I knew when I packed my bag and headed to White, GA to spend a week roughing it with Jesus and 50 or so of my squad-mates that it would be an experience i wouldn’t easily forget. Lets just say God took it a little bit further and COMPLETELY BLEW MY MIND!
I’m still processing what God has done this week, but as the first step in unpacking this incredible trip, let me share 11 things i didn’t know before training camp.
1. Chairs are optional
This is the dining hall. No chairs. We ate all our meals standing up, except for Africa Day when we sat on the floor. Apparently tables are optional too.
2. The bugs are bigger in Georgia
This three-inch beauty looks like its from another planet, or at least some tropical rainforest halfway across the world. Nope. North Georgia, folks.
3. When there’s not enough space, just go up.
I’m assured this is safe.
4. Sharing is Caring
Oh, yeah, I learned to share. Lets see, I shared my shampoo, I shared a cup of coffee with ten other people, I shared Pablo’s sleeping bag one night because I “lost” mine, my whole team shared Connie’s gift card to Chiles, (then we all shared getting sick because we ate too much.) Yup, when you live like this, you learn to share.
5. Squad leaders will do ANYTHING for a laugh.
Squad Leader Dance off. Go Blue!! from Brooke Chavez on Vimeo.
6. Guys look great in Tutus.
Enough said.
7. Its always a good time for salsa!
Katie, Nikole, Me and Leslie learning Puerto Rican dance steps.
8. Two hundred people in a room dancing smells AWFUL, but looks cool.
Dance Break! E squads Cupid Shuffle from Brooke Chavez on Vimeo.
Here we are getting on our Cupid Shuffle.
9. Losing my inhibitions might just be good for me.
This week I did a lot of things I wouldn’t normally do. I swam in a very deep, dark lake. I danced in worship and just for fun. I cried publicly – a lot. I tried putting deodorant in new places (don’t judge, it was hot!) I got a little crazy, and I got real honest. And I asked my self, “why do I hold back when being myself feels so awesome?”
10. I need girls.
What??? Its true, I’m more excited about getting to know my sisters on my team and the girls on my squad then anything else. I fell in love with these ladies!
11. God hears ME.
I’ve been hoping God would single me out for a long time, and this week he did. He saw me in a crowd of over 200 people and took a moment to speak directly to me. He showed me He is with me, and if that’s all this experience was for it would be enough. But he is a good Father and he just can’t stop giving good gifts to his children. I am so glad to be one of them!
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