I sit here, surrounded by voices and the clinks and clangs caused by baristas as they prepare drinks for patrons. For the first time in 10 days I’m drinking a hot coffee. I’m still in awe of the week I’ve had. Full of love, vulnerability, and the most incredible people I’ve ever met. It’s hard to even find words for what I have learned in the passed week. God is good. So. Good.
My body aches, I’m dirty, and so tired, but I wouldn’t trade this feeling for all the riches in the world. I am so thankful of the life that God has given me. At training camp I slept on the ground, in my own tent, and many times there were epic slumber parties involved. Almost every night there were different field scenarios that can and actually have happened to different teams in the past. After spending a night sleeping under a cleverly constructed shelter with my entire squad (54 people), I have a brand new understanding of what it is like to live in community. We sat down to every meal, 8 to a table, and were given a sample of cuisine and cultural standards that we will find in the months to come. I ate curry and rice using only my fingers because that is how it would happen in India. We experienced what it is like to have a meal in Africa. The men sit at tables and are served first, while the women serve them and sit on the floor. I did this for breakfast and lunch only, and it was so foreign. I try not to should like a spoiled white American, but in reality, I am compared to the countries I will be traveling to. My eyes were open to a new way of life and this next year is going to be trying. The World Race isn’t meant to be easy though.
I have 41 new sisters and 12 new brothers. I compare the love I have for them to that of a new parent; instantaneously. I met the 6 people I call my team, Ali, Kayleigh, Megan, Nathan, Stephen, and Trevor. I was filled with such anxiety as I drove to training camp two weeks ago, but today my heart was split into 53 pieces and sent traveling all over the country; one piece even ended up in Canada.
Those of you that know I volunteer for Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls, Los Angeles, this was my rock camp. I was forced so far out of my comfort zone I couldn’t even see it anymore. God pushed me and my sQuad was there to catch me and hold me steady. I wrote my first sermon and I was terrified. But, I did it.
I learned that Grace will never change my value to God. My value was determined on a cross. Grace will find me before condemnation ever will. Grace doesn’t keep track of my sins. Things I already knew deep down, but this week those feelings were validated.
My sQuad constantly assured me they were thankful for the gift of music that God has given me. They loved on me when I didn’t think I was good enough to lead them in worship. I was so wrong.
My biggest worry going into training camp was that I was going to arrive and find myself involved with an organization that I couldn’t confidently stand with. What I found, in Gainesville, Georgia, was the absolute opposite. I am proud to stand with Adventures in Missions. They stress the importance of helping rehabilitating a broken community, but without hurting them in the long run. They are incredibly respectful of the relationships they have made with ministry contacts in all the countries they send us to. They had answers to every questions that we asked them and any fear for my safety while abroad was cast away. Every employee and volunteer I encountered during camp all came from different backgrounds and a majority of them were World Race alums. I think that speaks volumes to the effectiveness of this trip. They rely on us to become disciples of all nations, but expect the best from us. I don’t feel like I am effectively able to express how much I am in love with this organization. My training is stacked with the some of the most amazing people I have come across in life. I am in the hands of great, sweet hearted, loving, intelligent, hilarious, and might I even say rhythmically talented individuals (we seriously had the most epic dance parties in all of Training Camp). Every moment I remember a new story to tell my friends and family when they ask how camp was. Simply put…I’m more blessed now than ever.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have. I’d love to talk with you, grab a coffee, and even pray with you. Subscribe to my blog if you would like to get updates as I near launch in January and the 11 months that follow. Love you all!
