Two weeks ago I flew to ATL Georgia by myself (for the first time), for training camp. It marked the official beginning of the crazy adventure my squad and I will be embarking on in just 7 weeks. It was an intense, fun, exciting and hot 10 days, and in such short time i’ve already seen so much change and growth in both my teammates and myself. I am blessed with the most amazing group of young women, all with hearts filled with God, ready to share His glory. I thought it would be fun for y’all to get to know them a little bit, so I asked them to each answer 5 questions. Hope you enjoy!
Caroline
1) Why did you pick the World Race?
I was in my second year of college and was beginning to become too wrapped up in school and internships and the future that would have come. God interrupted my plans. He is meant to be my only focus and when He is my future and everything else fall into place. I want nothing more than to love my Dad with all my heart soul mind and strength. I’m sold out for my Jesus.
2) Favourite part of Training Camp?
Honestly the challenges. I pray God always sheds light on the places I need to improve so that I am always reliant on Him and not myself. I love when He breaks me, because He also heals me in the way He needs to. He knows what is best for me. I love that.
3) Hardest part of Training Camp?
The hike. But while it was the hardest part it was also the most rewarding. You are capable of so much more than you think you are.
4) One thing you’re most looking forward to on the race
I love Paul’s description of Jesus in Phillipans 2. He makes Himself a servant as God’s son rather than trying to claim entitlement. I look forward to being humbled in every way. Every person is a different part of Jesus. I can’t wait to encounter more of Him.
5) Fun fact!
I love love love accents and impersonations. I always tell people if they get tired of me (being just plain ole caroline) to ask for someone else
Marissa
1) Why did you pick the World Race?
I picked the World Race because at the time I didn’t feel like college was where God was calling me for the next year and traveling so much gives me the opportunity to meet more of God’s Kingdom and appreciate more cultures.
2) Favourite part of Training Camp?
Worship!!!
3) Hardest part of Training Camp?
The first time we did the fitness hike.
4) One thing you’re most looking forward to on the race?
I’m most excited about seeing new places with my new family and meeting so many people that will impact me and I can have an impact on too.
5) Fun fact!
I am a manager at an italian ice shop!
Iris
1) Why did you pick the World Race?
When time to pick colleges was suddenly here, I couldn’t do it, I felt restless and like I wasn’t doing what would be best for me. Then I realized that God was telling me I had a little more to learn before I go off, and He gave me a calling to share His glory and go! I learned about WR through a friend who had already gone and it seemed perfect.
2) Favourite part of Training Camp?
I am the kinda person who loves making new friends ! So I would say my favourite part was meeting everyone and getting to know my new family. Also, worship nights were awesome!
3) Hardest part of Training Camp?
Not gonna lie, I eat a lot. At camp they tried to immerse us in the cultures we would be living in and that meant eating ethnic food, so lots was different, including portion size. It was good though! I have a heightened appreciation for rice now:)
4) One thing you’re most looking forward to on the race?
I love camping and backpacking and I love to adventure, no matter what that may look like! But mainly I can’t wait to just be the Lords hands and feet and learn everything he has to show me, and share it!!
5) Fun fact!
When I was little I wanted to grow up to be Velma from Scooby Doo
Abby:
1) Why did you pick the World Race?
I chose the World Race because this past year I was undecided in college. During school I had a year of spiritual growth and felt called by God to put that in action through mission work.
2) Favourite part of Training Camp?
My favorite part of training camp was when our whole team had to sleep inside because of the thunderstorm. I enjoyed the community and how it felt like a huge sleepover with my new family.
3) Hardest part of Training Camp?
The hardest part of training camp was the 2.2 mile hike: both physically and mentally. Honestly it was a lot harder knowing the next day at 6 in the morning I would have to do it again.
4) One thing you’re most looking forward to on the race?
I am most looking forward to experiencing the diverse cultures and hearing the locals stories. Hoping to hold some babies too!
5) Fun fact!
I am part Ukrainian.
Zoe
1) Why did you pick the World Race?
I didn’t really pick the World Race the World Race picked me. I never saw myself as a missionary until I looked into the WR and saw the joy brought all over the world because of it.
2) Favourite part of Training Camp?
My favorite part of TC was bonding with my team. Honestly I would have never picked this team but bonding with these girls and learning our strengths and weaknesses shows how God has a plan He picked this team for a reason and I’m thrilled about it.
3) Hardest part of Training Camp?
The hardest part of TC for me had to be the food. I am the worlds most pickiest eater and to put a bunch of different cultural food in front of me and expect me to live off of it was crazy. I tried a lot of new things but it was still very hard.
4) One thing you’re most looking forward to on the race?
I am looking forward to telling the story about Jesus to someone who has never heard of Him and seeing the joy on there faces. I also cannot wait to do children’s ministry!!
5) Fun fact!
I play hockey and TC was my first time ever camping
Kate
1) Why did you pick the World Race?
I picked the World Race because I came back from my first mission trip where I went to sa and just knew there was more and God wasn’t done so as I prayed God put the World Race on my heart and so I applied and here I am!
2) Favourite part of Training Camp?
My Favourite part of training camp was sleeping in my hammock the last night to just enjoy God beauty and his creations.
3) Hardest part of Training Camp?
The hardest part was trying to stay focused on the main reason of it all when we were eating crickets and stuff. It was hard to be like” just eat the crickets and chicken gizzards because it’s for Jesus”.
4) One thing you’re most looking forward to on the race?
lLving everyday helping everyone, loving Jesus, doing good and coffee from Ethiopia
5) Fun fact!
I like tattoos and piercings and I can lick my nose easily
Thanks for reading! Hopefully y’all will grow to love these girls as much as I already do (as they’ll probably show up in a lot of my posts!).
m
