This past week was training camp!!! And boy did things change!
To begin I came into this week expecting that I would stay on the same “squad” or in better words route. But God had some other plans for me! Saturday was an eventful day, not only did I bond with my old squad, but I made the decision to change squads and ultimately routes. Before I begin with this big ordeal, here are some facts. Over the past few months my squad was informed that several of us had to change routes, and if no one was willing to volunteer we would be volunteered through a drawing of names “reaping style.” I kept telling myself that God didn’t want me to change squads, when in fact it was in those moments of doubt that he ultimately did. I never realized until the first night of camp when we were informed 11 members of our beloved squad N would have to transfer to the squads of O and Q. I really didn’t want to switch routes. I was set on the route I was taking, I mean I had all those countries memorized by heart!
It wasn’t until worship later that night I felt something move inside me. It was an internal struggle. It was as if my insides were caught in a game of tug of war. It was a war waged between myself and God. Ultimately I surrendered and was at peace about my decision. I told myself I wasn’t going to cry. I was going to stand up and remove the lovely headdress I was rocking and surrender myself to God and his plan. Sounds easy right? Wrong! As soon as I stood up and uttered my name i completely broke down. The tears just came rolling down my cheeks. As soon as it was over I turned to the chairs walked over and just cried, I was so vulnerable at that point. I was slightly embarrassed I came into this week thinking tears made you look weak and helpless when in fact it shows that the spirit just moves you. It was in this time of pain that I was assured this was the right decision.
Now for the crazy connections I made throughout the week. When I arrived in The Atlanta airport I was greeted by a “are you a world racer?!” The voice came from a future squad mate and my future team leader Alyssa. After this little greeting we grabbed our bags and set off to find the rest of the racers. We eventually found our meeting place and was greeted by her squad (my future squad) Q squad. Not only was the first person that I met from my future squad, but the first squad to welcome me would be my future squad and family!
So to put it into simple terms… I came with a heart waging war against to leaving camp with a spirit of peace.
