I returned from Training Camp less than 48 hours ago, and now I understand why there aren’t a lot of blogs explaining every detail about Training Camp. It is truly something so wonderful that giving too much information about it will spoil your experience. Here are 11 things I learned… You know, because we like the number 11 around here! 🙂
1. Be open, honest, and dive in.
Training Camp isn’t about your comfort zone because The World Race isn’t about your comfort zone. This isn’t about me or you or AIM… It’s about God and His plan. Don’t hold back or hide behind your walls because you will regret it. You will be stretched and you will question whether or not you’re ready for The World Race, but I promise you that you can do it. We aren’t perfect, and life is messy. Your baggage from the past will only hinder you in the future. Open up the suitcase and start healing. Be prepared to pray, laugh, cry and worship like never before.
2. Be yourself.
A silly, weird, or random comment can solidify a bond like you wouldn’t believe when you realize that someone else thinks the same way you do. The people you are surrounded by for 10 days are seriously incredible. They love Jesus and not only do they want to grow to be more like Him, but they want to help YOU become more like Him too. God put you with these people on purpose, so don’t hide from them… Show them who you are and be proud of the way God made you!
3. Embrace the unknown.
AIM staff works really hard to prepare for and pull off Training Camp. They are not trying to make your life miserable, although at some point, you may wonder where the hidden cameras are located. And, even though you REALLY want to know why you have to pack you gear before breakfast, don’t question them to figure out what’s happening, just do what they ask. They really try to put you in situations that you may find yourself in, not because they want to watch you squirm, but because they want you to be prepared and aware. I LOVE schedules and details. There was a vague schedule of what to expect and when, which was apparently a first. Although I appreciated the option, I liked just going with the flow. You will too.
4. Be intentional.
You are going to be spending 11 months with your squad. GET TO KNOW THEM. You won’t become best friends with every person on your squad during Training Camp, but I promise if you make time to get to know your squadmates, you won’t regret it. (One of my favorite conversations was with someone who also decided to spend their personal time on the lodge porch in a rocking chair. I learned so much about her and truly enjoyed our time together.)
5. Mess kits are overrated.
I admit that I wasn’t so sure about eating with what was given to me, but I encourage you to go for it. We are going to be living WITH the people we are serving, so once again, it’s not about our comfort zone. Go with it. (Side note: We typically do not eat appropriate proportions in the United States, so you may be a little hungry until your stomach adjusts, but the food was AMAZING! I eat like a toddler… Nothing too extreme and nothing with lots of stuff on it, so I was a little worried to be honest.)
6. Drink lots of water.
This needs no explanation. Drink way more than you normally do, your body will thank you!
7. God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt.
I never thought I would embrace the ruggedness of camp like I did. I actually enjoyed sleeping in my tent, I didn’t mind being covered in red, Georgia dust, and Port-a-Potties don’t gross me out as much as they used to. Yep. You read that correctly.
8. The wildlife is legit.
Georgia has big spiders, mean fire ants, creepy scorpions, and thirsty mosquitos, BUT you also wake up to birds, roosters, and your new friends surrounding you. This city girl may have come back with a few ant bites, but waking up to chirping birds and the voices of my new friends was worth it.
9. Go easy at your team dinner.
As tempting as it is to stuff your face with everything you’ve been missing over the last week, I would highly recommend NOT overindulging. I’m pretty sure everyone had a stomach ache from eating way too much!
10. Show yourself grace.
We are way too hard on ourselves. God forgives us, so we can forgive ourselves. When things don’t go the way you had hoped or you didn’t do your best, don’t beat yourself up. When we hold on to things and rehearse what we wish we had done differently, we are saying that it’s too much for God to forgive, and that is a lie straight from the enemy.
11. Be prepared for the Lord to wreck you.
If you open yourself up, the Lord will do mighty things in you during Training Camp. You will hear Him in ways you’ve never heard Him before. He will heal wounds you thought were healed but really weren’t. You will feel more loved than you could ever imagine.
Training Camp was difficult and uncomfortable, but it was seriously amazing. Below are two videos that two of my squadmates made- Josh and Julia. Both were able to capture one of my favorite memories from camp on video… I am so thankful that Mac asked me to cut off the first piece of her hair. You can read about her decision to shave her head here.
