To my Training Camp-Self,
This time a year ago, you’re sitting at the kitchen table journaling. I can picture
it as if it was yesterday. Fear is filling your entire body and you’re almost ready to
throw in the towel; the idea of traveling the world with 40+ Christians sounds fun
and exciting but actually starting at square one with them and meeting them that
day, well thats a completely different story. What’s keeping you from quitting, from
running like Jonah? Honestly, the thought of not going seems more appealing but at
this time you’re almost fully funded and couldn’t disappoint the many loving and
generous people.
You’re filling your journal with “I can’t” or “I don’t want to” and “Don’t make
me”… “but if this is Your will, I will.” Trust me when I say The Lord knew what He
was doing when He invited you on this adventure and that it was definitely His will.
I know these next 10 days look daunting and that it may seem as if your entire
squad is hanging out and chatting without you but that’s just false- other people
are feeling the exact same way as you; they are feeling like outsiders.
Be brave at the airport and speak to people when you get there… or just
position yourself next to the chatty girl (thank you, Sam). Although you’ve never
spoken to any of these people and all you can think when you see them is their
profile picture, they will become lifelong friends; first impressions will be crushed
months into the Race when you actually get to know them. Give it time.
It’s going to be confusing when you get to where you’ll be camping and there’s
people walking up with titles like Squad Mentor or Squad Leader and you have no
idea what that means. Wait, what’re Squad Coaches? All these people will be so
beneficial in your World Race experience and it’s okay if you’re not a WR (that’s an
abbreviation for World Race, you’ll catch on) terminology pro, you’ll understand this
language soon enough. Hey, you’ll even become part of this leadership team so
that’s kinda fun and exciting.
Soak up every part of this crazy 10 day experience. Sing loud at worship, eat
the crazy foods, buy into the scenarios and talk to new people every day; get
outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to show your squad who you are right
away; don’t make them wait. Trust me they’ll love you and still talk about 11
months later how you twerked at the dance competition. And yes, I know it is
painstakingly awkward at the beginning with your team and you think how could
this random group of people work, but it does and they’re beautiful women who
love the Lord so much and love you so much despite any mistakes you’ve made. Oh
also, you’ll meet your new best friend Carson the second day, she’ll stick through
this year with you and help you get through the hard, the great, and the just plain
weird. She’s the giraffe to your elephant.
Is the World Race really like Training Camp? Yes and no… It was much harder
(physically) I believe than what I have experienced these past 11 months. The
portion sizes are much smaller, the hikes are strenuous, the emotions are high and
I’ve never even tented on the Race. You’ll love these next 10 days and they will
pave the way for the next 11 months. Soak up every moment- the hard and good,
and get ready for this next year of adventure!
Much Love,
Em
