A few weeks ago I announced that I met my first financial deadline of $3,500 (thanks to all of you!), which means I can attend Training Camp! Since then, many of you have asked “what is Training Camp?”
This, my friends is my best attempt at describing Training Camp. I say it’s my best attempt because what actually happens is cloaked in mystery in many ways. Adventures in Missions (AIM) is excellent at keeping you guessing. Luckily, I love the suspense:)
Training Camp (TC) is an “intense preparation” period. For those of us departing this September, we will gather together in Georgia from July 13-20th. I am so excited for Training Camp as it will be the first time I meet my entire squad (I’ve met one mate already!) in person. This will also be the time that my squad will be divided into teams of about 6-8 folks. This will be the group that I will spend my time with on the Race. The folks I will serve and live with 24/7 for 11 months. I’ll see the rest of my squad between months as we meet for debriefs.
So, back to what will happen at Training Camp. For starters, when I first started stalking blogs about TC (over a year ago) I got the sense that it was a simulation of some sort. That we would be put in conditions and potential situations we may face on the field. You know, we eat what we’ll eat, bathe the way we’ll bathe, sleep in our tents, that sorta thing. In some ways, I think this still holds true, BUT I now know that it is much deeper than that. According to AIM the first thing we’re going to do is “shrink our world” by exploring three fundamental questions:
- Who are you?
- Who does God intend you to be?
- How has your journey brought you here?
Then, we open our eyes to the world through the lens of God’s kingdom. All of this occurs while meeting people you’ve never met, being vulnerable, learning about the places we’re serving and the ways we will serve. And for many of us (hint: me) spending the first time in Georgia (and in July), living out of a backpack, and taking cold showers; there will basically be a lot going on at Training Camp; emotionally, spiritually, physically, and intellectually. Again, I know this is vague, but as I said it’s vague to me too. I’ll be able to share more after I return:) Either way, I am SO excited about it and want to thank you all for your support. Please know that I am fully aware that all of this is possible because of your prayers, encouragement, and giving and I do not take that lightly!
What’s Next?
I admit, that I was starting to get discouraged as no additional funds posted to my account in the past two weeks, BUT as you can see below, as of yesterday, I am only $109.30 away from my second deadline!
Over $2,000 came in this week! My next financial checkpoint allows me to actually depart with my team in September. Incredible, I know! If you are able to give any amount, please click the “support me” link on the left OR send a check by using the info below.
I want to give a special thanks to those of you who have contributed gear and funding towards vaccines. You have saved me over $500!!! Again, thank you SO much!!!
Also, for those in the Seattle area, please save the date for two upcoming fundraiser events:
Monday, June 24th, 6pm: Benefit Dinner
Saturday, June 29th, 8a-4p: Benefit Garage Sale (if you have items you would like to donate please let me know–click "email me" on the left hand menu)
Thanks again for joining me on this journey and have a wonderful weekend..muah:)!
Sha’terika
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You can also join my Facebook Group or follow me on twitter (@teriantoinette) to stay up to date on my journey in between posts!
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I still need $9,109.30 to cover the cost for this trip. If you are able to support me financially, click "Support Me" on the left to make a tax-deductible donation. Or, cut out the small online processing fee by mailing a check to:
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
Checks should be made out to "Adventures in Missions".
***Put "PERKINSSHATERIKA" in the memo line of the check!!!!!***
