Training Camp + W Squad
Training camp ended about ten days ago + as I sit here writing this blog, I am reminded of all the goodness that was training camp. Training camp lasted for two weeks + consisted of abnormally large spiders + creepy crawlies, bizarre food (not even kidding we had crickets and a thousand-year-old egg for breakfast one morning), bucket showers, porta pottys, racers worshipping at the top lungs, + so much spiritual growth.
The best part of training camp was being able to meet my squad, Squad W, + meeting my team, Team Ekklesia. My squad consists of 43 people who will also be going to Guatemala, Ethiopia, Thailand, + mystery country, with me through these next 9 months. I have so much respect for all 43 of these racers. Squad W has endless support for one another and every racer on W squad knows that they are never alone for now they have a family of 43 who will be there to laugh + cry with you! Below is squad W:
Team Ekklesia
Now for the 5 ladies, I will be doing ministry with every single day: Team Ekklesia. These are some of the strongest women of God that I have ever met. Each one of them is so intentional + have such a passion for the Lord that they are willing to give up everything in order to truly live in the kingdom of God. We decided as a group that our team name should be Ekklesia because Ekklesia is the Greek word for “the church; the ones called out”. This word will remind us every single day no matter how small, we are the church + we are all here to spread the love of Jesus + His good word. Below is Team Ekklesia + a little background of each of them + how they have already transformed my life.
Anna Bearss
Anna is from Buena Vista, Colorado + is 18! I actually was lucky enough to fly from DIA to training camp with Anna + wow I got to know a lot about this amazing girl. She has such a passion for listening to God no matter how hard + she is so willing to give up the comfort of her home + current life in order to advance the Kingdom of God. Anna has a heart for listening + loves to help others. I can’t wait to see how God pours into her as we live this next season of life together.
Sadie Reese
Sadie is from Miami, Florida + is 18! I have so much admiration for how Sadie is so vulnerable to the Lord + is always open to what He has planned for her, no matter how different it may be for her. Sadie’s openness allowed me to become more open with the team + to really just grow with all of them. Sadie also has such an amazing gift of listening + offering advice!
Shelby Jenkins
Shelby lives in Alaska + is 19!!! Okay for real how cool is it that Shelby actually lives in Alaska + oh yeah she is a professional fisher!!! Shelby really impacted me during training camp because she shared such an incredible story of forgiveness + it made me want to forgive with such an open heart just like her. Shelby is a strong woman of faith who truly inspires me to walk as she has walked with the Lord.
Ellie Miller
Ellie is from College Station, Texas + is 17!! Although she may be the youngest on all of W Squad, she truly is the wisest. Ellie’s determination for the Lord is unbelievable, she worked so hard this last year in order to graduate 1 year early from high school, all in order to pursue the Lord! Ellie is driven + so passionate for other people. Ellie inspired me to dig deeper into God’s word and to really see all the power every word in the Bible contains!
Kaya Mullen
Kaya is from Staunton, Virginia + is 18! Kaya made my heart so full during training camp. Kaya and I shared so many stories + really just got to know one another for who we truly are. Kaya is such a giver. She is always there to listen, give advice, + really just help in any way possible. Kaya has also inspired me to dig deeper into the Lord’s word + now we are doing a chronological Bible Study that will last the whole nine months I am on the race!
The Next 9 Months
Overall, training camp transformed my life in so many ways + I really can not wait to see what God has in store for Squad W these next 9 months! I still need to raise about $5,500, so any size of donation is greatly appreciated, but most importantly I ask you to pray for Squad W + team Ekklesia, as we leave behind the comfortable life + set out to further the Kingdom!
