This weekend we had a blast camping with 6 of our squadmates from the World Race! (If only all 55 squadmates could have been there!) We all traveled from Ohio, Indiana, Virginia and Georgia to meet up in West Virginia for 3 days of camping. Wow! What an amazing weekend it was as we spent time with people we will be traveling the world with for 11 months.
If anyone knows me, then you know that camping is completely outside of my comfort zone. In fact, the “outdoorsy” side of the World Race is outside of my comfort zone. But I know God has called me to do this, so I am going to do it. While camping this weekend I realized I actually enjoyed those “outdoorsy” things! I enjoyed setting up a tent, having no water or electric, cooking food over an open flame, hiking through mountains, and swimming in a river. I guess I just never tried to like those things. My preference is to stay indoors with the AC on while I watch Legally Blonde and paint my nails. But after this weekend, I want to camp, hike, and explore more! After all, this will be my life for 11 months … why not embrace it now!
While on this trip, I learned a few things about myself, in light of what the World Race will look like …
1. I can live without showering for a few days. Usually I can go about 3 days without washing my hair, but not showering is different. I may smell, but theres always baby wipes & perfume. (Praise God!)
2. I don’t need to curl my hair. I rocked a top knot or braid most of the weekend and it was so freeing to not have to get up and tame my mane with a curling iron. Do I enjoy curling my hair? Yes. But I now see it is as more of a want, not a need.
3. I can survive without internet. Yes, you heard me. Did I like it? No. But I did it. And I enjoyed disconnecting! In our culture today, internet is all around us. You go to dinner and see people sitting around a table on their phones instead of putting their devices down and actually connecting face-to-face. And really enjoyed talking to my squadmates in person rather than over a computer/phone screen. Especially since getting to know my squadmates over the last several months has been just through the internet and Google hangouts. My expectations of my squadmates were shattered (in a good way) as I got to know them face-to-face this weekend.
4. I enjoy hiking. I love exploring new places, especially when it leads to team work, great conversation, and a beautiful view. (And maybe some poison ivy and a scary drive than an un-named road in the mountains).
5. I love getting to know people in an environment that forces you to be together 24 hours a day. I am a relational person to the core, so this isn’t necessarily something I learned. But, I have been nervous about spending 11 months, 24 hours a day, every moment with people. I don’t need more than 5 minutes of “me time” everyday but … What if I have to cry? What if I am angry and need to yell? What if I have to fart? Well Ashley, you have to do it around people. Get used to it!
6. I can do this. I can do the World Race. There have been moments where I question my personality when it comes to the World Race. Especially when I think of some of the things we will be doing, the conditions we will be living in, and the food we will be eating. But I know I can do this. Will it be hard at times? Absolutely. But with God, my husband, and the support of my squad I know I can do this.
Over the weekend I watched as we all encouraged one another to do things that weren’t comfortable. I watched a squadmate face her fear of water as she trekked through the river. I watched a squadmate share a vulnerable part of his testimony for the first time to a group of people. I watched squadmates master the art of getting into an Eno hammock. I watched a group of people gather around the fire and pray for one another. I watched introverts become more extroverts as we grew closer. I watched each of us step out of our comfort zones in some way.
This weekend taught me that I can do this. I am ready for this. I am ready to be broken, molded, and used by God. I am ready to face my fears, my past, and the uncomfortable. I am ready to go deeper with God and allow Him to mold the inner most parts of my heart. I am ready to be Jesus to the nations. I am ready.
There is a lot I have yet to learn, but I feel confident that God has called us for such a time as this … for ourselves, for the people we will travel with, and for the people we will meet along the way. God has called us. Even through the uncomfortable, God still calls us.
Overall, this weekend was pivotal for me in my preparation for the World Race. This girly-girl learned a lot. I knew the World Race would challenging for me, as I am not your typical “outdoorsy” girl. But you don’t need to be “outdoorsy” to be Jesus to the world.
After reading this, I hope that you feel the urge to step out of your comfort zone and allow God to teach you some things … Go camping, you’ll learn a lot! 🙂
Here are some photos from the weekend
