Hello again my friends!
So training camp happened a few weeks back and it’s been a tough transition. There are moments I wake up and think, “Hmmm where are my 22 other squad members??” Doing life together for 10 days straight forms a sort of bond that one can’t quite explain. We have a diverse team full of extraverts, introverts, inbetweeners but most importantly, each one has a heart and desire to chase after the Lord. From squad leaders, to squad mentors, to squad mates, I honestly feel overwhelmingly blessed with community.
Leaving Thailand was heartbreaking at first. I returned to America missing the wonderful community I had there. I looked back at a previous blog post searching for comfort.
“Leaving family will always be hard but the mission set before us is great and my family will always extend.”
God placed these words on my heart when my time in Thailand was coming to a close. As training camp was approaching, my anxiety and worry about not being the biggest “social butterfly” crept in. I don’t mind being vulnerable but initiating a conversation can be challenging for me. I started to have this slight fear that I would fall into the background and my voice wouldn’t be heard.
I’d like to add to the statement from my previous blog post:
The mission set before us is greater than our discomfort. I learned I’m going to be a little uncomfortable in new situations with new circumstances and new people. It’s bound to happen at some point. God revealed to me that it’s good to be uncomfortable because that will develop trust in Him as well as growth in our relationship.
When I got to training camp.. WHOA so many new people at one time, this was intimidating. I wanted to crawl into my shell a few times or at least have a few hours to myself. I mean this was a bit much. So the first two days ended with worry and questioning if I had made the right decision after all. But it turned out to be the most beautifully uncomfortable leap of trust in the Lord.
On the second night, God whispered He placed me here for a specific purpose and reason. As the days carried on, everything became a routine. I really enjoyed time with squad mates and by the end, I wasn’t ready to leave. He placed people from my squad to speak truth into my life. They might not even realize it, but our meaningful and sometimes just silly conversations gave me the sense of comfort I was seeking.
My final revelation: We will find comfort in the uncomfortable. Just give it a bit of time and stay steadfast in the Lord. My family has already grown through the World Race and I can’t wait to see how much more it grows in the months to come.
P.S. I am still in need of support. Whether that be a one time or monthly donation, it would go a long way! Thank you to all those who have been following along and supporting me this far. I can’t wait to get this journey started in a few weeks.
All the Praise goes to God!!!
