This afternoon I came home after 22 hours travelling. So I’m happy to share with you the past 11 days of excitement and preparation in Gainesville Atlanta, Georgia.
But first have a look at my squad – L Squad. These amazing American people are the ones with who I’m gonna travel the world with a yes in our spirits and Jesus in our hearts.
>> The Top 10 <<
1) Sleeping in Tents, Community Sleeping
As training we had to set up and pack away our tent several times. One night, we did a community sleeping in a 10 person tent because on the race we could often come across big rooms by our hosts which means not much privacy. Today’s gear allows pretty comfy nights in tents. This means a lot to me. But of course, I wouldn’t change it with my bed.
2) Bucket Showers and Port-a-potties
A bucket, cold water, a cabin for a little bit of privacy – that was our shower as we will find it on the race.
Our toilets were port-a-potties. On the race that might be luxury. That’s one point I definitely need to get used to.
3) Scenario: Baggage Lost
Without being prepared we were told that half of the baggage got lost. So organize yourself to sleep in pairs in one tent, on one sleeping pad, with one sleeping bag, share toothpaste and clothes and whatever. A scenario that might happen. Good to know that we managed to arrange us as a squad.
4) Scenario: Sleeping at the Airport
Layover, so get all the stuff you need for a night in a room with chairs, bright light and loud airport-sounds and announcements during the whole night. Earplugs and sleeping mask a must.
5) Cultural days: dress code and eating habits
We got used to wear sometimes ankle lengths and loose fitting clothes, cover the head or eat with the hands. The food was prepared proper to the part we were: Latin America, Africa, Asia or Adventure Day (we ate bugs!).
6) Activity Dinner: cooking at the campfire, market
Two times we couldn’t just sit at the table, we had to prepare our food by ourselves at the campfire or “buy” it with play money on a noisy, crowded and funny pretended overseas market – yummy!
7) Fitness Hike
2,2 miles with the packed backpack in 30 minutes – got it!
8) Get to know my team AGAPE VITA
For the first months I’m gonna be with these beautiful ladies on tour for spreading the unconditional love (AGAPE) to the nations with unreached people groups who don’t have access to the gospels. Our goal is to live a life (VITA) in this spread love and living manner. That’s the meaning of our team name: AGAPE VITA.
9) Sessions and Worship
A full schedule of passionate worship and gifted speakers of different issues (spiritual and practical preparation). Loved it!
10) Squad Wars
We celebrated the evening before departure with hilarious Squad War Games (Squad Dance, David and Goliath, Dodgeball, Balloon Stomp, Marshmallow Face Diving) – was fun!
Beside the work at school I will be preparing the next 6 weeks for launch and spending quality time with family and friends – lots of love for y’all!
