Finally, she posts a new blog… Yes I know that is what you’re thinking. I know that I have been MIA for quite some time, so let me fill you in on what has been going on in my crazy wonderful life!
Since the end of May I have been working full time up in Baraboo, Wisconsin. I know, I know what could I possibly be doing living there. CAMP MINISTRY! What does that look like you ask? At this amazing place that I work called Expeditions Unlimited, our staff comes alongside youth groups to give them an experience of a live time. This includes taking them climbing, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, etc., plus a week full of sessions and worship.
Not only have I been serving at a Christian Adventure Camp but I have also began preparing for the World Race. Yes, I know it may have seemed like I was already doing that, but I’m talking about training. That’s is right guys, World Race Training camp was this week! As I am sitting in Atlanta airport getting ready to fly back to Chicago from training, I thought it would be awesome to give all of you a glimpse of what training camp was like for me.
Where do the World Racers stay?
Training camp takes place at the AIM (Adventures in Missions) site, in Gainesville, Georgia. Us racers do not sleep in cabins, or beds, we sleep outside in our tents. How fun is that!
What do you eat at training?
As you can imagine traveling the world means that you will eat some crazy new meals! At training each day was based off of a different culture. We ate a lot of rice, beans, and chicken. But there was also some crickets, duck eggs, chicken gizzard, curry and other stuff thrown in there. The crickets do not taste good!
What type of training takes place?
- Sessions include: learning about the ministry we will be doing over the next year, any medical or travel information we need to know, bible teachings, etc. I have learned and grown so much more over the last 10 days than I thought I would.
- Hike: It is required at training that you complete a 2.2 mile hike carrying everything that you pack for the year under 38 minutes with your whole team. If your whole team isn’t over the finish line in under 38 minutes, you have to redo the hike again the next morning. It was challenging! My team didn’t make it in under 38 minutes, which meant we did it again! So yes, we hiked 4.4 miles with our packs, but it brought our team so much closer, and let me tell you crossing that finish line was so exciting! The reason this hike is required is to prepare you for any circumstance over the time race that may require a hike to a destination you need to get to quickly .
- Camp changes: What this means is that on certain nights the would give us sleeping scenarios to prepare us for sleeping in odd places. This means sleeping in a fake airport with lights on and loud noises. Sleeping in small spaces with 10-15 other people, and half of your squad getting their luggage taken away for a night and learning to share what you do have with those who got their luggage “lost” when traveling. Yes I got my luggage taken away one night, which resulted in me sleeping in someone else’s hammock, with borrowed pants, a raincoat as a blanket. Let me just tell you, it was cold!
- Learning how to serve with you team and your squad while on the field
This is just a small glimpse at what training camp was like! This week, I have learned to live with 45 people I just met, how to serve on the field, and so much more.
Today it finally hit me… I leave for the World Race in less than 2 months! WHAT? Get excited guys there are going to be some sweet blogs coming your way!
Prayer requests:
- The camp ministry I am working in will continue to be blessed, and that I will be filled with energy and radiate God’s love.
- I am able to be present and embrace the little time I have left here in the states.
- Pray for my squad as we are getting ready to embark on this journey and for our health
- Pray over all of the ministry that is about to take place over this next year
I can’t wait to share more with you guys! Thank you so much for all of your love and support!
– Alyssa
