Oh my goodness! What have I gotten myself into?! Am I really going to 11 different countries?! And so soon?! It just doesn’t seem real to me. After this last week at training camp I have been completely blown away with just how big God’s mission and vision is for this trip and how he is going to work in me, my team, my squad, and through all of us to further his kingdom. And as I push closer to Him, I see that He’s got A LOT of work to do in me, but it’s so good.
I guess I had expected that while at training camp we were going to do some team building, lots of details about how to prepare for the trip, learning about other cultures and how to immerse yourself in them, maybe some worship here and there, going through some scripture, sprinkle in some talks…. and yes training camp did include these but they took it to a whole new level! The first couple of days are intense spiritual preparation where we had hours of worship and sermons. It was intense to say the least. In a nutshell, we were challenged to unpack our pasts and radically rely on God. It was during these first few days where I began to experience a freedom and peace unlike anything I’ve experienced before. We than had varies team building exercise & discussions. There was so much information to take in during a 1 week period. It was challenging…I was dirty, hungry, & tired…Training Camp was on of the best weeks of my life.
- Camping under the Georgia stars is not hard. But falling asleep to extremely loud cicadas were and crackling lightning and thunder while in a metal tent is scary, but headphones make it easier.
- Sleeping under a tarp with your team is interesting but worshiping with them under a starry night is AMAZING!
- Bring snacks and snacks to share. You will make a lot of new best friends and won’t be as hungry.
- Showering in buckets is refreshing in high humidity & washing your hair in a lake with your new sisters is pretty cool too. Well exept for the leeches…those are not cool.
- Just dance. Dance like nobody is watching. Anytime & always.
- Let go of your need for control and organization. Everything at training camp is to the extreme. People say it’s harder than the actual race. So go with the flow.
- Let’s admit sleeping in a school bus just sucks.
- You will over pack. I am glad we had this “test” round
On multiple occasions in my past I have been told that I don’t make the best 1st impressions, people think that I am stuck up. Well actually it just takes me a little time to open up to others and show them who I am. That didn’t happen while at camp, I felt freedom and comfortable to be 100% me. It didn’t mean at times I didn’t have doubts and it didn’t mean that my insecurities sometimes got in the way. But I spent most of the week being happy with ME. I fell right into the Momma Bear roll & I couldn’t be more happy to be there for my family.
I am so happy to present to you my World Race family…iSquad…StankWorship
These are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet!!! We all came together so smoothly and instantly; it is truly the work of God.
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Here are the amazing women that I will be living in community with & sharing in ministry with…Team Sista Fierce
I still need to raise about $3,500 in order to leave with my squad in September. If you feel led to give, please click the “Support” button up top or on the side of my blog.
