Just two hours before camp started I finished packing in the REI parking lot. Even the last minute purchases didn’t prepare me for the adventure that is World Race Gap Year Training Camp.
As my mom and I pulled up to large “Training Camp this way!” signs and yelling staff members, my chest tightened with the realization that this trip was about to become my reality. Little did I know that realization would be a common theme through out the week.
Upon arrival, I was met by my teammates, who were excitedly decked out in blue [our squad color]. Another weird realization: the people I’d been talking to for the past 5 months via text were actual, tangible human beings. Soon I’d get to experience joy, tears, excitement, heartache, the Lord, and life with them.
The first day we were met with the question: Why am I here?
To put it simply, I’m here to give God the space He needs to fill me up. Again and again we ask God to fill our hearts or allow us to overflow with His presence, but how do we expect Him to do so if we give Him no room? Our lives are so full, we’re busy creatures, it’s our way of life. In order for the Lord to fill us up we must be willing to become empty first. That first day I decided I’m going follow Him, leaving behind whatever it takes to make that a reality.
Next we were asked: If we don’t do it, who will?
In Matthew 28:18-19 Jesus speaks to His disciples saying, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…” He receives all power and then turns around and gives it right to us. This is our call to take action, to bring God’s joy and hope to people who have none. Who am I to say no to the Lord?
Another night brought up a new topic: What is my identity?
First and foremost we are created by God. At the core of our beings, when all else is stripped away, we are valuable because of what Christ was willing to give up for each and every one of us. The real relationship with Christ begins when I stop trying to prove my worth to Him and realize it is because of His grace that I am enough. One thing was said that really stuck with me: I am not the Great I Am, but by the grace of God I am what I am. It’s time to live from God’s grace, not for it.
All of these spiritual challenges were met with physical ones.
Number one: the food. Waking up on day one to a big bowl of broth with bobbing veggies and hidden noodles set the tone for our meals that week. And because individual bowls aren’t a thing anywhere else in the world, we were given 8 spoons and told to dive in. Other meals called for the men to be served and the ladies to take a seat on the floor, or perhaps to eat rice and curry with your fingers community plate style. Some days we were pampered and given our own plates and even forks!
Number two: the porta-johns. Yikes. You’d be surprised how fast they fill up when 150 people use them. 100 degree weather creates a nice sauna effect and builds an aroma you’ll wish you could forget. But hey, at least 2 out of the 15 have functioning hand sanitizer dispensers! Don’t worry, by the end of the week you’ll know which ones do and which ones don’t.
Number three: field scenarios. You’ll wake up to “Oh no! Your pack has been lost in the airport…” and then you’ll make a friend because they kindly offer you a place to sleep at night. Or maybe you have a 12 hour layover and must survive a night in the AC of the airport. Also, be ready to carry teammates who have become unconscious because of Chikungunya, or in my case be carried by your teammates 🙂
Number four: the hike. Ahh yes. Two miles with 30+ lbs of necessities strapped to your back and a 40 minute deadline. If it weren’t for the never ending stream of encouraging words pushing me down the path I’m not sure I would have made it [the most encouraging comment being “we get a granola bar at the end”]. The blisters and sweat stains were well worth that 4 inch bar of heavenly granola.
Number five: relationships. Through numbers 1-4 you’ll find yourself sweating, laughing, crying, and making memories with the people of your squad, also known as your new family. Be careful, because training camp is where you’ll begin the long and treacherous journey of making your best friends for life.
Through training camp God revealed Himself in new ways daily. I left camp extremely exhausted yet so full of replenished joy. My emotions went up and down more times than I can count, but it was cool learning to rely on my heavenly Father through it all. Training camp was everything I never expected.
