I spent Oct 18th-28th in Gainesville Georgia for world race training camp. It was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually draining in the best way!!!! I got to meet my squad of 31people for the first time and was placed in my team of 5! There is no way to share all that took place in those 10days so Im gonna fill you in on the big points for me.
Physically:
The physical requirement for the trip consisted of a timed hike. We were required to hike 3.3miles in 1hour with our full pack. The hike took place at 645am and included all the hills of training camp. In the instructions they informed us that you can not complete this hike in the allotted time by walking the entire time, you had to run. Needless to say I had a panic moment. I enlisted prayers from family, friends, and these new strangers I found myself doing life with. That morning I remember praying and I said “God I know that I have asked you for a lot of things throughout my life but I do not ever recall asking you for a miracle for myself but I need one now! I can not do this on my own!” I began the hike and tried my best to keep up a needed pace while constantly praying and worshiping. At about the half way mark I remember thinking Im not going to make it in time. I prayed “Lord I thought your calling for me to do this race was super clear but if I can not complete this hike in time it is not going to happen. Is this still what you want from me???” As those words came out I looked up to the sky for an answer and as I did a shooting star shot across the sky…. I had my answer!!! Now crying I continued to put one foot in front of the other and by the grace of God completed the hike with 4mins to spare!!!!
1Timothy 4:10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Mentally:
Those who know me know that I can be someone who is on the quite side (not always I know) and like my alone time. Part of the way the world race is designed places high value on living in community. It is probably the aspect that will take the most adjustment for me. While I love people and can see the value of community, 24/7 community for 11months will not come naturally for me. But I know that part of the journey is growing and learning. One night when I tried to call my mom for some prayer and words of encouragement, she was unable to answer her phone. That did not change the fact that I needed prayer and encouragement but it did make me realize that I will need to rely on my new community of people for those things while on the field. So I approached a stranger at the time and shared my concerns and walked away with prayer, encouragement and a new friend. This still remains my biggest concern/ prayer request (so please be in prayer for me) but is also my goal to improve before launch.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Emotionally:
For those of you who have ever participated in a christian camp may be aware of the emotions that typically show their head there! Well this training camp was no different. Saturday morning I headed into worship thinking I can not do this!!!! As they began singing I found myself standing there full of doubt. The worship leader then began to speak saying I feel like there are some in this room that are beginning to doubt their calling and feeling like you can’t do this but I feel God saying yes you can, I am with you! As he said those words he looked right at me!!!! The tears began to fall and there was no stopping them as much as I wanted to. Then our squad mentor approached me and said God just gave me a picture for you. She said, “ I see you as a ballerina dancing in one of those music boxes and its beautiful but God wants to dance with you outside the box, so He is grabbing your hand and leading out to dance with Him!” You guessed right, the tears increased 10x but in the midst of them fear was replaced by excitement.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Spiritually:
Please see the physical, mental, and emotional stories hahaha. God was moving through every aspect of training camp and I got to experience Him and new and exciting ways! Im excited to see how He moves next. Theres a saying that was said throughout camp “Ministry is life, and life is ministry. There is no on/off switch!” God moves and works through people, life and experiences at all times, will you stop to see it?!
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
