We just got a long, anticipated announcement from the World Race!
TRAINING CAMP DATES!!
The dates are set for July 6th through July 16th: in Atlanta Georgia, mid-summer humidity, with red dirt. And no showers (just a cold bucket shower).
Oh, and another thing … We learned that there will be a new physical component to training camp, that we have to pass. We have to hike 2 miles in 33 minutes with our hiking packs on. WHAT. Hike 2 miles in 33 minutes in the hot humid hills of Georgia… in July…with our packs. Ya, my heart just stopped…again.
For Billy, training camp is the BEST. THING. EVER. He anticipates the outdoors. Hiking. Tent sleeping. Eating bugs. No showers. Manly things. This is the life for him.
And to be honest, the humidity, tent sleeping, and no showers don’t bother me much. It is that hike. It scares me.
I know that 2 miles doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. But I don’t like to work out. I don’t run. I don’t enjoy lifting weights. Or even doing pilates. Call me lazy, but it just isn’t my cup of tea. And those who know me personally, know this about me! BUT, the World Race is designed to force you out of your comfort zone. And this will surely do the trick!
Yes, I know that when I go to these countries I will be outdoors most of the time. Trust me, I have thought about all the hiking, walking, and running we will do. And honestly I have felt pretty confident that when the time comes, I will embrace the challenge. But there is something about timed events that give me anxiety. I am Type-A personality. Maybe that is why I freaked out when I first saw the announcement. (Now I am just making excuses for my laziness!)
Thankfully, one of my squad mates RaeLynn DeFalco (you should check out her blog: http://raelynndefalco.theworldrace.org) has been my encourager in this! Unfortunately, working out in person is not an option, since she is from Nebraska. But, thank goodness for technology! We have decided to partner on MyFitnessPal and hold one another accountable to working out and eating healthier – and to drink lots of water!
On her blog she made a comment that struck my heart: The thought that my physical ability could impact my ability to do ministry effectively really upsets me.
Wow!! I am with you girl.
I don’t want my physical ability to hold me back from doing the work of God. All the scriptures that talk about “taking care of your temple” have a whole new meaning to me now. I want to take care of my temple so that I can (physically) do the work of God with effectiveness.
So, I need to start running. Start training. Physically preparing to do this. Not just to pass a requirement at training camp, but to take care of my temple. To do the work that God has called me to.
I know this will be hard. I know discipline is required. And I know that my Taco Bell intake needs to be limited … But I know I can do it. Why? Because the call of God means more to me than anything else. I want to do His work. Run His errands. So, I need to take care of my temple.
Thank you for just reading my thoughts! And I hope you find some piece of encouragement in the words above.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray for us as we physically train for the World Race.
2. Pray for spiritual strength, as we have been facing some difficult things that the enemy would love to take us down for.
3. Pray for motivation. Motivation to finish this season in America strong!
4. Pray for finances. We found out our first deadline of $7,000 is due by June 12th. We are half-way there already, as we have $3,577.00 raised so far.
