Training Camp. Unlike any other camp. Missionary boot camp dare I say??? My oh my. I drove to tc with a tent, a backpack, a sleeping bag, and a heart so unsure what to expect but oh so excited. The 11 days I spent in the Gainesville, Georgia humidity rocked my world. As I read back through my notes and journal entries, I am once more overwhelmed by the moments and memories shared with my squad and our Jesus.
MY SQUAD // the 44 other racers I will be travelling with come September. K Squad. My new family. I arrived at tc a day early for a storytellers workshop and met 10 or so members of this family which was sososo good. We had a spontaneous worship sesh after setting up our tents in the pouring rain and got to hug the rest of our squad the next afternoon. These people love so well and follow Jesus with everything in them. It’s truly an inspiration to be a part of. (try and find me in this sea of red)
MY TEAM // team Abundant Joy. Our squad of 45 was broken into teams of 6-8 people. These are the people we will actually do ministry with and live with each month. The gals on my team are both bold and resilient. They know the beauty of laughter and the importance of being real. They are Laura, Katelyn, Liz, Alyson, Kayli, and Maggie (plus our wonderful tc trainer Libby!). I can’t wait to further introduce you to them over the next 9 months as we live out Matthew 10:7-8.
PORT-A-POTTIES & BUCKET SHOWERS // bucket showers build community, as does celebrating when one of your squadmates actually poops after 6 days. As we have no idea the types of facilities that will be available to us on the Race, these things taught me to do all things with a joyful and grateful heart. Also how to function taking three showers over the course of 11 days. Baby wipes for the win.
WORSHIP & SESSIONS // possibly one of my favorite parts. To be singing in the presence of the Lord with my squad + five others was so surreal. Worship was heartfelt. Sometimes that looked like standing barefoot on holy ground, and other times kneeling at His feet. Our teachings and really the whole vision for the World Race was broken down into a three part venn diagram consisting of missional living, community, and intimacy with God. I came away with such a greater understanding of who God is and a hunger for more and more of Him.
FOOD // every day the food was centered around a different region or culture. We typically ate community style out of one big plate and some days we ate with our hands. We ate what was given to us, even though some times we had no idea what it was. Other times it was things like crickets cooked with onions (true story). One day we even had bread at every meal and that was a good day indeed #blessed
COMMUNITY // the hardest, yet most rewarding thing in the history of ever. After 11 days, I am convinced that community builds Kingdom. Part of tc was a 2.2 mile hike and though I love to hike, it was honestly the most mentally and physically exhausting thing I’ve had to do. Seeing everyone from my own squad and others encourage each other and spur each other on brought tears to my eyes. Community living 24/7 is hard. Feedback is hard, especially when you hear the same thing from multiple people and know it’s something you and Jesus need to work on. But the race community is also beautiful and edifying and encouraging and all things Gospel. There is truly nothing like it.
I love the World Race.
I’m still not sure I’m fully prepared for all that awaits me in September but I do know that I am fully loved and fully known by the Most High and He will carry me through.
Training camp was hard, y’all. But training camp brought the Kingdom of God and rose up a church of 45 college age students ready to partake in bringing that Kingdom to the world.
And that is a beautiful thing.
