Wow. Training Camp. I felt alllll of the emotions: fear, doubt, joy, homesickness, love, grace, and so many more. For 10 days, I was in the backwoods of Gainesville, Georgia at the campus of Adventures in Missions with fellow World Racers. It was definitely life-changing!
The first few days of training camp I was so upset and felt more homesick than I ever have been. Leaving behind my family and Cody, my heart felt like it was being ripped out of my chest and reality of the next year set in. I contemplated going home and dropping my World Race plans and never looking back, BUT I’m so thankful for a supportive base at home. My mom and Cody would not let me give up so easily. They pushed me to “just make it through Training Camp so you can keep all of your options open”. Honestly without them, I would have left on Day 2.
Fast forward to Day 2-3, we had one-on-ones with training leader. During that time, my trainer, Alysa just prayed with me. She prayed that fear would leave and reassured me that whatever I chose to do, the Lord would not see me as a failure. Later that night, Holy Spirit impressed upon my coach, Jenn to tell me “Autum, you can’t give up. You were made for this. You are a warrior.” (Keep in mind, she had no clue how I was feeling or that I was contemplating going home.) (Thank you, Jesus for speaking the thing I needed to hear at the right time!)
That night, something broke in me and every fear and doubt I had vanished in the love of the Father. He showed me so much grace during the following days as I gave every emotion and thought to Him.
*Side note from Day 2*
A racer on the field now named Sarah had posted an instastory that asked if anyone needed prayer and I simply responded and said something along the lines of “I’m going to training camp today and I need peace and less homesickness.”
Sarah responded and said, “Hey, girl! As I was praying for you this morning I had a vision of you walking down a path. You had chains on your wrists and were pulling really heavy things behind you. But as you kept walking that chains started breaking off your wrists until you were free. i would encourage you to take this to the Lord and allow Him to minister to your heart! I hope you have the best day!”
Beginning on Day 3, I actually started enjoying Training Camp! I LOVE X-SQUAD! From day 1, my squadmates were so loving and supportive. They are seriously incredible and each one brings a unique personality and gift to our Squad. We had been communicating via Group Me and social media since August-Octoberish, but to finally meet in person was amazing! They quickly became family and I am so excited to take Kingdom to the nations with them!
#ganggang #XSquadBestSquad
Fast forward a few days…..
While my whole Squad will travel to each country together, small teams of us will go to work with different ministries each month. I was so nervous about getting my first team, but now I feel silly because any team formation would be a great one because I love every single squadmate. However, I got picked to be on a team with 4 other beautiful, smart, and God-chasing women. Everyone meet TEAM OVERFLOW…..aka #Thack5. I am so excited and expectant for our life together on the field.
Fast forward a few more days to Squad Wars and BAPTISMS! X-Squad took 1st in Squad Wars, but is anyone really surprised??? We dominated in every game!
After Squad Wars, however, was Baptism night. While I’ve been baptized before, I did not plan on being baptized. But as I watched other Racers be baptized, I gently felt Holy Spirit speak to my heart and say, “All the fear and doubt you’ve had and been delivered from, I’m ready to drown it in my perfect love.” *cue the tears*
So, I stepped boldly into the pool and told my story and how I overcame every fear about this next year. What a freeing moment for me and something I’ll never forget.
P.S. Remember Sarah’s vision/prayer? Well in this moment, it was brought back to memory and the chains of fear were loosed from my wrists and I felt more free than ever!
While my time at training camp was spiritually and physically “intents”…..okay, okay, I had to add a joke, (but really, we slept in tents almost every night), it was everything I needed and more.
In just 6 short weeks, I reunite with my squad to head to South Africa to make Jesus famous!
AND GUESS WHAT???
WE GOT A ROUTE CHANGE!
My route dropped Bolivia and added Ecuador and Chile!!! So now, I will be going to atleast 12 countries in 11 months!
Thank you for all of your support thus far & thank you for reading this very lengthy blog!
Much love,
AC
P.S. Do you want to help me become #fullyfunded?
I am now in need of only $4,100 ! I cannot do this journey without you!
You can donate directly at the link above this blog post, if you feel led to do so.
Thank you & God Bless!
