Yikes. I don’t even know where to begin. Training camp was everything I never expected and nothing I could have seen coming. I learned so much in such a short period of time. I walked into training camp feeling heaps of inadequacy after meeting these strangers who were known as my squad. Walking out of training camp I gained new brothers and sisters in only a matter of two weeks. Jesus did some crazy things in my heart these last two weeks and I went home from training camp with a different perspective of His character and who He really is.
I learned that it’s okay to doubt, but to bring my doubt to Him. I learned that it’s not about me, it’s all about Him and what he wants to do through me. I learned that true love is real in the way that my squad, my mentor, and my coaches love me. They show me how Jesus loves me in the way that they love. I learned that bucket showers in 39 degree weather are not fun. I learned that I won’t always have things that I need but to make due with whatever I do have in the moment. I learned that God has me in this journey for a reason, whatever that might be. He placed me here intentionally. I learned that it’s not easy to ask others for help but that sometimes you need to and that’s totally okay. I learned that my flesh is weak and that it’s okay to be weak but to come running to God for the strength that He gives us. I learned that baby wipes can substitute as a shower and they actually go a long way. I learned that I can indeed survive without a mirror.
I learned that not all women are out to get me but that there really are women out there who can love well. I learned that love fights for others when they can’t fight for themselves. I learned that ministry looks different to everyone. Building relationships is ministry, playing cards with my squad is ministry, sitting around a campfire is ministry, blogging is ministry, ministry can look like anything that is building the kingdom. I learned that bugs are just bugs and that if they bite me I will indeed survive. I learned that sometimes you have “friends” in your tent that you aren’t aware of (yes I’m talking spiders).
I learned that I can’t always rely on my parents to comfort me in times of an emotional crisis but to rely on God to comfort me instead of running to everyone but Him. I learned that bucket laundry is not an easy task in the slightest. I learned that I can actually run two miles without dying. I learned that my body is capable of a lot more than I thought it was. I learned that Jesus can and does heal the sick. I learned that it’s totally normal to struggle with disbelief. I learned that it’s possible to sleep in questionable places and that if you want it bad enough you’ll sleep anywhere. I learned that Jesus is with me, in whatever I’m doing, He’s there. I learned that crickets aren’t the most appealing meal. I learned that coffee is a luxury and to never take it for granted. EVER. I learned that there are godly men who do honor us as women and point us towards Christ in all situations. I learned that door-to-door evangelizing is not always successful but that we’re planting seeds and trusting that God will water those seeds. I learned to never take adequate food portions for granted because you don’t always get enough food to fill you. I learned that I can handle 60 + sessions during a span of 2 weeks without flopping over in exhaustion. I learned that silverware is not a necessity but that my hands are my silverware.
I learned that I am a leader even when I don’t realize it. I learned that vulnerability is really hard, but it breeds serious growth. I learned that random dance parties are a thing. I learned that community is a necessity in my walk with God and that I’m willing to go wherever that is. I learned that sabbath is important and that it’s okay to create space for rest even if that means having to sacrifice ministry opportunities and to not feel guilty for it. I learned that Jesus really is a maker of miracles. I learned that warmth is also a luxury and to never take it for granted. I learned that Jesus is radically pursuing me and that He will go to any length to make sure I can see that. I learned that I’ve been feeding myself lies for years and that there’s no place for them here. I learned that Jesus is not just a close friend but He’s my family. He’s my Father. My dad. And I’m his beautiful daughter who He loves so so much.
Training camp was for sure a complete blast and I’m so thankful for it. But it was also a serious challenge for me. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for my squad. We’re all pumped for launch in TWO months!! I am $3,220 away from meeting my second deadline so if you feel led to help support me please click the donate button on my blog page! Any and all donations are SO APPRECIATED. And a HUGE thank you to my supporters who have made this journey possible for me. I love you all!!!
P.S. I am now going to TWELVE countries instead of 11!! We are now going to NICARAGUA as well as all of the original countries on my route. We’ll still be gone 11 months, just going to an additional country. HOW COOL IS THAT?! I cannot wait! ALSO, our specific launch date is January 7th!!! We show up to launch on January 2nd in Atlanta, Georgia but don’t actually fly out of the U.S. until January 7th.
P.P.S. I have been chosen to be the story leader for my team!! This means I’ll be doing a lot of blogging, photography, vlogging and video editing. I am responsible for holding my team accountable for sharing their stories and getting them out there. I’m so thankful that God has entrusted me with this role on my team and I can’t wait to see the stories that He wants us to share with the world. I’m so excited!!
Meet my team!! These are the women I will be doing ministry with 24/7!! We have Hannah (top left), Joanna (bottom left), Vanessa (bottom middle), and Alivya (bottom right). Our team name is “Americano”.
