There is something so raw about 46 strangers coming together because they want to be obedient and follow Christ. 46 people saying yes to community, dealing with conflict, and growing as one family. (FYI, this might be long. Stick with me, it’s worth it)
This is my Training Camp recap blog. The real, the ugly, the hard, and the truth.
My expectations going into training camp were a little something like this:
– this will be hard
– this could be fun
– God will probably wreck me
– maybe I will make new friends
– I will probably cry
– it’s going to be hot and humid
Day 1
You know how online dating is super popular now days? You talk to someone for a little bit, get to know them, maybe even FaceTime…and then the day comes where you meet them in person? Try having that happen with 43 different people in one day! I have spent the past months getting to know my team via Facebook, whatsapp, and google hangouts. Nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to experience… Community. Family. Love. Joy. Laughter.
Day 1, I met the Wolfpack, my family not just for the next year, but for life.
Wednesday was full of awkward conversations, first impressions, and lots of laughter. In our session that night we learned about abandonment. How Jesus called us to abandon everything and follow him. Most importantly, I learned that if I create space, God will come.
Day 2
Thursday we were still trying to figure out all our gear. This was the first time Jordan, Julia and I tried setting up hammocks… as you might imagine, it was quite hilarious! Thursday was also really cool because I had this vivid vision during worship of men, women, and children with chains weighing them down. All of a sudden, they encountered the Holy Spirit, and they began to dance! It was seriously such a beautiful vision!
“Come near to God and he will come near to you” – James 4:8
We also learned that making disciples of al nations is a lifestyle. Not just a year long missions trip. I learned about identity, and that how I view myself changes how I view everything else.
Day 3
And on the 3rd day, every world racer did the 3 mile hike. With all their gear. Under 50 minutes.
I had been prepping for this hike all summer, so I was both anxious and excited to get it done!
Our entire squad finished under 30 minutes and I couldn’t be more proud!
The night session was pretty heavy and left me spiritually and emotionally wrecked. We talked a lot about forgiveness and how that can lead to anxiety. Forgiveness also shapes the way we identify with ourselves. When we choose to not forgive others, it gives Satan a foothold. This topic really broke me because of the one person that I consistently struggle forgiving. During worship, I sought out my friend Taylor (whom if you read about my blog from the coffee shop, plot twist, she was at training camp). Taylor prayed over me and let me verbally proclaim forgiveness over this person. She then spoke truth and comfort over me as I wept. She spoke of the visions God gave her to share with me, and they were life giving.
Day 4
‘F R E E D O M for Freedom’
Day 4 we learned all about freedom. How can we proclaim freedom to those in other nations if we have never truly experienced it ourselves? We need to be 100% honest with God. We cannot keep running from Christ.
This evening gave me a sweet glimpse of heaven. It was an evening filled with dancing, tears, joy, and worship. During worship, a few team members were praying over two people on our team who had injuries. Within a blink of an eye, those few people multiplied, and than tripled, and within a minute, our entire team was surrounding these two individuals praying for healing. It will forever be one of my favorite memories I have ever witnessed.
During worship, I danced and had a beaming smile as I cried. Y’all, I don’t think I have ever danced during worship. The words were oozing out of my skin and it made me want to jump and dance.. so I did haha!
That night we learned about healing and intimacy. Intimacy changes things…when we engage in the Holy Spirit, we are transformed. During moments of prayer, a teammate prayed over me and began to vocalize the picture he got was me making an impact overseas, but more so leading the women on our team (this is day 4…you will see a connection later).
Day 5
“Rise up and operate in the gifts God has given you”
-Bring Kingdom-
Day 5 we learned a lot about community and how it has the power to change us and others when it is done well. We also learned about discipleship and how that takes time!
That evening we went camping as a squad! We split up half and half, got to set up our camp site, cook a meal together, and worship as one family! It was so special to get to spend time with our squad outside of camp!
Day 6
Who’s voice are you listening to? Your own? Others? Satan? God?
“Whatever you value, you will steward. Whatever you steward will increase. Whatever increases in your life will become influence. Whatever influences will guide direction”
God kept telling me, ‘Don’t run away from me. When in trouble, run to me! Stop limiting me’. We learned all about identifying God’s voice!
Later that night, the speaker asked us to pray over our neighbor and to speak into them. I happened to be sitting next to the team member who prayed over me a few days ago, and he said the same thing “leading the women on our team”. My other teammate prayed and the word she had for me was confidence.
Day 7
By day 7, we had been doing more team building activities to see how we work with other individuals as well as working in groups. These actives were mentally and physically draining at times. One of our squad mentors and I were debriefing about the activity, and the word he gave me was influence…that God has given me the ability to lead others with love. This was incredibly humbling to hear from him and from God. Finally it was the last rotation for these group activities. After our team completed it, a squad leader asked me how I would feel about leading this team of 5 ladies. After responding, she asked the ladies how they would feel about me taking a leadership position. The next 5 minutes were filled with me crying as these women poured truth over me and how they trusted I would be the best fit for this role. I write this not brag in this position, but to celebrate what God had shown me days before! If you remember above, I wrote about how multiple people gave me visions and words from the Lord that lead up to this prayerful choice!
So with that being said! I am officially one of the team leaders for our October team! I am looking forward to partnering with these other leaders as well as growing in community with my team of ladies!
October Route 3 Team Leaders
Team Authentic Daughters!!!
Day 8
Today we learned about how we are the church…embracing the holy spirit. The church is fruitful for the kingdom! We were asked the question, ‘What does it look like to live on mission?’
Be open to being disrupted.
I was also able to sit and learning about teaching overseas. What works, what is challenging, and how can I best prepare. I found this super encouraging! Most people don’t know, but when I was at Biola I added elementary education as a focus but soon dropped it because none of it applied to overseas. Therefore, the lessons that were taught on day 8 were very helpful!
Day 9
Understanding poverty.
I took up multiple pages with notes about this topic. It was hard and left me restless. It left me questioning my responses to people I encounter.
For instance. When I see a homeless person. Do I view them as someone who was created in the image of God, or do I view them as a problem?
I also sat through and wrestled with the topic of adoption.
“The local church has the capacity to care for orphans. It’s a discipleship problem”
Day 9 was filled with a lot of heartache but also motivation to bring God’s glory.
It ended on a high note as the different routes launching in October had what we call ‘Squad Wars’. My squad won the dance off, so the bragging rights were pretty awesome! (;
Day 10
10 days ago, I had met strangers. On day 10, I hugged goodbye people who have become family. As I sat in the airport journaling, I wrote about what were the big take away’s from training camp.
-pray boldly
-laugh at your mistakes
-ask God & listen
-it’s not your story…it’s His
Something exciting that took place before training camp was that I became FULLY FUNDED! The Lord works in crazy ways and I am so grateful! I had the chance to stay with my close friends the night before training camp. They sat me down and asked how much more I had left. I spoke the taunting, large number, and without any hesitation, they said ‘It’s taken care of’. These generous, loving friends of mine donated the remaining funds I needed to be fully funded. Despite the large number, they stepped out in faith and confidence, encouraging me to go do missions.
Now, a lot of people have been asking how they can still help. WOW. The fact that people are still asking that blows my mind! I have attached a link to a list of gear I still need for the race. Some people feel better donating something more tangible and it is greatly appreciated!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/28N8RD3T6WI3V/ref=cm_wl_list_o_1?
I am still accepting donations as I still have fees to pay such as my plane ticket to launch, and some other necessities. If you are feeling lead, thank you. Lastly, I am wanting to bring letters on the race. If you are feeling inspired and would like to write me a note of encouragement, or even a holiday card to open while overseas, please send it so I can take it with me! Message me for my address because encouraging notes overseas does wonders! Thank you again for coming on this journey with me! I value your love and support more than you know
Peace and Blessings,
Caitlyn
