A few months ago I posted a blog about the next season of life, the next leg of the journey. On July 10th as 300 Gap year racers arrived at training camp in Gainesville, GA and I awaited my 50 racers of Gap Q at the campsite ready to great them, this all became a reality. It is funny that I found myself at training camp for a second time because a year ago as I left Gainesville, GA I vowed to NEVER go through training camp again. This was definitely dramatic, but it is a highly emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting ten days that I never thought I would go through again.
This time around the days were still long and the emotions were still high, but I am a completely different person! On day one as we awaited the racers to come into their first worship session, I stood against the wall with Jodi (my old and current squad mentor…she has been through it all with me!) and she looked at me and said she didn’t even recognize me now compared to the girl who walked into the training center a year ago. As I stood there and walked through the week, the Lord reminded me of how he prepared me for this. The Lord had this journey in the books for me before I even knew it was a possibility.
I was able to help racers through training camp just as others helped me. I was able to help walk racers through emotions just as others had helped me. I was able to facilitate discussions, answer questions, and share experiences. I was able to help push people through the hike as John helped me. I was able to encourage and point the racers towards the Lord. I was able to go through the journey again, but this time with experience, this time as a shoulder to cry on, this time as a leader/friend who had done it. I am so humbled and honored that the Lord trusts me to walk alongside these amazing men and women as they begin this incredible journey. It was training camp from a whole new perspective and definitely a week to remember!
The Lord worked in incredibly big ways. As the week went on and I got to know Gap Q better, I watched them walk into a new-found freedom. I watched them take a faith that was once reliant on their parents and make it their own. I watched eyes be opened to who the Lord is. I watched as people began develop a more intimate relationship with the Lord. I watched as people began to walk in the joy, love, and peace of the Lord. I watched many spontaneous worship sessions. I watched Gap Q step up to the plate and develop an unshakable hunger to know the Lord deeper and to share that with the world. I watched an army of warriors for the kingdom step up. Gap Q taught me so much. They re-inspired parts of my faith that needed a wake up. They led with vulnerability and loved each other so well. They heard the Lord’s voice and weren’t afraid to speak up. They are a force to be reckoned with so watch out Costa Rica, South Africa, Thailand, and Myanmar. Gap Q, an army of warriors for the Lord, is coming your way.
So, now where do I fit in all this?? While Gap Q has a nine month journey and I will walk through it all with them, I will only physically be in the field for the first 3 months while they are in COSTA RICA! I will work side by side with two teams (I will introduce you to them later) doing ministry, living with them, and helping them transition into life on World Race Gap Year.
At the beginning of September I will be reunited with the squad in Atlanta, GA as we prepare to launch. I am so eager and ready to help disciple and learn from these incredible men and women. The Lord has big things in store for Gap Q and I feel so honored and humbled to be a small part of that.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers as I step into this new and exciting journey!
