Couple of weeks ago I went to Atlanta, GA for training camp. I went into this camp not knowing what to expect. It was the longest and hardest 10 days of my life.
There were 200+ people, always interacting and with no alone time, it was very overwhelming. Rising every day at the crack of dawn, there was little sleep to be had for all. At times, I felt like a zombie dosing off during sessions. Meals were small and almost never filling. If you are a picky eater, vegetarian or have food allergies, it would suck to be you. Cold bucket showers. Porta potties. No cellphones. Always different sleeping arrangement. Sleeping in your own tent was a luxury.
These ten days were beyond anything I have ever experienced before and it forced me outside of my comfort zone. There were times when I wanted to quit and go home. One of those nights was the infamous TARP night. It was pouring that day and as it was getting darker, we were taken to another camp site. We were given a tarp to make shelter and ate soggy chicken in the rain. Everyone was wet, cold, uncomfortable and cramped. It is hard to put it into words. This is when I broke down and almost threw in the towel. I was very upset and though it was unnecessary and inhumane. But I decided to stick it out and I’m glad I did.
Being shy this was a very challenging experience for me and it stretched me in many ways: physically, emotionally and spiritually. I learned many things about myself, the good and the ugly. I have a lot of work that I need to do within myself. Improve my attitude especially when facing a difficult situation. Extend grace to others. Let God be in control and just go with the flow. Be content and present in the moment. Have faith that God will provide for my needs.
I have learned to embrace difficult situations and challenge myself and let God use those things for growing in my character. I can’t always be strong or be in control and need to learn to rely on God for his strength and supervision. He is faithful and will never test me beyond my limits.
To my surprise, everyone at the camp had a positive attitude throughout the unpleasant and difficult challenges, EVEN during the tarp night. I guess it is what you make of it. Looking back, I wish I did some things differently. I cannot go back in time, but I can learn and grow from my mistakes.
I am stronger than I give myself credit for and can do anything I put my mind to. God has put this mission trip on my heart for a reason and I should not second guess Him. Let me step out in faith, grab the bull by the horns and run with it. Let no fear dictate my life. The bigger the risk, the greater the reward!
