So this is really for any future World Racers out there. Friends, family, supporters there will be another blog soon talking more in depth about it cause I know this won't cut it and it'll introduce you to my AWESOME and AMAZING Team! WOO HOO!!!
(Dub Squad's own little tent city)
It is nearly impossible to explain training camp. How can you put into words the experience of living in intense (ha ha intense/in tents…didn't even plan that!) community, with considerably smaller amounts of sleep, food and alone time than you normally get? But then again, how can you put into words the instant love you feel for these people you will live with for 11 months? How can you put into words the moment when you realize you are in a room filled with other people seeking to make a huge change in the world and you can feel the Holy Spirit moving throughout the room giving people courage and strength or visions and promises? I’m sure one of my amazing “Dub” Squaders could but I’m pretty sure I can’t, so instead I’ll give you some practical information!
- Before coming to camp think about what practical life on the Race will be. What will your different housing assignments look like? What will the food be like? What cultural norms could you encounter that are different from America? What bathroom scenarios may you encounter? Once you figure that out, then know camp will be that. You will love and hate how much the staff try to prepare you for instances on the Race. This was a week of firsts for me and though it was hard and at times frustrating it was also so great to go through them here where I wasn’t already dealing with culture shock or homesickness.
- Pack your pack exactly like you would for the Race!! This is an amazing time to see if those two extra shirts are worth the shoulder or back pain you’ll feel later on. Same goes for you daypack! I am now gladly losing some clothes!
- Be ok with picking between sleeping and showering. I chose sleeping. I was the gross kid but so was everyone else so it’s ok.
- Word/Phrase to learn: World Race Style=anything completely out of the norm or confusing or frustrating. Don't know what you're supposed to be doing? That's World Race Style. Ran out of food and have to share with a group of almost complete strangers? That's World Race Style. It's basically just knowing that while on the Race things are going to be different and out of your control. Just accept it, it makes life so much easier! Feedback=I love you and want you to be the best you can be so I'm going to bring your attention to some things that aren't especially awesome. Super important to learn this definition quick and believe it. If not you get stuck in the lie of, "I don't like you so I'm going to make you feel bad about yourself.
- Give yourself a chance. They are going to ask things of you that you may want to instantly dismiss (hiking through the woods with your 40ish lb pack on your back ridiculously early in the morning) but try it. You may pleasantly surprise yourself with the fact that you can do it. You can hike, you can go a few days without showering, you can eat with your hands or sit on the ground for hours.
- Take pictures! I didn't take alot and now I'm sad.
- Journal, there is just way too much that happens to be able to process through it all, so by journaling quick notes you can then go back later and work through what you learned or what was revealed to you.
(Packing up to move to another location–we did this A LOT!)
Well hope this helps as you prepare! And you can do it!!!
(One of the AMAZING views I got to enjoy every day!)
