Wow I never thought that so much could be done in such a small amount of time. I just got back home a few days ago from the 10 day training camp for the World Race. I experienced more emotional, physical, and social awareness in those 10 days then I ever have. We woke up early and ended our days late with so many activities in between. To begin I woke up at 5:55 am every morning to take a bucket shower, which I was scared of at first but I learned to enjoy how refreshing they are. Then we would do morning devotions where we recited a verse we had to memorize or we would share a favorite verse that we have known growing up. Each day had a different cultural theme where we had to take part in the cultural food and clothing customs of that country. India was an interesting day for me because we had to completely cover our bodies and heads especially during a meal as a form of respect. We also had to eat only using our hands which you can guess is challenging when the meal is just beans and rice or an entree with a cream or liquid base. Even though it was difficult, it was eye-opening because of the immense contrast to the American culture. Throughout the days we would have sessions where World Race Alum would come to speak to us about different challenges we will have to walk through on the Race. The most physically challenging event of training camp was the fitness hike. We had to hike 2.2 miles in 38 minutes. Now this does not sound too demanding but we had to do it with our 40 pound camping backpack strapped onto us (which is almost half of my weight)! Thankfully my team made it successfully across the line after an early 6 am start. During the camp I realized that ministry does not just start once I step off the plane in Colombia, it begins now. It begins at home and in Roanoke with the friends and family that I love. I hope that in the next month and a half before I leave that I will create amazing memories with the people here to use as experience when I am out on the field. I can learn just as much here as I can in the foreign lands to come. Thank you for reading my newest blog, there are many more on the way!
p.s. please help spread my journey to all of your family and friends
Much love,
Bella Sorrentino
