squad in the history of squads. We rock. (Go X!) I also have an amazing team. My new team includes: the aforementioned Michelle, Carly, Julie, Katie, and Jessica (yes, 3 of my teammates have the same names as some of the most important people in my life. AND we have 3 Emily's on the squad!) I was a little disappointed at first about being on an all girl team, but I'm totally stoked now. We got to go “make memories” in Murphy, NC together. It was awesome!!!
During this week, God has totally been doing a number on me. I have seriously cried like every day. We have been talking a whole lot about our identity in Christ, which has made me face my issues, insecurities, and fears. I have had 5 separate people (complete strangers) come to me with words from God. He has just been blessing me and reassuring me over and over. If this is what he is doing at camp, I CANNOT wait to see what he does on the field!!!
OK, now on to what I'd tell future racers:
-Pack Light: even for training camp.
-Wear sunscreen
-Get used to Cold showers
-Bring stomach meds ( gas, constipation, etc)
-Your phone will NOT work if its AT&T
-Baby wipes are your friend
-Bring toilet paper
-Expect the unexpected
-Bring pen and paper
-Be prepared to be broken
-If you are used to conservative worship, be prepared to be shocked.
-Bring snacks
-Get ready to get REAL close to your squad
-The team you end up on will probably surprise you, just go with it.
-Be flexible
I think that's it. Just know that this experience will be unlike anything you've ever done. It's great and scary and totally worth it. I don't think I'll be the same person when I get back to Dickson. Or at least, I hope I won't.
