It was the first night of training camp. I’d traveled 8 hours, I’d met about 50million new people, I’d sang beautiful songs, prayed my heart out and awkwardly stood around a table in a super loud dining hall making small talk while eating a turkey sandwhich… which I soon realized I should have savored for all it was worth. :] We were explained the importance of not having any expectations and I’d just gotten a glimpse of the World Race culture. I prepared for bed feeling hopeful and a little freaked out because I’d just learned we were getting up at 6am… Instead of “hiking” back to the bathroom to brush my teeth I grabbed my nalgene and headed away from my tent. All was going great with brushing my teeth until I opened my mouth to get some water and somehow dribbled a large amount of toothpaste down my shirt and pants. I was so embarrassed but I was thankful it was dark and none of my new p-squad family members were real close by. I laughed at myself and as I was later re-living the moment for someone I loudly exclaimed “I actually spit toothpaste on myself the first night. HOW AM I EVEN GOING TO LIVE?!… If I can‘t handle camping in Georgia and brushing my teeth without running water what am I going to do for the next year??”
I remember telling my family and friends that I didn’t feel prepared for training camp. I felt like the weeks before were rushed and busy. I hadn’t had enough time alone with the Lord to really prepare myself spiritually or enough time by myself to prepare myself emotionally or enough time to rest and beat down the evil allergies that have been attacking me the last month so that I’d be prepared physically. I realize now that there’s no way to “prepare” for a World Race training camp. You just have to show up, check your attitude, trust the Lord and go with the flow. The advice I heard from some WR alumni was to initially reach out to others, make yourself have a good attitude, and pack light. Pretty sure I failed in every aspect of listening to their advice. Reflecting back on camp and thinking about what I would tell future racers is simply…
1. Talk and share with people from the first moment.
2. Have a good attitude. (laugh at yourself. laugh with others. be open and willing to share and grow!)
3. Pack lightly (but, warmly if your training is in the Fall. Shout out to the wonderful people who lent me their coat or gloves in my neediest moments!)
The week really showed me that I can indeed live through training camp and I will LIVE life to the fullest on the race. I won’t live for myself but for Christ and others. My strength comes from the Lord and He has put the right people and opportunities in my life in His timing to fulfill His purposes and that is something to live for. 🙂
