I survived training camp! In some ways it felt like the longest 10 days of my life…. but it was so worth it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Going into training camp I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was open to whatever God wanted to do in my life.
It was a week full of new and challenging things: living out of a backpack, camping outside in the dirt, experiencing the incredibly hot, humid Georgia weather, no indoor bathrooms (yes, we used porta-potties for the entire 10 days), no where to wash your hands (thank God for hand sanitizer and baby wipes!), cold bucket showers, strange foods, getting to know a whole new group of friends….
One of the hardest parts for me was hiking 2 miles with my pack on; lets just say it’s not easy carrying 40 pounds on my back in the 90°+ heat of a Georgia afternoon! But I did it with the Lord’s help – and I finished in 35 minutes!
Beyond the physical challenges, training camp was spiritually and emotionally draining as well. We had sessions on our identity in Christ, working through shame from the past, forgiveness, intimacy with the Lord, discipleship, living in community, and many other topics. We were challenged to turn off our phones and disconnect from the internet/social media. This was hard for me, because I when I had a rough moment I was forced to turn to the Lord (or my teammates) instead of texting my mom or going on Facebook to feel connected with home.
Some of my favorite moments happened during worship, when I was able to connect with the Lord and hear His voice. For the past several months, my life has been so busy that I haven’t made time to intentionally spend with Jesus. This was a really good reminder for me of the importance of spending time with Him – I need to make it a priority even in the business of life.
Another thing God showed me is that He is never-ending. As much as I’ve already learned and know about God, there is always more to learn, and deeper places He wants to take me. This whole training camp experience was definitely out of my comfort zone…. not to mention the World Race…. but it’s only when I’m uncomfortable that I learn to rely on the Lord in new ways.
I think the very best part of training camp was getting to meet my squad!!! I finally got to put faces and personalities with names! There are 28 people on my squad, and we are broken down into 4 teams (the above picture is my team). I love each and every one of them, and I’m soooo glad training camp isn’t the end! I am looking forward to the next year of travelling, ministering and living in community with them. One and a half more months, and Asia, here we come!!!!
