“I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. Errr, I don’t really want to go anymore.”
[Exactly what was going through my head as we drove up the incredible, tree-lined road to training camp (TC).]
6am Saturday morning I met three of my teammates to make the 8 hour drive to TC in Georgia. It was actually amazing how quickly I let my guard down with these ladies. After about 10 seconds I felt like I had known them for 10 years.
I think when the reality of what we are embarking on together sets in…we allow ourselves to open up to each other [quicker].
8 hours in the car gives you plenty of time to cover any amount of topics; what we’re each packing for 11 months, how to most effectively paint our nails blue in the car(go H-squad), what to order at Cracker Barrel. It was so comforting knowing I was going into TC with these girls that I’d gotten to know little quirks about already.
The last hour was when we really got into what was happening. Every fear/excitement we had about TC. What if they put us in really uncomfortable situations? What if we have to sleep in crazy places? What if I don’t like the people on my squad? (Side note: God already gave so much peace about that one). What if, what if, what if.
“I just really don’t want to go.”
The girls and I joked about stopping on the side of that beautiful, tree-lined road before we got to the entrance and saying we just never made it. [Ridiculous.]
I think the real thought behind this was that once we hit TC, 11 months followed maybe too quickly after. It was so real.
We prayed over our car, over our squad, over the staff. God gave us peace to at least keep driving to the entrance. Praise God He did.
My friend asked me to describe TC in one word. [seriously, one word?]
Insane.
I finally met my squad face-to-face. Each person so unique, funny, and full of joy in their own way.
I was more free with God than I have ever been. More free to Praise Him, to talk to Him, to let go.
I ate some questionable things. Peed in the woods. Fit 8 new family members in my two person tent while we snacked on little kid type goodies.
God moved. He moved boulders in people’s hearts. He moved tears that haven’t been cried. He shed light in the dark, buried places. He healed – physically, emotionally, pasts, presents. It was beautiful.
One week seemed like a year, but when you’re saying good-bye it felt like you’d just arrived. I have never felt so close to such a big group in such a little amount of time.
Driving away, down that tree road, it was like a flash back from exactly one week before. Except this time I didn’t want to leave my new family. I didn’t want to leave the team bonding activities. I didn’t want to leave the love bubble of H-squad. I am in love with what God is doing in preparation for the next 11 months. I am in love with how He is building relationships, teams, our entire squad.
I cannot wait to share this love with the nations.
Meet my squad!
H-Squad [blue squad] reppin our colors! (With our incredible squad leaders)
My Team!
I am proud and excited to know you all. This year is going to rock!
