I’ve written and rewritten this blog countless times. Trying to find the right words to tell you all the crazy experience I had while in Gainesville GA.
The 11 days I spent at training camp where filled to the max with new experiences: from eating weird new foods, sweating more than I thought was possible, taking cold bucket showers, being put in different scenarios we might face while on the field, to an amazing community, crazy good worship, and growing in my faith.
Training camp was nothing that I expected it to be. Going into it I tried to prepare myself for what I would encounter during those 11 days. I read every available blog, and watched every youtube video that past racers had put up but nothing could prepare me for the way that God would wreck my heart and prepare me for this journey.
On the first night of sessions we talked about the cost of being a disciple, and counting the cost. I asked myself the question, “Have I really counted the cost of this trip?” The answer was not really. I knew I would have to give up certain comforts. I knew it wouldn’t be easy not seeing my family, missing out on the holidays, and some of the bigger life events. But I didn’t count the cost of being obedient to give up the things that I want for myself for his kingdom, obeying God when it is uncomfortable, and choosing to pick up my cross and to carry it every day.
I learned so much, like how to walk with grace, having a yes in my spirit and learning to really listen for God’s voice which is something I have struggled with and am still learning and understanding. There was so much information packed into the 11 days that I can’t fit it all into one blog post!
Besides all the information that was packed into my head, we had some amazing worship. Sometimes twice in a day which was definitely a bonus, worship was like nothing that I have ever experienced before. I’ve been to church all my life and I thought I experienced worship but at training camp, it was a whole new world and on a whole new level. Just picture 280 young people with there hands stretched out and giving it all up, letting themselves be filled with the holy spirit and praising God with everything in them. We could worship any way we wanted to whether it meant standing or laying on the ground we had complete freedom there was no judgment. Honestly, before going to training camp the whole worship thing made me a little uncomfortable, I never really worshiped I just stood there most of the time and went thru the motions. I had no idea what I was missing out on. After the first worship session, I felt a whole new freedom that I didn’t know existed and I honestly can’t believe I get to worship with my squad in this way for a whole 9 months like how awesome is that?
Speaking of my squad (GO SQUAD U!!!) they are awesome. I can’t believe I have an amazing new family of 46 compassionate, loving, caring individuals who all have a heart for serving the Lord, and expanding his kingdom. Within my squad we have teams of 6-8 people. I am on a team with 5 other beautiful ladies who I know will become like sisters. They are strong, courageous, purposeful, and so loving. We are team fervent, and I can’t wait to serve alongside them.
After arriving at training camp I learned very quickly that this journey is not going to be easy. It’s going to push me very far out of my comfort zone (in a good way). It will test me physically, mentally and spiritually. It will challenge me in so many different ways, but looking at the road ahead I couldn’t be more excited, and I have an amazing team to walk beside me on this journey.
I also have all of you back home praying and supporting me and I couldn’t be more thankful.
Thank you for reading!
