What do you call a week of fish head soup,
an attempt to sleep on a bus with 54 people plus backpacks,
and shoveled outdoor bathrooms?
Training camp.
AKA Longest. Week. Ever.
We did work—physically, emotionally, spiritually. It was an odd mixture of undeniable exhaustion, constant hunger, and indescribable contentedness because people chose joy in every situation.
(for my fans–striped shirt, in the middle)
My level of enthusiasm did not match my teammates that first night. It takes me a while to feel safe and welcome in a large group. I was distracted by my to-do list I left in Illinois and did not fully submit to the experience that was community living. But over the last week my decision to go on the World Race was confirmed over and over.
My fear was that I would be turned into some crazy hippy no one would recognize. My biggest struggle right now is letting go of my visions for myself and submitting to God’s plan.
Which is crazy, right?
Because His plan is way better than mine.
During one of the worship services, I looked around. No one was in rows. People were praying with each other, others were singing, some were dancing. It made me smile that everyone felt free to do what was on his or her heart. At that moment, I was struck by a thought—
“Is this what You look like, God?”
“Rachel, let Me show you who I am.”
He has big plans. I will come back changed. But I will not be a different person–I will simply be a better Rachel.
Time to quit living by my expectations and assumptions for what it looks like to be a Christian.
God doesn’t belong in a box.
This year the only things that will be in boxes are the material possessions I left in my parent’s basement (shout out for the free storage because they are awesome like that).
Team Isha
Part of training camp involved being split into teams. Much observation and prayer went into the team formations. So with happy thoughts, I offer you Team Isha:
(L to R: Ellie, me, Rachel B., Miranda, Shawna, and Lynsey)
The name Isha comes from the Hebrew word for “woman”, which we thought was appropriate for our all-girl team.
Also, Isha can mean “wife” and the idea that we are the brides of Christ. This concept has always sat a little funny with me. I did not understand exactly what it meant. Did it mean I was married to Jesus? Weird weird weird.
This last week has helped me understand it a little bit better. Brides are beautiful, loved, and cherished. Brides have been pursued and fought for.
I love the idea that Jesus has pursued us to get to know us on a deep, intimate level. But like all good proposals, we have to say “yes” to life with Him. Nothing like being wooed by the King.
And yes, going into training camp I would have been considered “anti-all-girl-team”. But after talking to some of the squad leaders and hearing the closeness and power that all-girl teams experience, I reached a point where I was content with any dynamic.
Which is good, because I ended up on an all-girl team. Haha
They hold a special place in my heart already. We are so ready to work together to do some amazing things around the world.
One more month until launch!
