Quick lowdown.
Gainesville, GA. Outdoor. 49 strangers. 10 days. Preparation. Spiritual. Emotional. Physical. Cultural. Educational. Team-building.
The day I arrived, I knew my expectations for the 10 days could be put through a blender and take a ride right out of the window of a jet plane mid-flight. My whole being was challenged. My comfort zone completely ripped to shreds. It was real, it was raw and it was painful. After processing, it was beautiful and absolutely necessary.
Each day was a new culture. I had new dress codes to follow. I tried new foods. Crickets for breakfast? OK. I covered my head for meals and often told myself not to look a person in the eyes, as that is “flirtatious”. Cultural norms so different than home.
I hiked 2.2 miles in the humidity with my 45 pound backpack on, with a strap that broke minutes before I started. AND PASSED THE TIME LIMIT. Praise Jesus! I took showers from a bucket. I slept in a tent and killed bugs with my bare hands.
I sat in sessions. Each one resonated so deeply in my life. I felt like a mess. Maybe I’m not prepared enough for this? We discussed surrender, identity and the power of Jesus. I was totally overwhelmed. I learned authentic worship, how to listen for God, how the Holy Spirit is ALIVE and dwells in me.
Then, something crazy happened. God straight up rocked my world in a session about shame. A spiral of lies I constantly told myself, thoughts creating disconnection and destruction in my life. I wrote so many down as tears fell from my face like literal waterfalls. Then the leader asked me to get into my group and share my story. Everything. Wait, I’m sorry.. do what?! I was broken, but I did. Everything. What came from that vulnerability was a bond, a sisterhood if you will.
My team- 7tens.
Ready to be the church. Ready to live in community with vulnerability and humility. Ready to literally take on the world together.
But that lesson didn’t stop there. THANK THE LORD. That night we learned about redemption. I never actually knew what that meant. I am redeemed. I am saved from sin and evil. I am finally FREE. Free from the lies, fear and shame. I have been saved from myself and the evil one. I am His beloved and His prize. It doesn’t stop there, his mercies are new every. Single. Morning. It says so in the bible – check it. His love is steadfast- constant and unwavering. What a relief. Seriously.
Training camp was hard. It was real, raw, and authentic and took me places I never thought I wanted to go. But, what I realized is that there must be pain to experience true healing. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.
5th Generation A-Squad. The very best of the best.
