11 things I learned (or was emphasized) at training camp:
- Sharing is caring. Whether it’s food, your tent, a toothbrush (yes, you may share your toothbrush) or your testimony: sharing is HUGE in a community. Embrace it.
- Bug spray is essential. I have mosquito bites from the bottom of my feet (literally) to my neck and everywhere in between. Don’t be stubborn for more than like a second if you’re a stubborn person.
- Cold water is nothing to be afraid of. After a long day of doing whatever was planned for us a cold shower was not ideal, but it was super refreshing! In the mornings too! You’d be surprised how much a cold shower to start off your day stimulates you. (To my lovely squad mates that kept waking me up during sessions though, those days were obviously “shower later” if at all days. Haha)
- SLEEP. If you have a chance to sleep, take it! Don’t compromise your quiet time or something you have to do to sleep, but don’t underestimate the power nap.
- Packing more underwear than outfits is probably a fantastic idea. Especially if you don’t find your swimsuit until after you get home.
- Musical outlets are absolutely marvelous. From iPhones to iPods, to people playing their guitars or ukulele’s, if you love music make sure you have SOME form of musical outlet. Your sanity will thank you later.
- Your spiritual family IS your family. God has placed some amazing people in our lives that love Him above all else and that is something to Praise Him about! I mean, if Jesus promised to do everything for the good of those who love Him and are called to his purpose, why would He put people that were going to make your life bad? Don’t lean on people as your ultimate god though, but trust that God has taught them and loves them enough to teach and love you.
- If you want to grow, you have to be vulnerable. I cried every single day because of training camp, but every time I shed a tear a squad mate was there to hug me, pray for me, talk to me, and love on me. I accepted things I’ve never been able to accept about myself and my life and let my heart be opened to be loved by others. It’s not easy by any means, but it’s so freaking worth it.
- We can survive without our parents (both blood and spiritual). Don’t get me wrong, knowing that they were praying for me, thinking about me, and loving me back home was SUPER encouraging. I did survive training camp though without having to call them at all (or text for all you literal people : ) ) God sufficed and exceeded my need for parental support, love, and care the entire week and beyond! Come on 11 months…
- God is our daddy, our papa, and He loves us. His grace is His gift to us along with our salvation. Whether I am a hot mess or on a road to sanctification, every once in a while, He wants me to just stop and take a moment to dance with Him.
- Don’t be afraid to let go. Let go in worship. Let go of the pain. Let go of the fears. Let go of the boxes we place our God, family, friends, and life in. You will be met where you are. You will have support. You will be loved.
