I am alive and well!
I SURVIVED TRAINING CAMP!
I’m sitting here on my couch trying to gather words to describe my experience with you all. The most frequent question I’ve been asked is “How was it?” My initial response has been, “So good!” But after that, I’m at a loss for words. As I take more time to process, I am realizing the powerful transformation that took place in my life in just 10 crazy busy and exhausting yet joy-filled days. Was is good? YES! Was it hard? YES! Did God show up in big ways? YES! Was I emotional every single day? YES! Did the Lord bless me with wonderful humans to walk alongside with this next year? HECK YES!!!
Let me explain a little more about what training camp is because I wasn’t fully aware myself. Training camp is a 10 day experience in Gainesville, Georgia (headquarters of Adventures in Missions) where staff pour into us about important topics like ‘How to hear from God’, “Different Communication Styles’, ‘Spiritual Gifts’, ‘Sharing the Gospel’, and ‘Unity’ (just to name a few). To get a glimpse of what life may look like on the Race, we also participated in field scenarios which stretched us all out of our comfort zones. A few scenarios were sleeping in a ‘makeshift’ airport, losing your day pack, shopping at an international marketplace, and cramming 14+ people into a large tent to embody community living. We also tasted and learned about different cultures and customs and met the incredible people who will be by our side (internationally and state-side) during the trip. And don’t let me forget about the fitness hike which was way harder than I thought it would be, but I survived with 9 minutes to spare! We also had several hours of sessions, worship, and debriefing each day where the Lord taught me more about Him and His peace in my life. Busy, busy, busy!
I went into training camp pumped and ready to tackle anything, not knowing much about what we’ll actually be doing. The planning side of me was a little frustrated by the fact that we weren’t given a detailed itinerary in order to pack efficiently, but God gently reminded me that He’s got me and that I need to be okay with not knowing everything. (p.s. It’s also very unlikely that I’ll know much even once in country…gotta let go of some control!). It’s easy for me to think 10 steps ahead and be prepared, but again, God gently reminded me that my way of doing things is hindering me from fully trusting in His good ways. I didn’t realize how blind I was until each field scenario hit me and I was left completely out of my comfort zone.
Training camp showed me a glimpse of what my days will look like on the Race and definitely prepared me for the worst case-scenarios (although very likely). I was pulled away from materials I held dear and comforts I didn’t realize were controlling me. I learned to fully trust in my Lord and Savior because He is the only one who sees my steps before I take them. I can try to plan and prepare as best as I can, but I will always fail because I don’t know what I’ll be faced with. I learned how challenging this journey will be, but I am excited to face it with my teammates. I learned that God will make me comfortable even when I’m uncomfortable; I just need to change my focus. I learned that I give satan way too much power in my life and that he is constantly going to find ways to distract me and speak lies. I also learned that I have one amazing support system fighting, encouraging, and praying for me throughout this journey and I cannot thank you all enough for what you’re doing!!!
As the days and weeks go on, I know I will continue to process everything from these past couple weeks because it was A LOT! I am so blessed by the new friendships, lessons, and reminders the Lord provided and I have a feeling there will be many more 🙂
Love you guys,
~A
