I’m trying to be organized so I’m writing my thoughts and feelings about training camp in a list. Most of it is written in the form of “what you need to know” if you’re actually going to venture into the world of AIM and World Race. Check it:
1. Rage dancing is worship too.
2. Rain isn’t always awful. Sometimes it’s a shower you otherwise wouldn’t have gotten that day.
3. Appreciate what’s around you (especially if you’re at TFC, though I think camp should be held at Berry College because it’s more awesome). We got to chill with a pretty sick waterfall this weekend. It made up for the awful hills we had to climb to go to the bathroom.
4. Don’t be afraid to bond with people. You already know your squad, probs, from Facebook and Twitter (and maybe even Instagram). They’re friends, not enemies or weird people. They love Jesus just like you. Don’t be intimidated. They’re probs nervous, too.
5. Try new things. The food you eat isn’t going to look like food you normally eat, but that’s okay! Looks aren’t everything. Sometimes they are, but mostly not. Worship isn’t always going to look the same either, but give it a chance! Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable or to take on a whole new attitude!
6. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help or to just pray/talk with you. That’s what trainers and squad leaders and your mates are for! They want to help and they’re awesome so just chat it up!
7. Go ahead and have fun. I give you permission. Be yourself. Break out and just enjoy being you. You don’t have anything to prove and you should be having tons of fun anyway because you’re sleeping in a tent for a week. Who doesn’t like camping with strangers!?
8. Always use your rainfly……..
9. You’re going to smell. Your clothes will smell. A lot. But most likely you won’t notice. Maybe you will, but probs not. People will just tell you when you get home that you’re rank, need to shower, and keep your shoes outside. EVEN IF you shower practically every day.
10. Don’t mind when you notice that someone is wearing the same clothes again or that your feet (or theirs) stink. It happens. Breathe deep and press in…even though that might be gross.
11. Be flexible. Improvise.
12. Dance a little.
13. Sometimes you can have your quiet time in the shower… get used to it.
14. Don’t be surprised when people are more awesome than you thought they were.
I feel like 14 is a good number to stop at – it’s even, divisible by 7, and just looks good. Camp was ballin’. It was unlike any other Christian/summer camp I’ve ever heard of (because I never really went to any) and it was supes grand. Everyone needs to go..and learn about feedback. I made a ton of new friends and have an awesome team that I can’t wait to start doing life with.
My biggest request right now is that you pray over transitions – saying goodbye to friends and family and digging deep in the next few weeks. God has big things planned.
P.s. Speaking of big things, I’m having this awesome yard sale this Saturday at the Pig in Armuchee. If you have stuff to donate, pleeeeasseeee email me and let me know. It’d be great. Thanks!
P.s. Did I mention there will be some awesome BBQ at this Yard sale????? Yep.
