Day 1: Gainsville, GA. Thirty two squadmates. One campsite. And stories upon stories that lay in
wait to be shared with one another; virtual strangers connected by one mission. My stomach turns; it’s a feeling of knowing I’m looking at the faces of men and women that I will share my story with from this point forward, the ones that will carry me when I feel too small or insignificant to accomplish the task set before me, the ones that will forever point me back to my Significance. It’s as if I’m moving into a new apartment— unfamiliar, not put together, no color on the walls, and empty. But it has potential to be something beautiful, something I call home. The potential to be filled with the Holy Spirit, vulnerability, and companionship. So I move into that space with the thirty-two no-names, willing to leave my previous familiarity for that what is unknown.
Day 5: We pack up our campsite, we hike, we head to breakfast all before the sun wakes up. It’s thirty-five degrees and I just can’t muster up the courage for another cold bucket shower. I haven’t tasted coffee in five days, and it has become a regular barter with the kitchen staff to get my hands on some. But I’m full of joy. I am as extroverted as they come, so being around people without the distractions of social media or the outside world has finally put me in the element I’ve always longed for. An element that is ultimately founded upon and centered around the Lord alone.
Camp is becoming my new normal, I admit to myself that some version of this will be my life for the next 11 months. We head to our first of four sessions after breakfast. And what do we get to do? LEARN. About Jesus. Cultures. Conflict resolution (which we most definitely will have). The Holy Spirit. Community. Releasing guilt and shame. Worship. The 10/40 window. Fellowship. And oh, the DEBRIEFING. I am challenged spiritually, emotionally, and physically in ways I didn’t think possible. Shout out to my coaches and mentors who are helping us sort through all we were learning.
Day 10: I reflect. Upon all the knowledge that I commit to hold on to as I walk into January. The Holy Spirit has completely ignited my soul for this 10/40 window. I’m excited to walk into areas where the Name of Jesus has never been spoken. I’m excited to be pushed beyond my limits of comfortability and into a phase where I am 100% dependent upon all HE IS; past cultural boundaries, language barriers, and skin color, all working to build relationships, serve His people, and speak boldly of His Name and in His Name. In Isaiah 55, it is promised that His Word will never return void. So, readers, pray upon that. Come with me as I attempt to share the stories of His people, may the shared Word of God not return void. Training camp breathed into me compassion without borders and a love so overflowing, I can hardly wait to begin this journey in service to His children.!!
