10 days….
10 days ago when I boarded my plane to Atlanta from Dallas, I had no idea what to expect. I had heard stories from friends and Alumni World Racers about what training camp was like, but I walked into this week and a half with no clue what was about to take place. I was so excited to meet the people I would get to travel the world with and get a chance to try out all the gear I had got for the race. Little did I know that those 10 days would be days that stretched me, challenged me, and called me to deeper places with the Lord.
Each day brought a new challenge. From hiking the campus with all of our gear to sleeping in our tents in the open Georgia land and heat. Showers consisted of ice-cold buckets filled with water in outdoor stalls and bathrooms were quant little porta potties that carried a unique and not so pleasant smell.
I left my comfort zone as soon as I stepped foot on our camping ground. When I arrived, I immediately got to meet some of my squad-mates who I get the pleasure of spending my year of traveling with. I set up my tent in the blazing heat and prepared for what I thought would be an orientation for the week that was ahead. I was amazing when we walked into this “orientation” and the presence of The Lord was so thick. The worship reminded me of the countless morning chapels I participated in at Christ for the Nations Institute. That service was a perfect reminder of why I was here, why I was getting ready to drop everything and minister to the world with my Savior. The love I felt from the Father that night so strong and so deep. I was in awe of how much He truly cares for me, how He so faithfully fulfilled His promises and made the dreams He put in my heart a reality.
Yes, the living situations were uncomfortable and sweating was more common than not, but despite the discomforts, I found peace in Gainesville, Georgia. In the midst of the red Georgia dirt, I found community, unconditional love, courage, and boldness. I built strong and Christ-centered friendships with people who have the same deep desire to serve The Lord as His sons and daughters. Friendships that, even after only 10 days, cannot be easily broken. I was able to connect with God in a way that was deeper than ever before. He called out things in me that I had no clue were there and began to heal and strengthen me from the inside out.
Coming back into normal life after those 10 days is odd. The idea of taking a real shower and sleeping in air-conditioned space with a bed is so relieving but also already seems so foreign. If I could hop on a plane and head to Montenegro with my team and start serving right at this very moment, I would. I’m so thankful for my time at training camp and I cannot wait to continue this journey with The Lord!
It’s amazing what just 10 days can do to change your perspective and your heart.
These are the amazing ladies I will be doing ministry with. Our team name is Nani, which is Hawaiian for beautiful. These ladies are such an example of servant hood and devotion to Christ. I cannot wait to serve along side them for the first six months of our race!
I’m so blessed to have a squad that is already such a close family. This next year is going to be a year that challenges, stretches, and changes me in the best way possible.
It’s amazing what just 10 days can do to transform someone, and every moment was a treasure.
