My training camp started a few days early for the men’s hike backpacking the Appalachian trail in the mountains of Georgia. This was my first time in Georgia and the awe-inspiring beauty of God’s nature and green mountains took my breath away. It was awesome to have a chance to get to know most of the guys on H, I and J squads in addition to AIM leadership and past World Racers. I pushed myself hiking those two days and experienced great fellowship with the guys. I was either laughing or smiling the while time and created some great lifelong friendships.
Once training camp started on Saturday and I finally got to meet everyone on my squad we had a few days of classroom learning. We then did team building activities to get a feel for who we might be a good fit to work with in teams. I enjoyed this and was fortunately given some great advice from an alumni racer not to get caught up in trying to be a leader. My identity is in Christ, not in being a leader so I was totally fine with not being picked to lead our team. I think myself and Graham (see picture below) couldn’t be happier with such an amazing team leader as Steph.
Team Mountain Movers
From left to right: Me, Steph, Graham, Rachel, Allie, Julie, and Heidi
Once we had our teams finalized I was so excited that this was going to be my team! Graham and I have an awesome friendship we formed during the men’s hike. We’re both from Cali and enjoy many of the same outdoor activities. This picture was taken the night we found out our teams and got dinner at Applebee’s. My team is amazing.
Now the 10 key takeaway’s from training camp:
1. Real community is beautiful
2. My squad became family to me
3. Don’t put God in a box
4. Don’t expect anything, except for God to move
5. Worshipping and praying on a school bus all night with my squad did happen and it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced
6. God still heals people and healed many people on my squad
7. Always be in the moment
8. Depend on God for strength
9. Run this race with all I have
10. God first, others second, myself third.
I am still in need of financial support and would like to invite you to join me on the World Race. My second fundraising deadline is August 22nd with $7,500 raised. I believe with all my heart this is where the Lord wants me. I need your help to do this and can’t do this mission trip without you. Thank you so much for your financial support so far!!
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