Training camp was amazing. It’s taken me two weeks to process everything I learned and experienced, and I still feel like there’s more to chew on. But I think it’s about time to post a blog about it, so here’s my best shot.
I organized my training camp highlights into “Ten Take-Aways.” So whether you’re considering doing the World Race, preparing for your training camp, or just curious about what I learned, then keep on reading.
10. Be flexible.
Let go of your expectations. We all have expectations, but when we cling to what we expect to happen, we risk getting upset and offended if our expectations aren’t met. My squad was given the opportunity to practice this at training camp when we were informed of two changes in our route, so we won’t be going to the 11 countries we originally signed up for. (We’ll be going to Panama instead of Guatemala and Malaysia instead of Japan.) But God is in control and He is completely worthy of our trust. No matter what happens, we can trust that it’s the best, because God is always good.
9. Get to know Holy Spirit.
He’s awesome. And we need Him. He is necessary to our salvation (John 3:5), our maturity (Galatians 5:16-17), and our empowerment (Acts 1:5). The Holy Spirit is God living inside of us, and we have everything we need in Him. He’s infinite, so we can spend our lifetime searching Him out and only scratch the surface. Commit to know and follow the Holy Spirit, and your life will be a wild ride as you experience things that only God can do.
8. Be present.
Whether you are at training camp, at home, or on the world race, be 100% where you are. Technology has made this a big struggle for our generation, because we can have a conversation with someone via texting or Facebook, while missing out on spending time with someone sitting in the same room. We can be somewhere physically, while being somewhere else in our mind. But when we do this we miss out on precious opportunities right in front of us. It will be a challenge to not dwell on what’s going on at home while on the World Race, but if you choose to be present where God has your for the 11 months, you’ll make the most of your Race and you won’t regret it for a second.
7. Invest in your team and squad.
It’s worth it. They are your family. Your team is the immediate family who you live with, do ministry with, and grow with every day for the 11 months. Your squad is your crazy awesome extended family. Go out of your way to get to know them and get close to them right from the beginning. Be open, be vulnerable, be yourself, and don’t hold back. My squad started doing this months ago via our Facebook group. We were open about our struggles and prayed for each other as we began preparing for the Race. I loved them long before I ever met them in person. #iSquad. Then when our teams were formed, I felt an instant bond with each girl that was placed on my team and I am SO exicted for how close we’ll become in the year ahead. #AnchoredInWaves.
6. Feedback is a good thing.
Your team will help you grow, and one of the ways is by giving feedback. Every. Day. That’s right, every day that we do ministry, we will conclude the day with a feedback session, where we will share positive and constructive feedback about the day. This is a precious tool that can be used to transform us daily into the image of Christ. Receive it humbly, pray about it, and implement it into your life. Don’t get offended when a teammate lovingly points out a flaw they noticed in you. Rather, take advantage of this opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
5. Get acquainted with your gear.
Training camp is a great opportunity for a trial run with your gear. I highly recommend bringing exactly what you think you will bring on the Race to training camp. And while you’re there you will get a better idea of what you’ll need to bring, and what you can leave at home. (Just a hint, you’ll probably realize that you’ll actually need way less stuff than you originally intended to bring.) You’ll also get lots of practice setting up and taking down your tent, packing your backpack and day pack, sleeping with your sleeping bag and sleeping pad, etc. You’ll be using this stuff for 11 months, so use training camp as practice.
4. Don’t just accept situations, enjoy them.
Life isn’t something to just endure, and neither is the World Race. There will be challenging situations. Don’t just grit your teeth and bear it, but rather, make the most of every situation–even if you lose your luggage or your entire squad of 40+ people have to sleep on a bus. Make memories and enjoy life. And remember, attitude is everything. Ask Holy Spirit to help you with attitude adjustments as needed. He loves to do that!
3. Be yourself.
You’re the best you there is! Get to know yourself, how God made you, what you need, and how you function. Learn your personality (Meyers-Briggs helps) so you’ll understand why you do what you do. Learn the ways you best connect with God so you can keep your relationship with Him fresh. And be prepared to process. Process your past, your experiences, your perceptions, your emotions, and everything else! At training camp, I was realizing that I am truly unique. God made me just the way He did for a very good reason, and there are things I will bring to my team, my squad, and the people I minister to that no one else can bring. And if I’m not willing to be myself, others will miss out. Never be afraid to be yourself.
2. Be free.
This is how God intends for us to live. However, ever since the fall, sin prevents this from happening. Satan loves to keep us bound in fear, pain, sin, shame, insecurity, regret, and whatever else he can use against us. But God wants to lead us into complete freedom. No walls, no fears, no holding back. God was speaking to me a lot about freedom this week. Luke 4:18 says Jesus came to set the captives free, and that freedom is what we are called to bring to the world. I noticed greater freedom in myself and my entire squad throughout the week. The most notable expression of this freedom was in worship (and the dance parties that often followed). Most people were reserved about worship and dancing at the beginning of the week, but were worshiping and dancing like no one was watching by Friday night. It was incredible to watch. God was releasing me from fear and encouraging me to step out more in worship during the upcoming year.
1. Stay in the River.
The World Race staff portrays God’s presence as a river, and I love it! Jesus said that those who believe in Him would have streams of living water flowing from them (John 7:38). We were taught that we can have as much of God as we want. So every day we must choose where we are going to live–far off in the desert, on the river banks, ankle deep, or head first in the depths of the River. Jesus is the River. And He is enough. He’s all you need. Living in the River means staying connected to God. It means talking to Him and listening to Him–keeping the dialogue open all day, every day. This is the reason God created us, to be in relatiohship with Him. So staying connected to Him should be our highest priority and our greatest joy.
Thanks for reading about my training camp experience. I hope it informed, challenged, and encouraged you. I pray that you are encouraged to respond to God’s invitation to you to pursue Him wholeheartedly. It’s open to all. Deep calls out to deep (Psalm 42:7).
