I sent a text to my dad one night and told him I thought it was how the World Race would feel. All the emotions. All at once. Joy, frustration, irritation, accomplishment, exhausted, empowered, and I could go on and on. Honestly I left training camp wondering if I could really do this. I saw so many areas in my life that still need work. Suddenly all the things I would be missing next year were magnified. Why did I ever think that I could do this? I’m a homebody! I just dream about adventures, I don’t ever actually do them!
But God.
The more I voiced my doubts and fears the more reminders He sent. He reminded me that I was the one that asked to be His hands and feet. He reminded me of His promises. He reminded me that if I want to be different I have to do something different! Most of all, He reignited my passion for the 10/40 Window.
The reason this blog has taken almost two weeks to write is because I didn’t want you to hear all the negative things. How could I tell my supporters that, at times, I was miserable? But I want to be honest. Most of all I want you to see God’s work. Training Camp was one of the hardest experiences of my life. It was emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting. But it was emotionally, physically, and spiritually empowering. And uplifting. And restoring. And refreshing.
It’s easier to avoid hard things; to go around them instead of through them. But then we never get stronger. The World Race will be hard. Community will be hard. Packing up your tent every morning is HARD. But would we ever truly appreciate the sunshine if it never rained? Would we ever appreciate the heat if it was never cold? (Brute squad, can I get an Amen?) So to my support family, when you see a hard post from me, please know that God is working. He is in the hard places! And we will rejoice together when He reveals the sun.
Finally, to every person who prayed me through training camp. You are ROCK STARS! I felt every prayer. To every person who helped me physically train. You are INVALUABLE! Every mile, every minute of running and pressing on with me. I felt you on that training hike. I saw you on that hill, Allie. I heard you speaking scripture, Denise. I didn’t quit for you, Jodi, when we ran with our packs. And to all of our trainers. Oh man. There truly are no words to express my gratitude, my love, and my admiration. You are the glue.
Love and hugs.
Disclaimer: If you are a future World Racer reading this, please know that many people THRIVE at training camp! Also, you WILL pack up your tent every morning. Why don’t the other blogs and vlogs tell you that? I don’t know either! Last thing, if your training camp is in October, it WILL be cold. Don’t check the weather. Don’t think 45 degrees isn’t that bad. Just go ahead and pack for 20 degrees. You’re welcome.
Disclaimer numero dos: I realize this blog was all over the place. My apologies. Moreover, I have committed to blogging once a week while on the Race. So either it will get better, or you’ll get used to it, or you’ll get tired of reading. Stay tuned to find out!
