. . . tRaining camp!
Day 1
I began this journey in a mad dash to the airport; where, due to booking errors, I ended up on a non-stop flight next to 2 new friends, Penny from Central America and Emmanuel from Ghana. “God wanted us to meet,” he says, and I’m amazed how one conversation can begin to shape many thoughts.
Once in Tennessee, I vowed to release all expectations concerning my conception(s) of God, our world route, my teammates, and my idea of adventure.
Day 2
We began the day with exercise: a hike with our 40 lb. packs. Then, I stood among 200 young people, singing “leave it all behind,” feeling blessed to be a part of a generation ready to make a difference, a generation once called Generation X. Then, we ended the day standing on our chairs, declaring at the top of our lungs, “FREEDOM!!!”
Day 3
The 4th of July!
Each day we recognized a different culture, and today was Asia Day. After many a session of emotional healing, we ended the day with a musical worship celebration. “God’s proud of you!” the Jonathan David Helser band proclaimed over us. The angels tip-toed to the edge of heaven to look down on a generation ready to move and said, “You guys are the real thing. We’re proud of you!” And in response, we shout again and again, “Ain’t nothin’ like the real thing, baby!!”
Day 4
Today was our squad leader, Joshua’s, birthday! After a day of object lessons, saving fellow girls from plane crashes and the boys trying to stay alive in a lake, we celebrated with a campout, roasting chicken and vegetables and enjoying birthday cake. Then, we rolled out our sleeping bags under a tarp and watched as the rain poured down over us! By this day, it wasn’t weird to be wearing each other’s underwear (clean, of course) and using someone else’s deodorant. This family is fo’ real.
Day 5
Today we began the process of forming teams within our squad. We were mixed and matched, attempted challenges, and offered feedback.
Day 6
Teams were announced today, and we spent the evening hanging out with our new, smaller family. All I have to say is. . . $4.99 All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Buffet, Arcade, Found extra tokens, TWO JACKPOTS!!! As we walked to the counter with over ONE THOUSAND tickets, we couldn’t help but see the ABUNDANCE God was speaking over our team.
Day 7
SQUAD WARS!!! Go, Z-Squad, GO! Red till the end!!!!
Day 8
Today was a day for practicing evangelism. And while the words VEGETABLE and OLD PEOPLE may seem random, when you end up in a conversation with an older couple selling vegetables, you don’t doubt the complex connections God has set in motion.
We ended the day with a Commissioning ceremony, where our team name was announced. TEAM NIKAO, it means Victory, Conqueror; and each of our members will hold tight to the wise words of Justin Bieber “Never say never. . .”
Day 9
We packed our bags and set out for home, eagerly anticipating our reunion to rock the world come Launch!
Current financial status: $2,937.76
Thanks go out to my Daddy-o, Nichole, and Ashley! As well as those of you who have expressed an interest to give but are not able to at this time, your prayers are so-o appreciated!!
