HELLO!!!!!
Its so crazy that 7 days ago I was still at training camp and had to say goodbye to everyone on route 2. Training camp was so amazing and I was able to start so many relationships fully built on faith. I got to catch a small glimpse of what the Race will look like. Since being back it has been really hard to explain training camp and all the different ways I have seen God working in me and those around me.
From camping in our tents for 10 nights to taking bucket showers (something completely new to me), was something I honestly learned to love over the 10 days. I gained new experiences that will stay with me throughout the Race and on. It was physically challenging as well. One early morning, every camper had to complete a 2.2 mile hike in 38 minutes with backpacks, tents, clothes, and all.
The majority of each day was spent in sessions learning about different ways to connect with God and gaining more Biblical knowledge. We spent a lot of time in prayer and listened closely for God’s voice. We learned a lot about grace, discipleship, evangelism, forgiveness and how to thrive between training camp and launch for the Race. All of this has taught me how to be emotionally and spiritually equipped on the Race, and even better, in everyday life here at home.
I can not speak highly enough of my leaders, my squad, and small team of 8 girls that I will be doing my day-to-day missionary work with. Everyone I was surrounded with immediately started to feel like my family. The genuine love and support I received from everyone was so overwhelming and amazing.
With time flying by faster than ever there is still so much to do to prepare. Before training camp I found my self scheduling my days crazy busy to fit everyone in and still get everything done in that day. I found my self losing focus of what is bigger and who is really in control.
I found my self taking each day for granted and not taking the time to appreciate each moment I spend with my family and friends. Pretty soon they will not be right there when I need them, and I will miss them. But I need to take the time now and enjoy being in their presence.
A good friend gave me a book a couple weeks ago at graduation called Simple Thoughts That can Literally Change Your Life. In the book there is a chapter called Words to Wake up to. One of my favorite quotes is “When you start each day with a grateful heart, the light illuminates from within.”
After reading this and reflecting on the words it makes me not want to miss any moments and be present in everything I am doing. Training camp has made me so grateful for small things like napkins and utensils but also for the big things like seeing my family and being able to talk to them when ever I want and miss them.
Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me and has been walking with me on this journey. Everyones support means the world to me and I would not be where I am today with out everyone.
