I have the unexpected privilege to post a blog update from training camp, amidst more exitement and fun than I’ve known in a long time. It’s hard to focus on just one aspect of camp to write about – it seems impossible to pass up telling you all about swimming in the lake, dancing my head off, or worshipping God with my hands in the air and my heart on fire. Most incredible to me of all the experiences I’ve had here at camp, and the one thing that sticks with me throughout everything else, is the people I’ve met. I’m not talking about just a big bunch of random people wandering around the woods in Georgia, either – I’m talking about some of the best friends I’ve ever had, and I’ve only known my squadmates for a week.
We’ve been forming bonds since the first day we saw each other, faster than I’ve ever made friends, and they are already the deep bonds of honesty and love that are not easily broken. Many of us were at first concerned with making friends and finding common ground with people, but it became obvious by the first night that there was no need for worry. We are all as one united in God’s calling to the Race and because of that we need no introduction to each other. Each and every one of us is committed to the purpose we have been brought together for, and that has broken down walls that we have kept others at bay with for years. The week has been packed with adventure and fun and good solid learning, and the times we’ve spent learning to trust one another have only strengthened us.
After surviving dozens of team challenges (and thoroughly trouncing the other two squads in squad wars) and after spending hours around the bonfire, after getting dirty and sweaty and exhausted with each other, we have emerged as a family. I now have over 50 new brothers and sisters I’ve known for only a week, but already I love them as though I’ve known them for my entire life. I no longer feel as though I’m going home after training camp – home is here with my family and I’m going off to prepare for an awesome family trip to spread God’s kingdom all over the world. In a little over two months my home will be flying to the Dominican Republic to start our trip and I can’t wait for the reunion.
