I’m back from the World Race training camp!!
Training Camp is meant to help racers become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s purpose is to challenge you, encourage growth and push you physically, mentally and spiritually. It gives you the opportunity to meet your squadmates (the 40 people you will be traveling around the world with) and your team (the 5-6 squadmates you will be serving and living in community with every day).
Cold bucket showers, port-a-potties and cold nights in tents were the norm. Sharing a platter of food with 7 others and abiding by the culture of the day’s traditions was always interesting. Portions were small and we were always hungry. Some of my squadmates joked that WR training camp was really fat camp and made references to the movie “Heavyweights.” (Don’t worry, no one starved and the physical exercise was only 30 minutes.)
Each day, our leaders presented my squad with new field scenarios, situations or problems that may arise on the field. I won’t go into details so I don’t spoil the surprise for future racers. But I will tell you that they aren’t that challenging, if you learn to lean on your squadmates and loosen your grip on unnecessary earthly possessions. Many of the scenarios brought my squadmates and I closer together because we needed to rely on each other.
Every day there were multiple worship times and sessions that touched on various topics such as forgiveness, shame and emotions. These allowed people to be vulnerable and bring pain, hurt and shame to light. Taking them out of darkness meant satan could no longer use them against us. Many of our chains were broken during training camp! My squadmates and I experienced freedom and learned to walk in it.
The 10 days spent at training camp weren’t easy and it was emotionally and physically heavy at times, but it was so rewarding. I’m still processing many of the lessons taught and chewing on the wisdom given, but I’ve gained a better understanding of who God is and I’ve gained more confidence.
I can’t wait to spend the year with my squadmates and my team, Eklektos, serving others, living in community, laughing, crying, worshipping and growing in our walks with God.
If you ‘d like to hear more specifics about training camp and my experience I would love to chat more about it!
To the future World Racers, embrace the challenges given to you and don’t limit God and put him in a box.
