So I just got back from my World Race Training Camp a few days ago, and I am honestly having a hard time processing all of it. So I have decided to break everything up into several different topics. Hopefully, this will make things a little easier! As expected, the Lord opened my eyes to many truths concerning Him, myself, and what it looks like to live in a loving community (which is where I would like to begin). So let’s get to it!
Here is my beloved S Squad (or as we call ourselves, the “Sojourners”):
They are such a spunky bunch! There hearts are so full of His love, it overflows and touches the lives of everyone around them! I am so lucky to be a part of this crew and cannot wait to see how we each contribute to this culture! Just to let you know how special this group is, when we first got to camp (before all of our official introductions), we were informed that one of our squad mates needed to purchase an epipen in order to stay at camp. Within SECONDS, what seemed like the whole squad stepped into action and funded the cost of the epipen BY THREE TIMES the needed amount! Truly an unbelievable outpouring of love only made possible by the love that the Lord has lent to us to give to others.
I have never been part of a community that bonded so quickly. Within a few hours of meeting each other, we became inseparable. All we wanted to do was spend more time getting to know each other, regardless of how tired we were getting. We spent many late nights sitting in dim lighting, playing card games or sharing testimonies. Everyone was so open with one another, divulging much more information than you ever would have expected. It was inspiring, to say the least! Honestly, one of the ways I experience the power of God is by listening in and celebrating all the wonderful things that the Lord has done in each of our lives. And what a wide range of things He has done!
And don’t even get me STARTED on the worship! WOW. Maybe the “S” in “S Squad” should really stand for “surrender” squad. You could see by the way that we all worshiped that we all DEEPLY loved God and wanted to offer everything we had to Him. Singing, dancing, praying, SHOUTS OF PRAISE (“HA!!!!”)… you name it! I feel like I really experienced freedom of worship at training camp, and that is definitely something I want to take with me from here on out!
Our leaders are also so so so incredible and we are so lucky to get to learn from them. Here’s a brief idea of how special they are:
- Our coaches, Darla and Chris, will make you believe in true love as God designed it. They are both SO pure hearted and loving. It was as if the adopted us right when we met them! Talk about a united family. And as if that wasn’t enough, we also have Mark and Kathy as assistant coaches as well! Yet another couple that proves that true love is worth waiting for and fighting for. They are both so sweet and encouraging!
- Madison, Nick, Lynna, and Brittany are our Squad Leaders, meaning they will spend the first couple of months with us on the Race, mentoring us and discipling us into effective servants to the King.
- Drew, Molly Fae, RaeLynn, and Grace were with us during training camp and were involved in some of our interviews, preparing us for training camp, talking to us about logistics, and so much more. During camp, they poured into us and were an extra set of ears (that listened to our stories) and an extra set of arms (they really do give some of the best hugs)!
- Teresa- our momma bird. She is our Squad Mentor, and she plays such a huge role in preparing us for the field. She has the biggest heart for evangelism that I have ever seen and has encouraged us all so much in unlocking our callings as evangelists (because hey, that’s what the Holy Spirit empowers us to do). Can’t wait to learn more from her!
And finally, I want to further introduce you to a very special group of guys: my TEAM! As you might guess, traveling with 40+ people is not always practical, so our leadership team divided us into 6 groups of 6-7 people who will be our ministry partners for the first couple of months. They split us into all-girl teams and all-guy teams. I admit, I wasn’t excited at first because I thought it would be more effective with coed teams. But after getting to know these guys, I can honestly say I am WAY TOO excited to spend my first couple months of my Race with such an awesome group of guys! Just look at this handsome group!
From left to right, we have:
- Me- excuse the hair. We didn’t have mirrors there, ok!
- Michael- our team leader (or as we endearingly call him, “El Jefe,” much to his dismay). This guys has such a heart for people and such a smooth voice! He could talk about the most disgusting things on the earth and make it sound like you are listening to an angel narrating a documentary.
- Colby- our storyteller (and chief storyteller for our squad). This guy is a firecracker! He has boundless energy and a knack for getting people to open up. He is a great listener and encourager!
- Lee- wow. This guy has a lot of wisdom inside of him, but he doesn’t lord it over you. A humble guy and SUPER go-with-the-flow. He balances me out. He has an awesome story and is such a huge asset to our team! I am so excited to learn from him these next few months!
- Jake- big man with a big heart. This guy is obedient to the Lord (so much so, we actually drove all the way to a gas station because he felt called to talk to someone over there). I love were this guy’s heart is! He is a gentle giant through and through!
- John- our treasurer. I love this guy. He has a FANTASTIC laugh and stories that will make your sides hurt from laughing so hard! I feel like I am constantly surprised by this guy (in one way or another) and love that he is a part of our team! I can tell this year is going to be an awesome year for him and can’t wait to see what all the Lord is going to do in his heart next year!
Sorry that this post is so long. I just love my squad! I could talk about them forever! More to come soon, so stay tuned!
In all things, be blessed!
AG
