Training Camp 2010
Well today is Thursday the 6th day of training camp. WOW what a week it has been!! God is sooo good and so present in every aspect of this week. When asked to write a blog about training camp I didn’t know where to begin and what to write. I asked God what he wanted me to write and I just want to share a bit of what I am learning.
The first night was worship and it was so powerful. One of the first songs we sang was about how God hasn’t given up on us. I was overwhelmed with the realization that I have come this far and God is still providing and opening doors. At times I wanted to quit and give up, but if God isn’t giving up on me then I can’t give up either. I felt empowered after that realization.
We also learned to give up our expectations of the trip. We did an exercise where we had been asked if we were willing to give up our expectations of ourselves, the countries we go to, the teams we have and leaders and what work we will be doing. We have to come to realize that things will constantly change on the WR so we need to not have expectations set too high. That is hard for me as I like things to remain the same and know what is happening before hand.
I also have a lot of what if’s like “what if this doesn’t work, or what if this is not what I am supposed to do”? I was so heavy with all the what if’s that I realized they can be turned around. When praying with someone she said let’s say that all your what if’s turned too, “what if I am great”, “what if I can speak words of wisdom to someone”, “what if I can be that one person that someone out there needs to give them hope”. I was blown away by the fact that I can bring hope and love to these people. Also throughout the weekend I had some staff come up and speak words so powerful into me. One said that she saw me across the room and asked God what he wanted her to share with me. She said that I am a gem, I am loved and beautiful, and that I will bring such hope to the people out there. I was overcome with the realization that I needed to hear that and this person didn’t even realize how much that meant to me. I was constantly reminded of God’s love this week.
One last thing that God revealed to me was the person I was before camp and the person I am now. As I sat on a log in the woods journaling it came to me very clearly that before camp I knew God but ran around him and not to him, now I know God but I run to him instead of away from him. That was definitely from God and it is so true.
Today I am sore and tired. We are up early every morning and doing a lot of exercise. But I feel so good that this is what God wants me to do.
Please continue to pray for growth in all areas of my life throughout the rest of training camp. And also pray that when I return home I can continue to raise the money needed and that my fundraisers may be successful. Thanks to all my supporters and your encouragement!!!
