Training camp, only 10 days, but so much life change. I don’t even know where to begin. It’s taken me a long time to write this blog, trying to get my thoughts together after such an incredible experience. God was moving in big ways and I could see it in my own life and in my squad mates.
I was told to go in with no expectations but I did the opposite. I went into training camp with too many expectations. But what happened those 10 days I could have never prepared for.
Going into training camp I was pretty anxious about it all. I was worried about not connecting with my teammates and possibly changing my mind about going on the race, wondering if it was really for me.
I was pushed out of my comfort zone in almost every area. And it was hard. Camping for 10 days, using only porta potties, cold bucket showers, never knowing what was going on, eating weird foods from other countries, carrying 40 pounds on my back, it wasn’t always fun.
But through all of that, I encountered the Holy Spirit in a whole new way. We were encouraged to always have a “yes” in our spirit. And sometimes that’s uncomfortable, but now I’m forever changed. Growing up I always saw people hearing from the Holy Spirit in such a special way and having such a deep connection and I thought I just didn’t hear from God in that way. But WOW I was wrong. I heard from the Holy Spirit in ways I never had before. We learned about prophecy and how we all can hear from the Holy Spirit. We just have to say yes.
During training camp I experienced some spiritual warfare for the first time, or at least the first time I was actually aware that is was happening. It was the most frustrating thing. Satan was attacking me and making me doubt that this was real and that I didn’t need to do this, that I wasn’t the person to go. I felt so numb during worship the second night. I didn’t feel anything. But it wasn’t just me. Most of my squad was struggling with the same thing. That night we prayed over all of us and our campsite, casting out all fear, anxiety, and doubt. The next day I felt so refreshed and reminded of why I was there. And that night we all worshipped with everything we had. Because we knew whether we “felt” it or not, we serve a loving God who is GOOD and WORTHY to be praised.
Leaving training camp I am confident. Confident in who God has called me to be, confident in the authority he has given me, and confident in who he says he is and in this next year of my life.
Training camp was not easy but so worth it. If we continue to surrender and let the Holy Spirit lead us this year, we’ll be limitless.
I also met my team that I’ll be living and doing ministry with for 9 months! I can see the lord through these girls and they all bring something so special to our team. I can’t wait to continue to grow together.
Thank you to all my supporters, whether that’s financially, through prayer, or just your encouraging words as I prepare for this next season of life, it means the world!!
Just 6 weeks until we all leave for Guatemala !!! I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity!
