For about a month leading up to Training Camp, I had this mindset that camp would be like military boot camp. I thought that we would have 2-minute showers at 4 am, we would be hiking for hours, and the food would be “eh”. Guys, I was terrified for training camp. WELL, I can safely say that it has NOT been like military boot camp at all. Although I only got 1 shower between Thursday night and today (if you know me, you know how crazy I am about my daily showers…big yikes), I slept in a room with 40+ other girls on the floor, was forced to use porta-potties, and I spent a few meals eating food with my hands, World Race Training Camp was nothing like military boot camp. Training camp allowed me to grow in ways that I never thought possible, learn things that I never thought about learning, and I had way more fun than I expected.
Between the dance battles, Kahoot battles, joke battles (We took first with my “What do you call a sleepwalking nun” joke… the crowd LOVED it 😉 ) and other obnoxious games, we were given the opportunity to hear talks given by people that are filled with so much wisdom. We were given time to reflect on what the good news of the Gospel is for us individually and time to grow in community with our squads and teams. We learned that peace is not being at war with God – this was a big one for me. We learned more about the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit is not weird!!! Every morning and every night we found ourselves worshipping our hearts out- I’m talking hands in the air and ugly crying worship. During our last worship session of training camp, I was just filled with so much joy knowing that there were so many people my age all here for the same reason… it filled me with so much happiness and so much peace. Guys, I could go on and on.
Throughout these last few days, I have come to know the people I will be spending the next few months with… seeing them in person and getting to interact with them face to face instead of through a phone has been such a beautiful experience. We walked into training camp knowing little about each other, and now we are leaving training camp as brothers and sisters. My entire squad is filled with so much love, hope, peace, and encouragement. Their love for the Lord is so beautiful and so encouraging.
Training Camp, although you were hard and challenging at times, I love you.
Nicaragua… I will see you tomorrow!!!!
I love you all and am so thankful for all of your love, support, and prayers.
Please keep my squad in our prayers as we head to the airport tomorrow afternoon and fly out later tomorrow night.)
Pictures from Training Camp
Team NGU after winning squad wars!! 
All smiles for my first shower in 4 days!!!! 
NGU’s girls’ bags 
Sleeping arrangements for 40+ girls… big yikes 
Some of the food we got to experience from different countries
AIM’s campus in Gainesville, Georgia
