The entire beginning of training camp was filled with fears and the horrible feeling of being unprepared, which quickly became the confirmation that I was unprepared.
I made sure to check weather forecasts–for Gainesville, GA. When we arrived in White, GA, which sits about an hour North of Atlanta, it was cloudy and chilly and leaders were telling everyone to get ready for rain that night. The weather I had checked said to expect warm, sunny days. There was a 20% chance of rain but here in SoCal, I have adjusted to that meaning, "It's definitely not going to rain. You're all good."
That is not the case in Georgia.
It was pouring rain for the first two days. I had not brought a rain fly for my tent, thinking I wouldnt need it, and I had completely left my footprint behind. I knew that I was going to get absolutely soaked. I didn't sleep almost the entire first night just out of fear that I was going to wake up flooded. Finally, around three o'clock in the morning, I decided to just trust God. The rain was pouring and yet my tent, both bottom and top were completely dry.
I'll be honest:
With the race now becoming so real and seeming to come up so quickly,
I started freaking out when I realized just how unprepared I was.
How could I possibly serve God and His people or live this crazy life that's unfolding if I can't even pack correctly?! The whole beginning of camp experience summed up how I felt about the Race. In actuality, I didn't have the slightest idea what I was about to get myself into. I didn't even know the general area that I was supposed to be in! I just felt lucky to get to the right airport! I didn't know anyone, I hadn't packed all I needed; I was cold, wet, hungry, and nothing was familiar except the small voice during my quiet times and worship. And this is exactly what God wanted. My warmth, my security was not dependent on my packing abilities or even on the weight or fierceness of the rain. My life and the work God will do is not at all dependent on my works, on my faith, or my circumstances–it's all dependent on Him alone. So whatever the rain and wind is whispering into your life, wherever you may have left your footprint or rain fly, rest easy; God's got it!
The rest of camp was filled with sunshine, laughing, crying, growing, and overcoming!
In just one week, I overcame my fear of spiders, my fear of people, my fear of being wrong or being unsure. I am so confident that I am right where God wants me– over a nest of scorpions, under the pouring rain, in the midst of like-minded, amazing, loving people, and covered by Him!
I don't know how to put into words all that God has already done and who on Earth knows what He is getting ready to do? But I do know that this is where He has called me and I am so ready and willing to obey (finally)! I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider supporting financially. I can finally ask in boldness because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is in this! I am currently at $6,500. I have to be at $7,500 by launch (the end of June), and the remaining has to be raised before the start of 2015. You can donate to me directly (if you're someone I see on a regular basis) or by hitting the little "Support Me" link here on my blog page!
-All donations are tax-deductible-
Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support!
With SO MUCH thanks and love,
Dresdyn Johnson
