Jeepers.
I found myself saying, sometimes exclaiming, this word several times throughout the week. Whether I was showering out of a bucket, attempting to sleep on a crowded school bus, or trying to convince myself that ground-shaking lightening hadn’t struck right outside of my dinky tent.
I find myself thinking it yet again as I stare at a blank page and a blinking cursor.
It’s truly impossible for me to put the last week into words. I’ve tasted and I’ve seen the WR Training Camp process and I’m left with a sweet taste of Jesus, craving more and more.
So, to help my wandering mind get through this blog, let’s pick a theme. Otherwise, I’ll start telling knock-knock jokes.
8 Things I saw at WR Training Camp
Doubt: Okay, so here is the deal. Around day three, everyone on your squad starts thinking (frequently) about who is going to be on their team. They are totally lying if they say otherwise 🙂 It’s funny because the situation in which I saw the most doubt, within my own team, blossomed into one of my favorite training camp memories. If you think you know best, you don’t. Just accept that.
#TeamROAR all the way – Love you girls SO much!
Comparison: Early in the week, I caught myself playing the dangerous game of comparison. What a sneaky trap it is! God continually reminded me that this journey of faith isn’t going to look like anyone else’s and that is exactly how it should be! He has me exactly where He wants me and it is my responsibility to listen closely for what is next. Praise Him for our beautiful individuality.
Tears: Literally tears everywhere. I may have contributed. One of my favorite sites from this last week was seeing a room full of fellow brothers and sisters worshiping together. Granted, I am a “feeler”, but can I get an Amen? Uffda. The Holy Spirit was filling every crack and crevice of that room along with the hearts of all inside.
Joy: There was a moment in which my squad (almost everyone) was able to go for a swim in the lake near our campsite. I specifically remember slowing treading water in a circle so I was able to see everyone. The smiles I saw were so much more than a facial expression. They were true expressions of the heart. Spanning ear to ear and never fading. TALK ABOUT COOL. Love you, J Squad.
Laughter: J what? J SQUAD! I can’t get over how blessed I am to be part of such a beautiful community of brothers and sisters. The personalities that have been placed together inevitably lead to laughter, and A LOT of it. Praise Him for that. In my opinion, laughter is the perfect icing to the cake. Oh, and we are champs. But who’s keeping track 😉
Wisdom: The squad mentors, coaches, leaders, and trainers are beyond amazing. They are a true gift from God. The way in which they speak simply emulates Jesus and everything he stands for. It’s something I wish everyone could be part of. My only regret from training camp was not utilizing the opportunity to be FILLED with their wisdom. Thank goodness I get to do life with a majority of them the next year. Love you guys!
Hurt: Regardless of only knowing my new family for ~48 hours, stories of deep hurt and grief were shared. We had to take our fears and sorrows to the Lord, but we learned how to do that together. In community. Admitting hurt and digging deep has never been a strength of mine, but I’m learning that nothing compares to the Lord’s embrace. If I want to walk each day with my Savior, I must abandon the hurt. Thank goodness nothing can separate me from His fierce love.
A City of Tents: Community has been a large part of the week, as it should be.
This picture simply empowers me.
Jeepers, Jesus. Your presence is so good. I’ve been left with a little taste and I all I want is more.
What a beautiful place to be.
