I’m currently on Day 8 of Training Camp, and I’m supposed to blog about what’s going on without actually telling you what’s been going on, in the hopes that I won’t spoil any of the fun for future racers. Fair enough. A fabulous idea for a blog has yet to strike me, so here are some basic thoughts that have occurred to me about this whole crazy experience this week.
THE FACTS
I’m on T-squad: about 45 people, 15ish men, 30ish women
Each squad gets a letter, based on the order of squads they’ve sent out. Do the math.
T-squad has an awesome cheer. Maybe I’ll get it on video. Not likely before we launch.
I was assigned my team yesterday! More on them later.
Our route changed! This is common on the World Race, but I didn’t expect to know about it at TC. Check it out:
India
Nepal
Romania
Moldova
South Africa
Swaziland
Mozambique
Thailand
Cambodia
Australia
Malaysia
(So Ireland, Ukraine, and Indonesia have been replaced.)
THE THOUGHTS
I seriously need a broom for my tent. There are more leaves inside my tent than outside.
I’m kind of excited about the food in Asia. Who knew?
I’m kind of not excited about rice and lentils. Not going to lie.
If a fish head ever shows up in my soup, I’m going to have to rely on some divine intervention to consume it. Seriously.
MISSION THOUGHTS
Ultimately, why am I here? Do I get to spend a year traveling around the world? Yes. Do I get to do amazing things that most people never do? Yes. Do I have to live in a tent (sometimes), take cold showers (most of the time), and eat food that I’d rather not, either because it’s the only thing to eat or because not eating it would offend the person who offers it to me? All of the above.
But why am I here?
I am here because I believe that God orchestrated certain events in my life that led me here at this time and to this place.
I am here because there are people in my generation who desire to see God’s glory spread through the earth.
I am here because I am too comfortable, when there is an uncomfortable world outside my door (see future blog titled “ATL in ATL”).
I am here because I value that which has eternal value.
I am here because what I know, I am now responsible for.
THE FUN – sPoiLer AleRt!!
Camping was great! We cooked dinner for 45 over a fire and ended the night with these banana boat s’more-things around a bonfire on the beach. Then slept under the stars. Good times.
THE ADVICE
Future Training Campers:
- Bring drink mix – Gatorade, instant coffee, hot chocolate, whatever. Water gets old. Hot water with nothing in it gets older.
- Sleep in your tent, not the cabin. Yes, it’s warmer there, but I feel so much more prepared by sleeping in the tent in the cold. If you come in July, imagine it being cold, and prepare yourself for the Race.
- Prepare for cold, even if it’s not where you’re from.
- Bring a small bottle of dish soap and a wash cloth.
Coming Attractions (AKA Blog Madness). . .
Team SOR 11
ATL in ATL
