This past week in North Georgia, our new September 2013 UVWX Squads trained for their 11-month adventure around the world. We thought the best way to tell you about their training camp was to do it in their own words and photos.
Photos via Christina Kehres, Emily Tuttle, Katie Rowland, Stephanie Bernotas, addilynne, kaitlin_bee, rebeccaneff07, jilljones21, kaleigh11n11, dyannarenee, and shhparling
What's one thing about Training Camp you didn't expect?
+ "The interaction I got to have with so many alumni and mentors. I appreciated their willingness to listen." (Tenille Ramirez, U Squad)
+ "The Holy Spirit to be so present and work so intimately." (Cameron Force, W Squad)
+ "How quickly the squad would bond and go deep with each other." (Maddie Ferguson, X Squad)
In 11 words or less, describe your Training Camp experience.
+ "One week that changed my idea of who God is." (Amanda Goodroe, U Squad)
+ "God absolutely exploded the box I had put him in!" (Kari Williamson, U Squad)
+ "Emotional, challenging, fun, adventure, healthy, community, beautiful, presence, my Jesus!" (Alana Van Middlesworth, V Squad)
+ "The best possible thing God could have planned for me." (Davis Partrick, W Squad)
+ "I received teaching, healing, and community that I never thought possible." (Seth Powell, W Squad)
What's the biggest lesson you learned at Training Camp?
+ "God wants to be more than someone you know of. He wants to destroy every shallow expectation of him you have developed." (Kari Williamson, U Squad)
+ "To see this next year as a chance for my Abba to get to know me and I him; to not make it about what I can do for the world." (Kristen Stoltzfus, W Squad)
+ "I’m not going on the Race to change the world, I’m going to walk in the calling my father has for me and to be a part of his kingdom dream." (Christina Callegari, W Squad)
+ "The Lord loves me just as I am and he longs to speak to me and through me." (Rachael Paz, X Squad)
+ "God is so ready to lovingly speak to his people. Get ready to listen and respond." (Amanda Brescia, X Squad)
+ "I’ve learned to let go of all the baggage I’m carrying and experience what God has planned for me." (Kaitlin Backensto, X Squad)
+ "God is bigger than I thought he was." (Cara Triezenberg, X Squad)
And now, some photos and a video from Christina Kehres of the recently crowned Squad Wars Champions, W Squad!
Training Camp is the launching pad to 11 months of adventures and discipleship around the world. If you apply for a January 2014 World Race, your Training Camp will be this October, so get ready!
