Right now, if you read this while out in the North GA woods, you are beginning to live the world race training camp experience, try different foods, and challenge your beliefs. You may be thinking to yourself "these people are absolutely insane", "I hate sleeping outside and bugs", "is God even real?", and a few other different things going on in your mind and spirit.
Oh Q-squad…2nd generation. It feels way too weird to say that. There wasn't even the faint idea or thought during my race there would be another group with one of the oddest letters of the alphabet. The following thoughts, desires, and hopes are certainly even across the board for all those who have gone on the race before you.
This…is us at training camp…3 years ago…
I'm sure my squad-mates can't help but laugh when looking at this…interesting photo.
Whether you like it or not, we are now "family"…and not just "World Race Family". Will you be blog stalked? Most definitely. Will the 2nd generation Q-squad be as unique and awesome as we were? I'm pretty sure. Just the mention of the letter "Q" brings a plethora of amazing experiences God has blessed me from this "experience" which you, the "new Q kids", will live out for yourselves. By the way, we are a pretty much a big group of odd-balls…it's a good thing. I'm sorry none of us are there at your training camp due to obligations and being strewn across the globe establishing dominance for the Kingdom.
Our ceiling is now your floor. From the deepest regions of my heart, please enjoy walking, running, expanding, dancing and learning on it. Perhaps this will make more sense when you do go forth into the countries. Respect the cultures, people, and policies as much as possible. Yet, most definitely show and live out the kingdom deep inside of you…appropriately. 🙂
Boldness. When the sharing of ideas and ways of "being Jesus" to this world collides with the immediate need right in front of your face…it is always a test of your faith. How far are you willing to stick your neck out of that little comfort bubble zone? You might surprise yourself.
Teammates. They will become your best friends, know you and your ways better than you do, and will sometimes get on your last nerves. Don't forget to challenge each other spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically not just in the 1st 3 months…but in month 6, 9, and 11. Of course, everyone has a different background, way of perceiving things, and even theologies. Respect. Challenge. Encourage.
The Spirit. He will show Himself more to you during this endeavor, only as much as you allow. God is so Real, and some things might freak you out…yet it's good. From our experience, don't compare and be so focused on the gifts of the Spirit. Everyone has strengths in different areas, and that's just how it is sometimes. Yet, never stop exploring and challenging your faith. Something crazy and "out-of-this-world" might happen. Be wary to not pour out more than you've been poured into your own spirit (burn-out).
The Race. Your route is certainly different from ours, and every single persons experience will definitely be different than each others. From experience, please immerse yourself in each countries ways and culture. You will never forget the spontaneous moments of festivities, people, food, and being on public transportation not really sure where your driver is actually taking you. Yet, you won't get those experiences unless you move forward.
A wise man once challenged me with "how do you expect to change the world, if you're not changed yourself?". Some years later another wise man once challenged me with "as leaders, our goal is not to 'change the world', but rather love and empower". Be blessed new Q-squaders…and all you other new world racers. Praying for divine intervention, activation, boldness, confidence, peace of mind, and a true knowing of your Identity as sons and daughters.
p.s. Please get at least one 1st place in competitions…ummm, we didn't.
