How do I begin to describe the experience of training camp? It was a whirlwind of a week packed with excitement, nerves, anticipation, exhaustion, eyeopening teaching, energy, and all around wonderfulness! But if I had to sum up the entirety of World Race training camp in one word, it would be peace.
As the names of the beautiful women who were to make up my team this year were called off, a wave of peace rushed over me. I knew that God had a mighty plan for this team, and there was a reason each of us was placed on it. That Thursday afternoon was yet another confirmation of God’s call to the World Race. But let’s rewind a bit to the Saturday morning car ride to the Detroit airport.
If you had been in the car with me that morning you probably would have been willing to bet that I would never actually make it to Georgia, let alone out of the vehicle. I think my parents were probably watching and waiting to see if I would just call the whole thing off (that might be part of the reason my mom watched me go all the way through security). Every part of me was shaking with nerves, anxiousness, and uncertainty.
Well, obviously I did make it to Georgia, but those feelings did not go away. No, I entered into a full week of fighting, breaking, and surrendering daily to God. And that’s when the peace came. Every morning I woke up questioning why I was there, why I was going on the World Race, and honestly, determined to pack up and go home. And every day God would remind me of His call, and confirm that that is where He has placed me. These confirmations came through the grace and encouragement of my wonderful squad mates, the teaching of the Word by Ron Walborn, the life giving words spoken over me by squad mentors, leaders, and trainers, and ultimately the still soft whisper of my God! Every day He called out to me, “Don’t be anxious my daughter, I am with you, I will never leave you, set your insecurities aside!” In the chaos of a packed week, the stillness of a peace that surpasses all understanding manifested itself in my heart, soul, and body. Walking through the week not knowing what was going to happen next, I learned to take everything one step at a time, leaning completely upon God for my support.
So may I say thank you to the Adventures in Missions staff, for facilitating a week of preparation and a safe place for us racers to fall before God; thank you to my wonderful squad-mates, for accepting me, the sinner that I am; thank you to my parents, for supporting me; thank you to every person who lifted me up in prayer throughout the week; and thank you to my Father, for cradling me in Your mighty arms when I struggle to stand, for repeating lessons patiently that I have failed to learn the first time, and for loving me beyond my insecurities, faults, and disbelief. I don’t think I will ever be fully ready to step out on the World Race, but I can go with full assurance that You will guide me through moment by moment!
