I am sure you are all curious about training camp. Well, let me just put it this way… It was AMAZING! I was challenged so much over the course of those 9 days. I went into this experience with more expectations than I thought. I went into camp thinking I was really open to whatever God had in store. Turns out, that wasn't the case! Letting go of these expectations was hard…really hard. It seems so small, but one of the hardest things for me to surrender to God was my route (the 11 countries my trip is planned to go to). There are some specific reasons I chose to do the Oct 2011 race, and to think that I may not be able to go to those specific countries broke my heart. But, I have to trust God. I have to trust Him with my route, my team, my world view, the way I view Him, my thoughts… my life!
Some things I learned at camp:
- To truly forgive those who I feel have wronged me. I will no longer choose bitterness, but forgiveness!
- I am breaking down the walls I have built around my heart… and it is so freeing!
- I have never felt so free in worship!
- I have never heard God so clearly… I am learning to listen.
- I am learning to make conversations with others meaningful. Evangelism is the reason we are here.
- I am learning to seek God in new ways… to leave behind my expectations of who He is, because He is so much bigger than that! And, I want to experience His presence in new ways.
Basically, camp was challenging to me spiritually, physically, and emotionally. But, the outcome of it all… I am beyond excited for this opportunity! I met the most amazing people over the course of those 9 days… people who are now my family! They are all so encouraging and I immediately fell in love with my squad! Watch out world… Here comes B Squad! I am looking forward to serving with you all!
To future racers: Be open to what God has in store for you! Camp is going to be amazing, but try to shed all expectations before going! Try to not find out everything that is going to happen. It is so much better to just experience the surprise of everything as it comes.
Training camp is really too much to be summed up in this blog! This does not even begin to describe my experience there. But, this is what I have on my heart right now.
And, to finish it off… Introducing B Squad! My new family!
