So many things could be said about training camp…I could talk about how hard and exhausting it was, or how much fun we had and the crazy shenanigans we got into…I could tell you story after story after story about the different activities and challenges we went through, but so could everyone else. Honestly, it drove me crazy as a future racer to look at alumni blogs about training camp and seeing that not one of them gave me any details about what to expect. I like to know what I’m getting myself into, I like to be prepared, but not one of those blogs helped me out, they all left me hanging and wondering what in the world I was getting into and I hated it. Why couldn’t they just tell me what we were going to do? Now I get it. There isn’t really a way to explain it. I could still tell you stories, and if you ask, I probably will, but to really get into what happened and what we went through? It’s hard to explain. Maybe it’s because I’m still processing everything that happened, or maybe it just isn’t meant to be explained, maybe you’re supposed to go in with the mindset of expecting the unexpected and being ready for whatever is thrown at you and no other expectations. Isn’t that what you’re looking for when you read these training camp blogs? What to expect? Maybe the only thing you need to go in expecting is for God to work in your life. Think about it, do you really need anything else?
If you’re still curious though and can’t help but keep reading, here are a few (11) things that I learned:
1. Make it your own. Everyone has a different experience at training camp. You will either make it or break it with your attitude and whether or not you’re willing to go in with an open mind.
2. It’s not going to be a walk in the park. You’re going to be exhausted and you’ll be pushed physically, mentally and emotionally.
3. Even so, it’s going to prepare you. So, be willing to go through the rough parts to get to where God wants you to be. Whether that’s in a physical area of your life or if it’s something you need to work through in your heart.
4. Everyone else is as new to this as you are, you aren’t alone.
5. No matter how introverted or extroverted you are, make a point to meet your squad mates. Talk to at least 2 new people each day and learn their story, then tell them yours. It does make a difference.
6. Be yourself, don’t worry about what others will think of you, they will see the real you sooner or later so why not start out being yourself and save some time and effort down the road.
7. Be open minded to what God has in store for you. Don’t put God in a box. Allow your heart to be open to Him and to whatever it is He wants you to work through.
8. Dance parties are the best! Join in! Trust me, you won’t regret it!
9. Baby wipes will become your best friend!
10. Drink mixes…bring them and bring enough to share. It’s a great way to make friends, especially after 5 days of water from a hose.
11. You don’t need your cell phone, you don’t need to be connected all the time. We were asked to turn off our phones all week and I’m so glad I did! It helped me to focus on the here and now, the people around me, and God. Don’t run from problems or situations by getting lost on Pinterest or texting friends. Be willing to put the phone down and spend a little time with God.
With that said, I also want to introduce to you the amazing ladies I’m going to be spending the next 11 months with, working side by side, doing ministry and living life with. They aren’t the people I would’ve originally picked, but thank God He knows better than I do and put us together anyways! I couldn’t have picked a better group of ladies! They are hilarious, loving, wonderful women of God and I’ve already been so blessed to have them in my life!
Team Ardency
We want to be a team that is passionate and enthusiastic…about people, ministry, Jesus, love…we want to live ardently in everything we do.
Left to Right:
Anna Olsen, Amy Williams (Team Leader), Elizabeth Dews, Me, Hannah Bentley, Sarah Hawkins and Kate Coleman
Please be in prayer for my team and I as we prepare to leave for Cape Town, South Africa where we will be doing door to door and street ministry in less than a month!
Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting me, for reading my blog, telling your friends, etc. I am now at $10,546! That means I’m 64% funded already! That is amazing, thank you! I’m only $5,731 away from being completely funded!!!! Woohoo!!!
Thanks again for reading my blog and keeping up with me! Keep sharing with your friends, passing along my blog, etc to help me spread the world about what I’m doing this next year! Have an awesome week, love you all!
