[This will be the third version of this blog. I kept writing it then starting over taking a completely different approach. I just have to get it out there whether I really like what I wrote or not. Perfectionism is tearing me down when it comes to writing blogs. This is just one of the many parts of my life I need to work on and let go so I can be free. So basically I copied and pasted parts of blogs to make this one. Hope you can follow it.]
Ok, ok, so the Holy Spirit likes all colors. But let me tell you, the Holy Spirit came upon O Squad – whose color is green – at training camp. The Holy Spirit is in all believers, yet he made sure his presence was known in a big way in our squad that week.
In regards to green, it is my absolute favorite color. If you came to my room you might be taken back at first because of all the lime green (and pink). For the world race I bought a green backpack, daypack, towel, plate and utensils, and skirt. My tennis shoes and journal even have green on them. Is it not awesome that when we got to training camp we found out our squad color is green? It’s one of those little ways God reveals himself to me and affirms that I am on the right track.
Me and Daniel Preparing for Squad Wars
But What Really Happened?
Training camp. Let me pause for a moment and soak up those words. Training camp. Two simple words that bring up so many emotions and flash so many images through my mind.
Before I even got there I was scared about what people would think of me, how I would be able to interact in such a large group, and whether I would be able to make any friends. I did not know if anyone would understand me or if I would be judged. The thought of being with people 24/7 the next week terrified me. I know how much I like to be alone and how nervous and stressed I get with so many people around. I did not want to get lost in the crowd and feel alone in a room full of people [fear of rejection]. I did not know if I would even survive the challenges of the week. However, God gave me grace and lifted a lot of that stress and that tendency to shut down in a crowd. I was talking up a storm in the car on the way to training camp. I was hyper and excited and my brain was all over the place. I was ready. Bring it on. And it was brought.
What a team building exercise this entire training camp was. One of the things that the World Race wanted to teach us was not to have any expectations. You never know what could happen (especially overseas) and you have to learn to cope. Let me tell you, I have been to Africa and, at least in Ghana, they operate on a very “loose” interpretation of time. If something is supposed to start at 5pm people may start showing up at 5:30pm and the event might be underway by 7pm. In general, I think most countries are more relaxed than the United States.
All this is to say that my coping mechanism was laughing and trying to see this as an adventure and a new experience. I was full of optimism – not mine, but the Holy Spirit’s – a supernatural optimism and joy that could never come out of my scared, pessimistic soul. God gave me grace. Not only that, but I was shown love and sacrifice throughout the entire training camp from people I had just met and barely knew. Especially when we came together the night when supplies were “lacking” (I am being intentionally vague). Each night would prove to be just as challenging as the one before. I didn’t get a lot of sleep, to say the least. And I get very ill when that happens, but again, God gave me His joy to get through the day.
There seems to be a reoccurring theme here, which continued throughout training camp. God gave me joy – not happiness, which is dependent on circumstances, but joy.
O Squad
O Squad's Main Campsite
Look At All That Gear
Hike In The Woods To Who Knows Where
