I returned from training camp almost a week ago and I’m still trying to process everything. There’s so much I have to share with you! I’ll start with a fundraising update….. as of last week, I am officially FULLY FUNDED! What?! Thanks to all of my incredible donors, I am financially set for this next year! THANK YOU THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!! I am so blown away by all of your kindness and generosity! Whenever I would start to doubt if this was the path I should be taking, the Lord showed me through you that this was absolutely His plan for me. So thank you- I am beyond ecstatic that you have chosen to join me on this journey 🙂
I traveled to Gainesville, Ga. on June 4 to finally meet my squad and to train for these next 11 months. I never imagined just how much of an impact 27 people could make in my life in only ten days. My squad is filled with some of the most beautiful, intelligent and kind people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am so excited for you to learn more about everyone this next year- I know I will be learning so much from them, so expect for me to share allll the things with you!
Aside from meeting my squad, I had a love/hate relationship with training. I absolutely loved learning about different cultures, intimacy with the Lord and worshipping with everyone, but living outside in the heat and smelling really bad all the time started to wear on me. There was very little privacy at our campsite since our tents were basically all on top of each other- did I mention we used porta potties the entire time? I never thought I’d ever miss flushing a toilet so much.
Bucket showers were also a thing during camp. For those who are not sure what bucket showers are, I really encourage you to follow these steps: 1.) Grab a bucket and cup 2.) Take the bucket and cup outside and fill the bucket with water from a hose 3.) Take the filled bucket and the empty cup to an area where you might have privacy 4.) Use the empty cup to dump water from the bucket onto yourself. There you have it. Needless to say, bathing wasn’t the biggest priority at camp. My friend Allison said it perfectly: “I have never felt more disgusting and humble.” I really had to die to my inner diva and embrace all aspects of camp, especially since some of these conditions may seem glamorous compared to the things we will witness this next year.
Each day had a different country tied to it, which meant that we had to dress a certain way, act in a way that was appropriate in that specific country and eat certain cuisine. On India and Africa days we covered our shoulders and ankles, were given no plates or utensils and ate everything from a shared tray with our hands. In India, you must only use your right hand because the left hand is considered unclean. In Africa, men do not associate with women at meals, so the guys had to sit at their own table. We wore scarves on our heads because it is not acceptable for women to be uncovered. It is common for men to hold hands with one another, so you would see the guys holding hands around camp. It was cute. Also- eating crickets is common in Africa, so that was a lovely breakfast surprise.
We exercised and were required to complete a 3.3 mile hike in 50 minutes while carrying our entire pack, tent and sleeping equipment included, on our backs. That may not sound too difficult, but the hills of Georgia made it much harder. We ran a good part of it and at points it seemed impossible. There are ultra athletes on my squad, so once they finished, they ran through the course again and carried people’s packs to the finish line. It was such an incredible act of love and a perfect image of Christ and how He carries us when all we want to do is give up. It was so beautiful to witness and only one example of just how selfless my squad-mates are.
You might recall from a past blog that I mentioned my love of dancing. I’m not skilled whatsoever, but I absolutely love to do it. This is something I did not hide from my squad and we soon began each group session with a mini dance break.
One night during worship I was having a hard time concentrating due to a discouraging internal battle. I was doubting my ability to be able to discern my own voice and the voice of the Holy Spirit, which led to insecure thoughts about who I am and what I am capable of. During this time we were given the opportunity to pray individually with some of the trainers and coaches from all of the different squads that were there for training, so I lifted my head to find one of my squad coaches. I immediately saw a coach from another squad standing nearby and something in me said that I needed to go pray with him. I had not met this man before, but I felt led to go to him.
I walked up to him and he asked me what was going on. I told him what was on my heart and began to cry. He embraced me, began to speak truth over me and just let me cry on his shoulder. He pulled me away and held my shoulders. He then closed his eyes in silent prayer as I stood there kind of awkwardly and not sure what to do. He then opened his eyes, looked straight into my eyes and said, “God wants to dance through this year with you.” I was completely stunned. This man, who I had never met, knew something about me that I had not disclosed to him, but it was clear the Holy Spirit put in him what God wanted me to know. God knows my heart. He knows the silly things that I love and He delights in those things with me. Utterly emotional, the coach pulled me back into a hug and he held me while we swayed back and forth- like a father dancing with his daughter.
God used this man to remind me that I am completely seen and that I am His child. I have no reason to doubt who I am and my abilities because God instilled in me gifts that are mine and were given to glorify Him. He is before me and with me, even in the small, silly details.
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Psalm 30:11-12
Another highlight of camp for me was that I was baptized on June 13. I had been baptized as an infant, but I have wanted to be baptized again since becoming a believer in Jesus Christ. I asked my squad leader Soloman to baptize me and it was one of the most joyous moments of my life. My squad was there, cheering me on and embracing me, sopping wet, when it was over. Tears of joy were shed that night and I’m so grateful that I was able to share such a special moment with them.
So that’s it! A very short debrief on how incredible training camp was. With how amazing those ten days were, I can’t imagine how mind-blowing this next year will be. Again, THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me financially and/or prayerfully. I couldn’t do this without you.
All Glory be to Him!
