Training Camp.
As one of my teammates described it: “Training camp is like church camp, but on steroids.” I could leave it at that and let you use your imagination to decide what that looks like, but I’ve decided to let you in on some details of the best week of my life.
For starters, I only showered twice the entire 7 days… with a bucket. So that was fun! Really, it was. Dumping a bucket of freezing cold water over my head with the company of multiple spiders in my shower stall has never felt so good.
The only toilets were porter potties, which was kind of gross, but we quickly learned to be very comfortable with making fun of our own (and everyone else’s) bodily functions. And a porter potty is better than a hole in the ground, right?
I learned that handsantizer is a missionaries best friend, as I didn’t wash my hands a single time the entire week. And guess what, I didn’t die. So basically all things are permissible now.
I only saw myself if I walked past a window because mirrors were non-existent. To be honest, being free of worrying about what I looked like was so refreshing. Nobody cared that your hair was greasy and that you had dirt on your face. Because for one thing, we all looked like poop, but more than anything, everyone at training camp was more concerned about your heart than your face. I think we should always live like that.
Each night our sleeping arrangements were different, mocking what different situations might be on the race. One night half of our packs got lost on an Asian airline (AKA: the staff stole it) and we had to share tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, etc., with the entire squad. Whether it was that, all 40 of us “sleeping” on a crowded school bus, sharing a large tent with the entire squad, catching some Z’s in our hammocks or under a DIY shelter, each night was a new adventure and it was SO FUN! Talk about some serious bonding.
Every morning started with a squad work out. Some days were hard, some days were easy, but everyday was a new opportunity to choose joy. I mean come on, who wants to hike for 30 minutes with a 40 pound pack at 7 AM? Crazy people, thats who. But my squad made the best out of every work out, wether that meant laughing at our “yoga instructor” or celebrating together after running up a seemingly impossible hill. I actually kinda miss those morning work outs. Kinda.
Now let’s talk about something everyone loves: food. Food at training camp was…. interesting. Each day we ate the cuisine of a various region of the world and practiced the appropriate customs. We always attempted to be polite and eat all that we were served, but some days we failed miserably. My favorite day was Africa, not because the ladies got to sit on the floor or because the food was okay, but because each meal ended with a giant African dance party. With authentic African music… like the Lion King theme song.
One of the best things about the week was that we had absolutely no schedule. Each day was a surpirse because we had no idea what we would be doing or where we would be going. And I love surprises. Some days we sat and listened to various speakers, other days we were simulating plane crashes for team building.
My absolute favorite part of the week was spending time with my squad 24/7. Before this week, I didn’t think it was possible to have this much love for people you just met. When we weren’t dancing like idiots, sharing stories, or just laughing together, I was being challenged and encouraged with honesty and love. This is real community. And I could not be more thrilled to do life with these incredible people for 9 months. GAP B SQUAD FOR LYFE, YO.
Because it would be a little overbearing for my entire squad to live and serve in the same place while on the race (although I wish we could), we are split into teams of 5-7 people. Our squad leaders determined our teams through personality tests, team building activities, and a lot of prayer and consideration. Spoiler alert: I HAVE THE BEST FREAKING TEAM EVER. We are Team Selah, which means to stop, listen, and wait on The Lord. That is our hearts desire and mission as a team and individually. I am beyond excited and overjoyed to travel the circumference of the Earth and do ministry with my 5 new sisters: Kristen, Abigail, Grace, Kelly, and Cami. They are all beautiful, Spirit-filled women and I already love them more than life. So watch out world, cause Team Selah is coming for you.
Oh and by the way, Jesus totally showed up at training camp. I wish I could tell you all about how He completely rocked my world, but I would have to write a novel (and you’re probably already wondering when this blog post is going to end). So here is a little tidbit:
You would never know it, but prior to this week I really struggled with believing whole-heartidly that God loves me. I know, shocker. Let’s be real, I know that I have a reputation; one that says I am that girl who has got it all together and basically leaks Jesus from my pores. But surprise, surprise! I mess up, a lot, you just don’t know it. Because of my reputation, because I grew up in a christian home, because I personally met Jesus when I was 10-years-old, I thought I wasn’t supposed to struggle and thought that when I did, I couldn’t tell people about it. I was suffocating myself with fake spiritually, shame, and lies from The Enemy that I wasn’t worthy of Jesus. I knew in my head that God loves me, so much so that He died for me, but I didn’t believe it in my heart. That changed at training camp.
Starting on day one, all around me people were being wrecked by Jesus and coming to life. I wanted the same, so desperately. After days of begging God to speak to me and make the truths I know in my head true in my heart, I started to doubt that it was going to happen and was fearful that I would always be stuck in this lifeless rut. But I continued crying out and I quickly learned that the Holy Spirit doesn’t always speak to us in a mighty wave like I was expecting, but sometimes His voice is a still, small whisper that permeates your soul.
One night during worship we sang the lyrics “there is no end to the affection that you have for me.” At first I hung my head in shame and cried as a sinner in disbelief that God could love me like that. But then The Lord spoke to me more clearly than ever before: “Alissa! Why are you hanging your head? I do not see your past, your sin, your shame. Calvary covers all of that. All I see is my beloved daughter. I do not love you because of anything you have or haven’t done. I love you because you are mine. And I am yours! Because of that alone you are shameless, worthy, accepted, and loved unconditionally. I am your future and I am your past. I define you, nothing else. Now raise your head in the confidence and freedom that comes with knowing that there is no end to the affection that I have for you.” And I did. I lifted my head to my Father and sang a new song. The song of a free and redeemed child, rejoicing in His love.
Now my prayer is that my cup would overflow; that the freedom and joy I have found in Christ would overflow onto my teammates, everyone I encounter on the race, and the nations.
Speaking of the nations, I bet you want to know what countries I will be living and serving in… drum roll please…
THE PHILIPPINES, SWAZILAND, AND NICARAGUA!
It’s getting real, people. In approximately 36 days my comfortable life in the great US of A will come to a close and my new life around the world will begin. I don’t think there is a word in the English language that can accurately describe how excited I am. But its also kind of sad knowing that I am about to leave everyone for 9 months, so I would love to have as many coffee and ENO dates as possible with you lovely folks within these next few weeks. In other words, hmu, party people.
I am still in need of $4,000 to be fully funded by August 22nd, so please prayerfully consider supporting me financially and share my story. You prayers and support are indispensable.
Training camp showed me that The World Race is not a mission trip. A trip is something you take to your grandmas house. The World Race is a mission journey. It is as much about God changing you as it is about you changing the world. And I am so ready for both.
I often wonder: “Why? Why do I deserve this? Why do you care so much about me, Lord?” But the answer is simple: Because the God who created us loves us. Because He created each one of us for a purpose. Because the God who knows every hear on my head desires to lift me out of the dust and into His glory. And He is.” – Katie Davis, Kisses From Katie
