Recently I have been trying to describe Training Camp the best I can in 5-10 minute conversations with people, and each time I find myself highlighting the things that bring that shock value of what I experienced, when in reality it wasn’t that bad. So, to clear the air I’m going to give you a quick run down with some True and False statements about Training Camp!
TRUE
Yes, we showered by filling up a bucket of water and using a measuring cup to pour water on ourselves.
I missed warm showers, especially after the chilly morning of the fitness hike.
We completed a 2.2 mile fitness hike with our full packs in under 38 minutes. Yes, we had to run.
We strictly used port-a-potties all 10 days- or the wilderness if you had to pee in the middle of the night like me
We slept in the training center (where we had all of our sessions) for a night as it was set up like an airport-speakers blaring with airport noises and the lights ALL on
In the mornings we had warm water available to us, but if you didn’t get it right away it was rather lukewarm.
We were given coffee packets for our lukewarm water after a few days, praise GOD!
We ate with our hands. A LOT.
We went through a simulation where half of our squad got their luggage misplaced on “gringo airlines” and we had to buddy up, and figure out sleeping situations at our campsite on night 2!
We camped outside every night but one.
It was cold. (But I thanked my WI adapted body for coping well)
It rained a good amount.
My tent was soaked at least twice as I had to pack it up the next morning.
I got really good at setting and packing up my tent quickly, considering how many times we had to do so.
My favorite night was the community housing night where a group of 12 girls from my squad (myself included) slept in one tent.
I was recked by the Holy Spirit (in a good way) ever single night of worship.
I cried. A lot. Like waterfalls of tears, and snot. (you’re welcome for that visual)
My Squad is the best!!
I am not the same after training camp.
FALSE
It was too hard for me to handle.
It was easy.
I am good at asking for help in times of need (like when my pack went missing on “gringo airlines”).
I can successfully and comfortably sleep in an “airport”.
Training camp gave me very clear expectations of what The World Race is going to look like.
My daypack was big enough for the daily necessities.
Its easy to eat rice with your hands. And sanitary to share a plate of it with 7 other people.
I didn’t overpack.
My garbage bag of laundry smelt great at the end of the 10 days.
These true and false statements may seem vague to anyone that didn’t experience these things along side of me, but one thing I can assure any reader of is that Training Camp was wildly wonderful, and opened my eyes to the things I could experience on The Race. But even so, it was made crystal clear to me that I need to leave my expectations at home.
I don’t know what situation I am going to go through with my squad, team, or alone. And while I am thankful for all that training camp taught me and prepared me for, I have no way of knowing exactly how those lessons will translate on the field. But I know that somehow God’s got it all his hands, and that I am confident of.
I learned to embrace the uncomfortable and unfamiliar with the assurance that I am supposed to learn something though this all, that God is continually teaching me something about Him in the midst of it all if I let him and admit that I cannot do this on my own strength.
So, Training Camp was so great, in ways words can’t quite explain. And I do feel more prepared, but at the same time I feel even more prepared to leave my expectations behind. Either way I know this is going to be a great, great adventure. I’ll be stretched in ways I cannot imagine, and I’m looking forward to it all, whatever “it all” is.
Thanks for reading you all!
Donations are much appreciated! And that donate button is still right where it has always been… 🙂
I am so so thankful for you all!
~Mads
