Training Camp
{Future racers: I would encourage you to stop reading here. Training camp will be an amazing experience, but the less you know before you go, the more God can blow your mind}
10 days.
That is all it took for God to radically transform my life.
I am realizing how challenging it is to put my experience into words, which is symbolic of this 10-day journey. Words aren’t enough. It went so much deeper.
It was physically, spiritually, and emotionally challenging. Y’all, Georgia gets COLD at night (in the 30s). We bathed with bucket showers, which are basically buckets filled with freezing cold hose water and a measuring cup to pour it on ourselves with. Our meals were tiny, nothing compared to American “portions”, sometimes we ate with our hands, hand washing consisted of hand sanitizer, and port-a-potties… well yeah you get the picture.
As time progressed, I began to learn the deeper truth of these situations that contradicted “American standards”: We always had provision. Every night I had a roof over my head, even if it was a tent or a tarp. No matter how cold it got, I had blankets and clothes to keep me warm. There may not have been hot water, but when you get to the point of not being able to stand your own smell, you become truly grateful for a bucket full of cold water and a measuring cup.The bigger picture rocked me when I realized we were still living in luxury compared to what we may walk into throughout next year.
I kept sensing God urging me to live in a spirit of gratitude, seeking the positive of every situation, and more specifically, seeking Him in every situation. When we are comforted by full bellies, warm showers, and a cozy bed, we begin to forget how much God has provided for us. The American life is full of distractions: comfort, standards, cell phones, the list is never-ending. When we are stripped of these diversions, only one thing remains: God. Through Him, we have all we need, and the rest falls into place.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Training camp allowed everyone to be completely vulnerable. The most freeing experience was bringing my pain, hurt, and shame to the light. When you remove these emotions from the darkness, satan can no longer use them against you. It is literally a weight lifted off of your shoulders. God constantly reminded me that I am worthy, I am loved, and I am His precious daughter. After only 2 days, the people around me knew more about me then most people who have known me my whole life. Furthermore, they embraced me, and loved me like I’ve never been loved before.
These 10 days were life changing. There’s so much more I could say, but words will never be enough. To put it simply- I arrived completely broken, and left consumed by the truth of God who sent His Son to fill my brokenness. I feel transformed, I feel free, and I feel like I am walking with Jesus stronger than ever before. And to think this is only the beginning…
Squad A. The people that became family in a matter of 10 days:
My absolutely beautiful team. I will be doing ministry with these spirit-filled women. Y’all, they are INCREDIBLE!!! :
Thank you so much to everyone who made this week possible for me, I am forever humbled by your prayers and generosity.
p.s. blog of the most powerful experience at training camp coming up, get excited!
