Oh where to begin with blogging about training camp! It was the best experience that I’m thankful I made it through and never have to do again. I have never gained a love for a group of people so quickly as I did for the 42 other members of my squad. If it wasn’t for having them beside me to pick me up when I was down and encourage me when I was discouraged, I never would have made it through. They have become my family and I am so thankful for not only being able to spend the next 11 months with them but also for the lifelong bond we have created together.
Everyday at training camp the kitchen staff did a great job of making food from different cultures for us to experience. Some days the food was better than others. Eating is one of my favorite hobbies, so when we had days where food tasted not quite so delicious, I struggled. It was hard to not always have a full stomach after the meal but I powered through, pushed myself out of my comfort zone and tried some new foods that I never had before and I’m glad I did.
I became a pro at putting up and taking down my tent. In fact I did it blind folded one day (with the help of other team members as a team building activity). Thankfully God blessed me with the ability to sleep anywhere so I hardly lacked in this department when it came to being energized.
Next new experience was BUCKET SHOWERS! How fun! I actually came to enjoy these and felt more clean after them than you would think. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed standing in my shower when I got home and letting the warm water just run on me for a good 10 minutes, but thinking about having to use buckets for showers for the next 11 months doesn’t make me cringe like it used to. I learned to become a fast and efficient showerer with having only eight shower stalls and a couple hundred girls showering we had to have a fast turnover time for whoever was in the showers.
Training camp broke us down. It forced us to become vulnerable and take down our guards. I experienced the most powerful prayer sessions I have ever encountered with a group of people I had met only three days earlier. I realized that the members of my squad have struggled with some of the same struggles I encounter and they live lives very similar to mine. They are not perfect, they enjoy a beer here and there, sometimes a swear word slips out of their mouths and the whole wearing a one piece bathing suit is a new experience for them too. It’s so refreshing to know that we are all going through the same thing and have each other to lean on when the struggle of life gets hard.
Five people that are especially close to my heart are the members of my wonderful team. I am beyond excited to do life with them and start off on this amazing journey with God with them by my side! Meet Team P.O.W.E.R!
I know God placed me on O Squad for a great reason and I realized that almost instantly after meeting them two weeks ago. The bond we have created together is something so powerful that it makes any fear I’ve had of leaving my comfortable lifestyle for 11 months disappear. God has given me a wonderful peace about this trip and I am so thankful that He has blessed me with these beautiful people to share it with.
And to top training camp off, WE WON SQUAD WARS! As if the week couldn’t get any more perfect, this just put the cherry on top.
I am about $6,000 away from being fully funded. I AM SHOCKED! I never thought I would get this far with fundraising but God has gone above and beyond to provide for me. I would really love to be fully funded before I leave at the beginning of October. If you are able, please consider helping me reach my full fundraising goal of $16,561 so I can go and spread God’s love!
Thank you all so much for the amazing love and support you have given me. It means more than you know and helps keep me going when doubts flood my mind. I love you guys so much!
