HOWDY!
From October 11th-18th I was at Training Camp for the World Race. It was an amazing experience that I am happy to have been able to be apart of. I learned a lot about my self and was fortunate enough to have God reveal somethings to me.
From the time I got to training camp I noticed a few things about the other squads:
1. They have waaaaay more people than M-Squad. M-Squad has 28 races, 4 Squad Leaders, and 2 coaches. Most of the other squads have 50+ racers, at least 2 squad leaders, and 2+ coaches.
2. They were extremely exited to be there (as we all were)
3. They seemed to have this competitive spirit that M-squad seemed to lack. (it turned out to be in our favor)
When I started meeting people on M-Squad I realized that:
1. Not everyone new Spanish, but most people had a background (most likely a minor from college/university) in Spanish.
2. There are only 5 male racers on my Squad. (Great group of guys)
3. Everyone was legitimately interested in getting to know each and every person on the squad. (AMAZING!)
4. What we lacked in numbers we made up for in intimate and friendly conversation and of course spirit. (Mission, Mundial)
5. Everyone wanted to go on the race for different reasons, but wanted everyone to work together as a Team.
For the first few days, we were graciously mentored and instructed by the great Dr. Ron Walborn. He taught us about Spiritual Healing, God’s Love and Mercy, as well as His amazing and endless Forgiveness and Grace. I took away that:
1. My past does not define who I am nor what I can do.
2. The words “You are forgiven” are more powerful than any army.
3. Love defined my 1 Corinthians only scratches the surface of God’s love.
4. God has not nor will he EVER leave me.
5. I can run away from Him, but He is already where I’m running to.
6. Learning how to forgiving myself is one of the best things I have ever learned how to do.
One of the last things we did at camp was split each squad up in sets of teams. I am so excited for what Dar Vida (Chosen Team name, signifying so much more than Giving Life) will do in His name. I consider myself lucky and fortunate to be in a squad with such amazing people as well as on a team that I know will challenge me to grow and mature as a Christian.
TLDR: Training Camp was amazing and I learned a lot about myself, the members of M-Squad, and Dar Vida! I had an amazing time despite the weather (rain and tornado watches), and lack of sleep (my own fault). I enjoyed meeting everyone on M-squad as well as our Squad Leaders, and Coaches. Y’all are all amazing people and I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you!
