I just got back from Training Camp and arrived back to Cornell College in little Mt. Vernon, Iowa. The past 10 days in Georgia felt like it went by so fast and slow at the same time. It seemed like the people I met I had known for over a year and it was crazy how much our community grew each and every day. There was so much I learned throughout these past 10 days that I decided I would put it down as a simple 10 Things I took away from Training Camp! Enjoy.
** DISCLAIMER: I could probably have a list of 3,492 things I learned throughout this past week and a half, however, I brought it down to 10 because well….its easier to read 😉 **
- Showers were few and far in between — I was exposed to much of what my life will look like on the race. This meaning that showers will likely contain a 5-gallon bucket, cold hose water, and a small cup to help. This brought me back to my time in the Dominican Republic when we used a similar method, however, at least it was warm in the DR. Confession: Throughout the full 10 day training camp, I showered twice. This was also taking into consideration that I worked out and did exercise around 5-7 days! Luckily for me, everyone smelled a little “natural”. Baby wipes will be one of the essentials next year!
- I have never felt so close to a group of 21 other individuals in my life — From day one, I felt connected to the girls and guys in my squad. On night #2 I “lost my checked bag from Panama to Indonesia” so I was without a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and clothes for the next 24 hours ish. This threw me into the role of dependence on those who didn’t lose their stuff. I ended up sleeping in a tent with Alivya and it was a little awkward to start but we grew a sweet friendship out of the experience….and we slept in the same tent for the rest of training camp because of it even when I had all of my stuff back! Having a squad of only 22 was also amazing because while other squads were struggling to memorize names and faces, we had it down and also knew ages, hometowns, and other fun facts. I can’t think of a better group to travel the world with and challenge each other in our walks with God.
- Training camp fully exposed me to regions cultures — I was unsure what to expect when it came to Adventures in Missions exposing us to the areas of the world that we would be living in in the next year. Each day was a different area/region of the world and we participated in the traditional dress code and ate traditional meals. This was great because it gave us the opportunity to have a little taste (literally) of some of the meals we might encounter on the race. Out of all the meals I ate, I really loved India day. Unfortunately for me, India is not on my route, BUT maybe I’ll be able to find some Indian food in the countries that I am going to!
- Georgia is a lot colder than I expected — Alright Ya’ll, when you think of Georgia you think of the south, right? You think 70s and 80s and warm sun and tanning, right? Well I think I was unlucky and brought some of Iowa’s weather down with me because wow was it chilly during Training Camp, especially at night sleeping in little tents. You would find most of us in multiple layers and long pants and not shorts, tank tops, or flip flops during the duration of the 10 days. I will have to be sure to take that into consideration when packing for the next year. It taught me not to expect anything. I may be in Latin America, but it may still be cold since I’ll be there during winter time.
- God can come out with some pretty radical miracles when you simply ask — During one of our sessions we learned about a few of the healings and miracles that we may experience during our next year abroad. I have always been skeptical about this type of thing. I always thought that it was New Testament thing, however, it wouldn’t happen immediately and ultimately I wouldn’t be able to heal someone or make it where someone could see. Well, I was proved wrong during camp. One of my squadmates, Carter, had rolled his ankle during a hike. During that session, we as a team prayed over him for healing. After we finished, Carter stood up, took off the ankle brace and was able to do one legged squats on that ankle. I was amazed by what I saw and learned that simply believing in the power of healing and having trust in the Lord that he will provide for those who need it changed my whole perspective. Healing and miracles are real and are available to those that seek it out.
- I have become adventurous — Wow, this is an understatement. I would have never expected myself to eat a handful of crickets. This was probably the first and the last time doing this. I’m not a huge fan of the traditional Thailand and Cambodia snack. I was surprised in myself for trying and eating all the food, as well. I am not a picky eater but I like having the comfort in knowing what I’m about to eat and that was not the case during Training Camp. We also were sent to different neighborhoods throughout Gainesville to evangelize and do some door to door ministry. While I have been exposed to some of this during high school with my youth group, it wasn’t to the extent of this. I was asked to pray over the people that answered the door….and I was REALLY nervous about this task. By the end of the session, I really enjoyed talking to the people who answered and I had the opportunity to talk and connect with! I am excited to have adventure days on the race where it is exactly what it sounds like, we go on an adventure. This could look like swimming with sharks in South Africa or playing with elephants in Thailand or zip lining through the rainforest in Costa Rica. I’m just excited to challenge my comfort zone and maybe I’ll even try a fried tarantula! Stay tuned to see 🙂
- There is beauty in being enough and loved and forgiven and chosen and happy — One of the biggest things that I took away from Training Camp was that I am enough and that I am loved, extremely and unconditionally loved. I think that before Training Camp, I really didn’t think that God could unconditionally love me when taking into consideration all the sin that I have participated in the past 22 years but ultimately He does. He chose me to be happy and forgiven, and He sent His Son down to DIE for the sin that I have committed and will commit in the future. He did that because He unconditionally LOVES me and loves you too. Being able to process that and fully believe it was one of the most freeing feelings I’ve ever felt.
- Worship is a different world — This environment is one where there is no comparison or judging, just worshipping the Big Man Upstairs together, however worship looks to you. It was awesome to look around and realize that everyone in the room had made the radical decision to leave everything behind for a year to pursue God intentionally and to serve those around them in the process. I am so excited to be able to worship with my squad during the 11 months ahead of me. I am also excited to see and be a part of worship in other cultures and areas in the world.
- Eating with your hands is common and being utensil-less makes me feel silly — I felt like I was never going to get all the dirt and food out from under my fingernails. The first day we were asked to only use chopsticks to eat. I was okay with that challenge. THEN for the next 5-7 days we weren’t given anything. No plates, no utensils, no cups. Just the food in front of us and our hands. At first I felt really silly and had to revert to the time in my life when I was 2 years old and hadn’t yet learned how to use a fork and a knife. This experience was humbling and yet difficult to get a hang of, but I am thankful that we were able to practice this common act at Training Camp. I would have been shocked if we were exposed to it for the first time on the field.
- I am excited for the next 11 months ahead of me — WOW, am I excited to travel the world and be able to do it in the name of God. I am so excited to play soccer with children, have the opportunity to pray for healing for the sick, hang out with the elderly, experience every diverse culture, learn a bunch of languages, grow in my relationship with God, have worship nights with my squad, be the light to all nations, eat yummy food, and go on adventures.
Thank you for your support thus far in my journey of making one of my dreams a reality. I am still looking for around $3,000 in support to be fully funded! If you would be willing to donate you can click the “Donate” button on my blog (www.elisabethsage.theworldrace.org).
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!!
(also enjoy some training camp pictures below)
– Elisabeth
