I’ve been home for a few days from training camp and I have yet to process all that took place over the last 10 days. Several attempts have been made to write a blog that covers all I experienced but I am having trouble putting it together. So, with tonight being my deadline, I decided to just start typing and see what the Lord would like me to share with all of you. Let me first just start off by saying that training camp completely took me out of my comfort zone and left me feeling absolutely exhausted; physically, mentally and spiritually. I spent the last 10 days in Gainesville, Georgia where I had the opportunity to meet my team leaders, squad and teammates who I will be spending the next year with. As I still try to work through everything, I wanted to at least share a list of some things I learned about camp, about myself and about God.
These are in no particular order… hope you enjoy*
- Turning your shirt inside out does not make it a clean shirt
- Porta-Potti’s fill up real quick when the men leave for the overnight hike
- Some bugs taste like burnt sunflower seeds
- Rolling your ankle is just temporary and not permanent pain
- Hiking with your eyes closed is only appropriate when you have a staff leader and a teammate with you
- You can fit 3 people in a REI half dome plus tent and it’s necessary when trying to stay warm
- Bucket showers become the best part of the day even though they take your breath away
- Bring snacks and instant coffee, you won’t regret it
- Pack light, I mean pack super light… only bring the necessities
- Chacos + Socks = Sockos… which I am quite fond of
- God is faithful… if you ask Him to break your heart, tear down walls and wreck you… He absolutely will
- Wipes are your best friend, you can never have too many
- Things that you normally care about, like shaving or plucking eyebrows, completely fall to the wayside when at camp
- Make sure you check the weather before heading to camp, just because you’re on a hot route on the race and you figure that since Georgia is South, doesn’t mean you won’t be freezing the majority of the time
- If you have a sleeping bag that works great for 30 degree weather, remember, the less clothing you wear to bed the better… Keep to the dress code though 😉
- It’s crucial to be mentally, spiritually and physically healthy, you can’t be healthy if one is lacking
- Putting peppermint oil on your cheeks will cause your eyes to burn and tear, therefore, successfully keeping you up during lessons when your extremely sleep deprived
- You can never have too many pairs of underwear
- Long socks are more than stylish, they help you adhere to the different cultural dress codes
- Get excited for team building exercises
- Have a rain cover for your daypack, this came in extremely handy for me
- If you’re introverted, start practicing not being one and prepare yourself for hugs
- Take the 2.2 mile hike in 38 minutes with your big pack seriously… make sure you make it the first time, you do not want to do this again
- Be vulnerable with your squad mates, they will surprise you
- Learn to truly listen to people when they are talking and not thinking of what you can say or share in response
- If you are a leader, learn when it’s time to be a follower
- If you are more comfortable as a follower, just know that God will use you as a leader
- Training Camp is no picnic, you will be challenged and stretched beyond belief
- Sharing is caring
- God does and will give you more than you can handle, but He always provides a way out and will stay with you every step of the way
- Worship like nobody’s watching and be free to worship as you feel led, don’t hold back
- Learn to love communication… feedback is a common practice for healthy community
- Be flexible and don’t try to figure out what’s going to happen next
- The Holy Spirit is a gentleman, He waits to be invited in
- God will push you more than you ever thought possible if you let Him
- It is possible to fall down stairs and almost off a retaining wall without hurting yourself and bust out laughing
- Squad Wars is real! Prepare yourself for battle
- Learn to embrace setting up and taking down your tent
- Your chair is your best friend
- God will meet you exactly where you are, He will push you more than you thought possible and He will shower you with His love, let Him speak to you and be willing to be quiet and listen for Him, He will absolutely reveal Himself to you
- No sleeping in at training camp, you will mostly likely be up before the sun
- God is pleased with you
- Journal, Bible, Pen – bring them
- Napkins are a luxury
- You will absolutely fall in love with God and the people at camp, you are the body, you are a family
This list in no way encompasses everything that I experienced or learned, but these are some of the highlights. Thank you for reading and can’t wait to fill you in more about all that God is doing. Love to all!
