Training Camp - Explore Archived World Race Alumni Blogs

On friday, I came home from World Race training camp in Georgia. It was ten long, sweaty, amazing days. It is hard to even try and begin to put all that I learned into words, but i’m gonna try my gosh darn best.

The flight there was my very first time flying alone, my destination being a camp full of people I recognized only from their Instagram handles. Talk about liberating. My belly was full of butterflies, like it always was on the first day back to school. Some things, no matter how old you are, never change.

After our first session and my first bucket shower of the week (and of my life), I went back to my tent and cried. Not because I did not want to be there, but because I felt out of my element. I felt uncomfortable. Maybe i’m just an emotional girl, but I felt all alone. Because this time I did not have the luxury of running to my sisters room or going to my best friends house.

Fast forward to the end of the week.

I have never felt so comfortable with 48 people in 10 days before. Pretty specific, but “Hey, I pooped twice today too!!” Talking about bowl movements is a great conversation starter if all else fails.

In 10 days I was reminded of how beautiful community is and how vital it is. The past two summers I worked and lived at Youthfront Camp Lacygne where I dipped my toes in communal living. I forgot how special it is. So thanks God for the reminder that living together is always better. #wedinetogether

In 10 days I learned that I am a hecka emotional girl, but I am not alone. I learned that it is okay to be uncomfortable, but to find comfort in knowing that God is with me no matter how far “out of my element” I feel. Because there is no element too far for God to find me.

In just 10 days I learned how good our God is. He has forgiven us. He has restored us. He loves us. There is no better way He could have shown me this truth than introducing me to V squad. A squad full of lively, encouraging, and honorable men and woman. Thanks God for redefined community, discomfort and new friendships.

Training camp was hard, but it was much easier with the amazing people I was surrounded by. So.. as of now, I will strive to find my comfort in God and trust that He will never leave me… even crying alone in a moist tent in the woods somewhere in Georgia. I am so grateful for this week, I can not wait to do this thing. THANK YOU JESUS.