71 Things About Training Camp

I recently came home from a 10 day Training Camp in Gainesville Georgia. So much happened and it’s hard to put my experience into words. A general overview would be that I was stretched out of my comfort zone. I met and fell in love with my squad of over 40 people. I was able to see how much God is working in my life and the people’s lives around me. But since there was so much more compacted into just a week and a half and I don’t want to make a post a mile long nor do I know how to convey everything in beautiful prose, I made a “little” list (I LOVE LISTS) of all the things I learned and came to realize during my 10 day missionary boot camp at Adventures in Missions.

I hope you enjoy this little taste of what training camp was like for me! (Keep in mind there is no specific order, so it’s probably going to seem a little random because that’s how my brain works!)

 

 71 Things about Training Camp

1. 10 days is plenty of time for strangers to become family (sometimes it only takes 30 minutes or less)
2. People that you don’t even know you are praying for you
3. Don’t underestimate 2.2 miles
4. God is so much greater than 2.2 miles
5. A hike cannot get in the way of a missionary and the mission field
6. Pacing yourself is important
7. Eastern Europe is awesome because they eat with their left hands
8. Crickets aren’t necessarily horrible but they also aren’t my first choice
9. Don’t underestimate the Holy Spirit and the power He has given you
10. There is no “right” way to worship
11. People are people – don’t be afraid of them
12. Unpacking and packing up your tent gets old real quick
13. Hills are annoying, but it’s really nice when you reach the top (once you catch your breath of course)
14. People sometimes look nothing like their pictures
15. Don’t assume people’s personalities, you will be surprised
16. It’s okay to feel what you feel. If you don’t learn how to deal with feelings, you will stop being able to feel the good emotions
17. Forgive — it’s not only for them, but also for you. Always pursue reconciliation
18. Toilets and hand soap are gifts and should always be appreciated
19. It’s easy to get used to being around 50 people
20. And hard when you wake up and have to remind yourself they aren’t there anymore
21. It’s good to stretch yourself – literally and figuratively (I was tight and sore the entire time)
22. It’s so much nicer waking up with the sun than to an alarm
23. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers is the perfect song to start your day
24. Feedback is necessary to grow even if it might be hard to hear
25. Hearing and listening are two different things
26. God wants us to obey
27. More often than not, obeying will turn out a whole lot better than disobeying
28. Everyone has a story worth telling and hearing
29. Women are strong and capable of so much including but not limited to thousands (and I mean thousands!) of push ups, burpees, and squats
30. Be aware of all the opportunities the Holy Spirit gives you to share the Kingdom
31. Washing your hair with a hose is actually really nice and faster than you think
32. Everyone should experience a bucket shower at least once in their life
33. Georgia has a lot of bugs, and some of their bites are brutal
34. God wants a relationship with you – He wants you to know Him, not just about Him
35. God is so much bigger than you or your fears
36. It’s okay to cry
37. Storytelling is the most powerful way to bring great ideas into the world
38. God shows up, and most often in unexpected ways
39. Abandon – it’s necessary to create space for God
40. Intimacy. Community. Mission.
41. It’s not just a program, it’s a lifestyle
42. I am worthy
43. Jesus died for everyone’s sin, even the ones against us
44. Truth is fixed and reliable – Jesus is Truth
45. God has a voice and He hasn’t stopped using it just because we have the Bible
46. It’s okay to fail
47. Women are freaking awesome
48. It’s okay if you don’t make it the first time. Just try again. Don’t give up (Who knows, you may cut 4 minutes off your time.)
49. God made women of intention and with a purpose
50. Different does not mean less than
51. Sometimes it’s better to follow
52. Jesus wants all of us, not us minus the brokenness
53. Be fully present in life – don’t disengage
54. Be observant
55. Comparison is the thief of joy
56. Laughter is so important and a beautiful thing….So is dancing
57. So. Much. Sweat.
58. Know the Gospel before you give it away
59. Step into that discomfort
60. Perfect love casts out fear
61. Perfect people are not allowed here
62. God’s goodness is greater than we can imagine
63. Do not worry – God has you
64. It’s okay if it doesn’t make sense
65. People are beautiful – Every person on this planet was created for a reason
66. I prefer the no makeup, hair a mess, not showered, sweaty, and real side of a person
67. There are still Godly men in this world
68. God will use you to do great things if you let Him
69. It’s okay to disagree
70. Sometimes God gives strength through people – it’s okay to ask for and accept help
71. God has some radical and life-altering plans in store

 

A few pictures from camp!         

Here’s X Squad! — I love these people! 

          

The Radiant Rubies! I get to serve with these ladies for the first months of my race! 

         

All the girls after the thousands of pushups, burpees, and squats! Safe to say, these ladies are BEASTS!  

       

I wasn’t lying about the crickets…. thank you to Brittany for perfectly showing how we all felt when we saw what was in the cup.

 

…..make sure you stay tuned for some videos I made during training camp to get a little more in depth feel of what it was like!

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!!!!UPDATES!!!!

Fundraising!

We have reached $10,000!!! Which means I can officially launch in August! God is SO good and faithful and His provisions and people’s generosity continuously amaze me. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated!

My next deadline is $13,000 by September 30th. I know this can be done and I even believe that we can be fully funded before I leave in August! I am only needing $7,195 to reach the ultimate goal of $18,017!!! Let’s do it people! 

Route Changes!

God is already testing our flexibility. Laos, Madagascar, and Jamaica have been replaces by Myanmar, Namibia, and Haiti. I can’t wait to see how God uses us in these countries!

Launch!

I will be heading to Georgia for Launch August 3rd! Time is definitely flying by! If you haven’t yet, subscribe to get more updates! I hope you continue on this journey with me, because it’s only the beginning.