What was World Race training camp like? Oh boy, where do I even start? I feel like I could write a whole novel of stories, and things the Lord did, but I am going to limit myself, you’re welcome. I am going to give you 11 things I took away from camp. If you haven’t noticed by now World Racers have a thing with the number 11.
- You don’t need to be “perfect”
Being perfect is a big stigma in the church. You go to church to become this “perfect” Christian that makes no mistakes. Let me tell you right now, that is an impossible goal. Coming into camp I felt like I didn’t have any “big” problems to work on, but the Lord showed me otherwise. Being broken isn’t always a bad thing. The Lord wants you to go to him with all your mess, he wants to guide you, he wants to teach you, and he wants to love you unconditionally, you just need to let him in.
- You can use your Nalgene for EVERYTHING!
You are limited to luxuries at camp and have to make do with what you have. I would have never thought my Nalgene (water bottle) would be as useful as it was. I used it to drink water, drink the strongest instant coffee of my life, brush my teeth, shave my legs, wash my hands and feet, drown spiders, and even planned a work out with it. That leads me to number 3.
- Think outside the box
Camp is a stretching experience, and could potentially get very uncomfortable. Actually, you will be uncomfortable at some point. Think about doing things differently than you normally do, even if it seems crazy. Some things will be a great success, and others will just be a funny story to tell later on when you need a good laugh.
- The Lord knows what he is doing.
I learned during the past two weeks, more than ever, to never put a cap on what God can and cannot do! Things may seem hectic to us, but the Lord has it under control. Example: My team. I would have never thought about putting the 6 of us on the same team, but now that we are I see what the Lord was doing and I would NOT change it. My team is full of amazing, beautiful, wonderful, passionate, servants for the Lord. In the short time we had together as a team, I felt so much peace and joy. We had an opportunity to bond off of the Adventures campus with our team. Our first stop was Starbucks. Most of us were in line dreaming of coffee, but our leader Hannah was back at the table, focused on her Bible. Once we all got back to her with our drinks, she shared a scripture the Lord gave her. She started reading the chapter, and I got God bumps. Everything in that chapter was what was just spoken over us not even an hour before. It described us perfectly. It was Isaiah 42 and the title of the chapter is “The Lord’s Chosen Servant”. Hence Team Chosen Servants.
5.“Introvert time” is a real thing
Yes, you heard me correctly, and it is glorious. I am as Extroverted as they come, but 10 days around 48 people in some stressful environments with little sleep can become a little much. Find time for yourself to process everything, even if it’s just 4 steps behind your friends. You need time to yourself, it’s important and so worth it.
- Be open
Be open to the people around you, be open to what the Lord is teaching you, and be open to the challenges. You will see growth, and it’s AWESOME.
- Being uncomfortable isn’t always a bad thing.
You will be stretched more than you’re comfortable with at camp, and don’t be afraid of that. With stretching comes growth and strength. I constantly use this example, but this is the best way I can put it. Imagine you start working out and grab a 15 pound weight to do curls. At first it will be difficult and you will be sore after the work out, but you will see strength and muscle growth. A few weeks later that 15 pound weight seems like nothing, the pain stops, but so does the muscle growth and strength. You have to grab the next weight up in order to continue growth. It may be difficult and you might be uncomfortable, but you will become stronger in the end. Embrace the uncomfortable!
- You are not a Burden
The enemy will feed you a ton of lies while you are at camp, but I think this was the number one for me. There are times where you will have to lean on your squadmates and ask them for help, so don’t be afraid to. The enemy will try to convince you that you aren’t loved, you are annoying, you don’t need help, and you can do it by yourself. Don’t listen to that! Your squadmates love you and would do anything for you, just like you would do anything for them. You are important and loved.
- Bucket showers aren’t half bad
I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but I can honestly say that first shower at camp was the best shower of my life!
10.Caffeine headaches are a real thing
If you are an avid coffee/pop drinker and are going to WR training camp, I strongly suggest you cut down on your caffeine before you leave. The first few days were rough. Instant coffee packs are gold, but don’t depend on them. Georgia gets really hot, so make sure you drink water as often as you can.
11.Be yourself
Don’t try to act like someone you aren’t to get attention. Be yourself and be proud of it. Everyone on my squad is SO different, but we fit together like a puzzle! You don’t want a squad of robots going to the nations. We were uniquely made on purpose, and seeing someone else comfortable in their own skin will inspire you.
Training camp was amazing and that was only the tip of the iceberg. I am so excited for what God has planned for my squad, my team, and me this next year. During this next year we will come face-to-face with hardships, experience tears, and feel defeated, but we will have triumphs, experience joy, and conquer the things set against us because God is good, and He is always with us.
