Literally, almost. shed. tears!
After ten days of using Porta potties, training camp taught me to appreciate the simple things in daily life (like flushing a toilet).
Truth is, training Camp was HARD. Hands down, one of the hardest things I have ever done. I barely got any sleep and after day 4, I was ready to go home. I was tired of eating unfamiliar foods. I was tired of using Porta potties. I was tired of taking cold bucket showers. But most of all, I was tired of being forced to deal with my shame, my pain, and my lack of forgiveness. I was forced to face the REAL me, the insecure me, the broken me, and honestly, I didn’t like it one bit. I guess I’ve enjoyed pretending to have it all together, it was easier that way.
Thankfully, God had other plans. Through it all, training camp changed my life. It changed the way I view myself and life around me. I needed to see the real me because only then was I able to repent and truly recognize that God’s plan was to restore me, not condemn me. It changed the way I view others around me. I needed that push to finally face my flaws and pain and leave it at the feet of Jesus. I needed to experience the freedom that follows forgiveness. I am beyond thankful to those amazing speakers who were used by God to transform my life!
We hiked, slept in tents, exercised, prayed, worshipped, and danced!! Oh and some of my squad mates ate crickets (bold right)! I was able to meet 57 AMAZING PEOPLE who are crazy IN LOVE WITH JESUS. I got a glimpse of what a real godly community looks like! During one of our fitness challenges, which was to complete a 3 mile hike within 50 minutes (with our backpacks on), two of my squad mates finished early and chose to go back and encourage those who were behind. I was truly amazed. I felt the genuine love and care my squad had towards each other. IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND INCREDIBLE THING I’VE EVER EXPERIENCED.
There’s no going back, 10 weeks is all I have left before I leave! Please pray for me as I continue to raise funds and spend time with my loved ones!
With love,
Janibel
