Training camp has come and gone which is crazy to me. I feel like it zoomed by but also that it lasted for months. My squad has transformed into one huge family. Many memories were made, here are some of my favourites.
- Meeting my squad (the 40+ people who I will be traveling with) and learning who my team is (5 girls whom I will be living and doing ministry with) after months and months of connecting only through texting and Skype. With that learning how to lean into vulnerability with them, which for me is not an easy concept to grasp. To be fully loved is to be fully known.
- Worshiping our God late at night under the stars together as a squad.
- THE HIKE! A 2.2 mile hike in Georgia in the middle of July. It was 40° with over 90% humidity. We had to carry our big packs which weighed anywhere from 25-50 pounds up and down hills (they felt like mountains at the time but that’s besides the point) not to mention that we were being timed and had to run for a good part of it to make it in time. I am so proud of how my all girls’ team did. It was very challenging but we conquered it. It helped build our teamwork and brought us closer as one body. We can do hard things!
- Experiencing the goodness of the Lord each and every day. HE IS SO SO GOOD!
- It was make a memory night and so we had one goal, to make memories but then the rain came and it did not stop. Flash flood warnings started and the torrential rain did not stop. My squad ran into the rain to save our bags from the tarps they were under because the tarps had begun to leak. We tried everything, diving through the bags under the tarp to find ours, nope didn’t work. Stuffing them in the porta potties, Ew. Finally, a solution, throw them into the shower that at least has a roof, a metal one mind you and it’s lightning. We decided that was a good idea and moved all the 40+ bags into the shower, success at last. That is until our leaders told us we needed to take them all the way across the field into the pavilion so, we did. We ran like mad through the pouring rain and delivered our soaked packs to the pavilion where they stayed the night. We were soaked to the bone, as where many of our bags but I can definitely attest to the fact that we indeed made some memories, it was a good time
- Being unable to finish team time one night due to the fact that my team was overcome with joy and nonstop laughter
- Developing new norms even after such a short period of time, bucket showers, porta potties, eating with our hands for some meals, etc.
- Getting countless lice checks (it happens)
- Falling in the red Georgia clay so many times I think my skin will be stained forever
- Leaving all doubts I had coming into this behind so that I can run this race with confidence in where God had brought me. Fear has no place anymore!
- Being bummed that I was the only one from my squad going to the international terminal at the end of camp but then being blessed with meeting another Canadian world racer and getting to hang out with her.
So much has happened in the past two weeks and I can’t wait to see what God has in store. I leave for India September 8th and need to have at least 10 000 dollars raised, if you feel lead to donate it would be very appreciated.
Please be praying
- Against any attacks of doubt, fear, sickness etc. That come my squad’s way as we are preparing to leave
- That everyone launching in September will be financially provided for
- For us to all finish this season at home strong, enjoying our time, not being too focused on what’s ahead or too sad about what we will be leaving behind
Love,
Sydney
