Where do I even start??
Going into training camp there was fear, doubt, and nervousness. I rode with my friend Bella (Love her so much), it was evident the enemy was trying to keep us from going because we got pulled over, messed up our time zone and it was raining. Luckily, we had high spirits that kept us from being overwhelmed. We got there and went straight into the first session, I had not gotten the chance to really talk with any of my squad-mates so I was feeling a little uncomfortable. After session we all went to our tents to sleep. I still had not gotten to talk with anyone. I remember being nervous because it was raining, my tent wasn’t prepared inside, it was dark, and I had no idea what I was doing. I cried that night, clinging to this little groot (all my guardian of the galaxy fans ayeee) my sister had given me. The thoughts of “am I really capable of doing this” kept going through my head. My sister must have sensed something was off because she texted me asking how I was doing (maybe it’s a twin thing). I pushed through the night, only to get like 2 hours of sleep.
Fast forward to the next day, we got to talk with each other. Everyone was so kind, and welcoming. This was the day that we had a scenario called “lost luggage.” Lucky for me, mine did not get lost, but half our squads did. We each had someone share our tent with us. I had the SWEETEST person with me. Her name is Hailey. She ended up sharing my tent with me all week! I loved it!
We had lots of sessions, worship, and team time. The WORSHIP WAS UNBELIEVABLE. I felt so connected to the Lord during worship. It is crazy what disconnecting and really listening to the Holy Spirit will do to your life. We were there 10 days, but it felt like a lifetime. We all got so close, so fast. We endured so much together. We got through rainy weather, mud, weird foods, sleepless nights, bucket showers, portapotties, fear, anxiety, doubt, bondage, and so much more. We ALSO walked into freedom, confidence, courage, community, and ultimate love.
I went into training camp thinking I was free, and the Lord just kept peeling back layers. He showed me what freedom is and how we need to walk in it every single day. I walked into camp with fear that I had no idea existed within me. He broke the chain of fear and replaced it with peace. I have experienced more in 10 days than I have in years. This Squad I am on is encouraging, persistent, and full of LOVE. I can’t believe I get to go spread the Gospel to the unreached all across the World.
When you experience ultimate love from the Father, then you are able to give that love to those around you. I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses me in so many people’s lives. I pray that I am filled with his grace, mercy, and love, EVERYDAY. I want those around me to experience the freedom and love like I have. I want them to know our Father as I know him.
So over the last 10 days….was it hard? Was it dirty? Were there moments of exhaustion and irritation? —- absolutely. BUT it was absolutely worth it. To experience the Lord on such an intimate level was definitely worth it. To have the community that supports me endlessly was worth it. To be able to go and share the Gospel to the unreached parts of the world makes it all worth it.
p.s.- I have reached $9,000!!! Thank you to everyone supporting me. Please continue to pray, as I have a ways to go. The Lord is faithful and I have seen that so clearly. My prayer is that you will ask the Lord how you could help. Be sensitive to what the Lord puts on your heart. Whether that be through prayer, donations, or encouragement. I can’t do this journey without you all. xoxo
