I returned home from a 10 day training camp yesterday in Gainesville, Georgia. It was the longest most fulfilling week of my life. I had no idea what to expect when I went to training camp but I definitely did not realize how close I would be with my squad or how hard the week would be.
A little tip for future racers, CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU PACK! I checked and ended up bringing the proper clothes but several people did not. It rained the majority of the time and was in the 40s- 60s all week. I know that it was God’s way of testing me to prove that I can last on the field.
I don’t think I have cried so many times in one week in my life. I have never felt so close to God. Every day I could feel his power and glory telling me that I could do it. I will admit that I never want to take a bucket shower again.
The hardest day for me was the day of the fitness hike. There were so many times I wanted to stop but I heard God in my ear telling me to keep going.
I want to spend a little time talking about the amazing people I met. My team is made up of 7 people. Our fearless leader Gisele, Morgan who has now done 3 mission trips with adventure in missions, Andrew who left his current race to come to training camp, Susan who has such an amazing personality, Amanda who constantly kept us on track, and Delaney who has gone through more trials in life than any human should ever go through. Since we were such a small squad we became really close and they are part of my family now. I was honestly really sad when I had to leave. There were other people I met though that have forever changed my life.
Our squad mentor, Theresa, is so inspiring. Before coming to training camp she had gone on a 40 day water fast. Meaning for 40 days she only drank water so that she would become closer to God. She is a huge inspiration and I hope to become as close to God as she is.
Another person I met, Marta, also had a huge impact on my life. One day during one of our training sessions I had gotten up to go to the bathroom when I found Marta. She was outside crying. I instantly went over in hopes of soothing her. All she kept saying was pray for the little girl in Ethiopia. I had no idea who she was talking about but continued to soothe her. Eventually she told me that she was the little girl from Ethiopia. Later at dinner I asked her to share her story with me. She told me that she was born in Ethiopia and that her mother died when she was very young. Her father remarried shortly after. When she was 6 her step mom died. Shortly after that her dad committed suicide. Her Grandparents knowing they couldn’t take care of her and her brother sent them to the U.S. where they were adopted by the same family. Unfortunately the family ignored her. Shortly after she went into the foster system until she was legally emancipated at 18. She fought to have a life. She was eventually adopted as an adult. The entire time though she never lost sight of God. She proved to me that you can do anything as long as God is by your side. She showed me that even when you think you have nothing left push through. There is always at least one person who loves you, God. Never forget that.
I was literally tested by God the entire week. At the beginning of the week we found out that everyone on my squad would get a job since there were so few of us. All week I said that there were two jobs I did not want, squad logistics, and treasurer. God decided that I needed to learn how to stop doubting myself and I was assigned the role of treasurer. I know that I can do anything through God who strengthens me.
If you are a future racer reading this, my best advice is don’t watch the training camp videos. I watched every single one and thought that I was prepared for anything going in. Wow was I wrong. Training camp will surprise you. It will test you emotionally and physically but it will allow you to grow closer to God.https://youtu.be/sM-294FuKpY
