Training camp was a perfect storm of bucket showers, porta potties, and teeth brushing sessions in the great outdoors. It was sharing one plate of food with eight people at every meal, eating whatever they served you in whatever manner they instructed. It was headaches due to no coffee and never quite feeling clean.
Training camp was never knowing whether you would be stuck in a simulated airport with lights on and noises blasting all night, or if your luggage would be “lost in transit” and you would have to depend on others for whatever you needed. It was packing up all of your belongings and pitching your tent wherever they told you.
Training camp was countless worship sessions and choices to say “yes” to hard conversations with God and others. It was being poured into by a leadership team who was willing to deprioritize your comfort in order to love you well. It was learning how to minister to each other and future ministry hosts.
Training camp was team building exercises and competitions against other squads. It was a 3 mile hike with all of your gear on. It was finding out who was on your team and spending an evening making memories with them.
Training camp was ten days that felt like ten years, some of the best years of my life.
I now belong to a squad of 50 amazing people who love Jesus deeply and are excited for all He has planned.
During my first month of ministry in Cote d’Ivoire, I will be leading the team of five all-star racers pictured below. We are expected to fly out the first week of August, but set dates have not been communicated yet. Please keep my squad and team in your prayers as we spend the next few weeks preparing for all that is to come!
Thank you again for joining with me on this journey. Love you!
