I really had no idea what I was in for walking into Training Camp . I knew things would be crazy. But I just didn’t know exactly how crazy they would be.
Training Camp had been a mystery to me. All the blogs I could read about it didn’t actually say much about what went down over the week of camp. (And, sorry future racers, mine isn’t going to reveal much about the logistics of camp.) Every blog said to just be prepared for God to do some awesome things.
So. This is what I’ve learned.
1. Living out of a giant backpack is much different than living out of a suitcase. It’s going to take some getting used to, and I still need a lot of practice in packing my stuff up correctly.
2. Foods from other cultures are awesome. I am not a picky eater anyway, and I honestly love to try new things. So, I ate what was placed in front of me, and, generally, it was good.
3. Headlamps are necessary. So, I was kinda on the fence about actually wearing a headlamp. But it was one of the nicest things to have when it was dark and I had to walk from a building to my tent.
4. I can live with bugs. You know, I’m the girl who would run and squeal if I saw any type of bug flying at me or if it landed on me. But when you live outside for a week, and bugs are everywhere, then they don’t become that big of a deal. (I don’t think I will ever be okay with giant spiders…so I’m not really excited about spotting those overseas.)
5. Porta-potties are actually okay to use. Don’t get me wrong, I love using a toilet inside that flushes. But, when you have no other options, a porta-potty will be okay.
6. Coffee is not necessary. For those of you who know me, that statement is astounding. I love coffee. I’ve had at least one cup every day for the past 5 years of my life. I love it. I love the routine surrounding coffee. But over the past few months, I’ve realized that I might not have much access to it overseas, at least on a daily basis. So I’ve decided to give up a daily cup of coffee for the year. Instead, when I am able to get a good local cup of coffee, it will be a treat and a wonderful experience. And, surprise, surprise, I still function just fine without the coffee.
7. The Lord is pushing me out of my comfort zone. And in doing so, He’s making me face my insecurities in who I am. The Holy Spirit is definitely at work in my heart to build my confidence in Him and to trust Him through whatever I face.
8. My squad is awesome. God is so good to have put this group together.
9. My team, Boldly Present, is wonderful. Again, the Lord is good and gracious to put us together. I’m excited to do life with these people over the next year. And I’m excited to see how the Lord will push us into deeper intimacy with Him.
10. God is infinitely greater than I could ever imagine. He surprised me every day at Training Camp. So, if that’s just the beginning….it’s going to be exciting to see what God will do over the next year of my life.
I know it’s all kinda vague, so if you would like to know more about my experiences at Training Camp, I would love to tell you. Just contact me, and I would be honored to share more about what God has done through Training Camp.
Slight Route change, people. We’ll be going to Cambodia first, and then Thailand. Those two countries have just flip-flopped.
Blessings.
