If you had asked me heading into training camp what my expectations were, I would have said I had none. Is it a lie if you really believe something to be true? I didn’t think I had any expectations, but looking back, I realize I had a lot.
I expected an agenda so I could know what to expect each day. Instead there was no schedule or comfort zone to cling to.
I expected that God would show up in the ways I have seen Him before. Instead he came and shattered the box I had unintentionally kept Him in.
I expected that I would like my squad. Instead I grew to love them, and am honored to spend the next year with them.
I expected to be roughing it and be put into situations where I would be uncomfortable. Well, that did meet expectations, but in a good way.
If I had to use three words to describe training camp, they would be affirming, redefining, and empowering. I was affirmed that God loves me so much and that this is exactly the right step for me. My view of who God is and how the church serves and worships Him has been redefined. And I am empowered to go and show this love to the world.
New Route
We had a feeling that due to the unrest in eastern Africa, our route would be somewhat changed. About half way through the week, we were told that we would indeed be having our third route change.
Initial Route Revised Route Revised Route 2.0
China Rwanda Zambia
South Korea Uganda Malawi
Thailand Kenya Estonia
Cambodia Estonia Latvia
Malaysia Latvia Lithuania
Estonia Lithuania China
Latvia China Mongolia
Lithuania Cambodia Thailand
Rwanda Thailand Cambodia
Uganda India Vietnam
Kenya Nepal Nepal
So, some big changes, right? We will be the first squad to go to Mongolia. One of my teammates put our visit to Vietnam so eloquently, “my father fought in Vietnam, and saw so much hate, anger, and pain there. I’m glad I get to go and bring love, peace, and joy”. It’s sad to lose India, but that is a place I know I will visit another time.
One of the things I am starting to see about our squad is that we are resilient. We have had two route changes, lost about 15% of our squad due to a new route being created, had various other friends leave for personal reasons, and there is still the chance that our route will change again. However this has only brought us closer together. We’ve collectively learned to hold loosely but love deeply the places and people who come into our path.
Want to get involved? I still need to raise an additional $4,600 by December 12 to be able to launch. Would you consider donating? Click the “Support Me” tab to the left. Thank you in advance.
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