Training Camp.
Fish soup // sleeping in tents // freezing with the random weather drop // cuddling up in a school bus // carrying an 'unconscious person' up a hill while being 'blind' // eating with your hands // being a nomad
Starting out like this:
And ending like this:
Camp changed me . . . in more than just an adaption of my surroundings kind of way.
I could go into all the stories of EXACTLY what we did… and while the stories would probably result in some chuckling and a few dropping of the jaws, I think that what's more important than the activities and lessons learned is what God did in me during the LOOOOOONGEST week of my life.
I arrived at camp with anticipation and excitement in my very bones. That was until I actually stepped foot on the ground and the finality of what I signed up for sunk in. Living out of a backpack in a nomadic lifestyle for ELEVEN months?! No guarantee of electricity, let alone a SHOWER. And what about all the pretty stilettos I'm leaving back home? Or my straightener, my makeup, and :gasp: my right to bathe?! While it seems pretty shallow, it was part of my honest reaction.
Yes, I love people. I like to make them feel important and remind them that they aren't alone. That they are loved and there is hope. But is God really calling me to do that in such a place where I don't even know how to function properly? Do I really need to walk so far away from my comfort zone? Can't I do that here? I kept asking God that and He responded so simply: "Because you already do it here." . . . Wow. I was blown away.
Life isn't about living in the comfortable. It's not about being content and complacent. It's about moving forward in Christ. I'm not suppose to be comfortable this next year. And while I pray that my sleeping pad will make up for my lack of bed, I know that emotionally and mentally it's going to be a challenge.
God broke the mold that I was and reshaped me into the woman He is crafting me into. This past week I was forced to deal with my skeletons and my webs. I was put in a place where God laid it out before me and soul ties were cut. Wounds were covered with grace and shame was replaced with compassion.
Camp was like a judgment day followed by a breathe of fresh air and gratitude. God dealt with all my messy stuff that I didn't want to let go of. He took it and replaced it with who He is.
And I'm finally free…
<3natasha.
P.S. and no worries, my shoes will be adopted by my best friend – for those of you that were concerned. 😉
