So, if you’re not familiar with The World Race process, every squad has a “training camp” for 10 long days out in the middle- of- nowhere Gainesville, GA about a month before launch. Racers are challenged physically, emotionally, and spiritually to in preparation for what may lie ahead. These days were easily some of the best and hardest days of my life. As you can imagine, it is difficult to condense all that happened into a blog post (so please give me a little grace here).
We all did a practice run of packing for the field. This meant tents, sleeping pads/liners/bags, packs, clothes, my guitar (which ended up being a huge blessing), baby wipes/ dryer sheets (arguably bigger blessings than the guitar), and other necessities. We got really good at packing and unpacking all this gear by the end of camp.
The first day of camp was crazy, hot, and humid (a recurring theme throughout all of camp). As everyone started to show up at the Adventures in Missions base, we were quick to greet each other with big and genuine hugs, even though this was our first time meeting each other. This community loves like nothing I’ve ever been a part of.
The next days were included 7am workouts, incredible worship, hammock villages, sweat, squad bonding, sessions, bucket showers, workshops, and port a potties. Each day brought a new “field scenario,” weather it was an airline loosing half our packs, having to sleep in an “airport,” being dropped off in the middle of the woods with some tarps for shelter, or having to barter for our dinner at the “market.” We got to eat food from all over the world off a community plate with 8 other people. Utensils were rarely given, so we got used to using our dirt- caked hands as forks. Everyone was hungry and tired and hot, constantly.
I was WAY out of my comfort zone for a lot of it. But The Lord taught me that I am not called to be comfortable. He wants to do something beautiful and crazy with this year, and it’s going to take a lot of trust. There is a lot of change going on in my life, but He is showing me that change is good, and it leaves room to grow.
Everyone on my squad experienced so much FREEDOM in this week. We focused in a lot on identity, why we are doing this, the endless grace of our God, what authentic community looks like, and simply being open to what The Lord has for us. There is freedom in the truth that He loves me (and actually likes who I am), that I am His image- bearer, and that He truly has called me to this place of dependence on Him.
Here’s a little visual glimpse into what camp looked like:
Tent city: where we slept for the majority of the nights at camp.
Many miles were hiked with these bad boys weighing us down (but everyone met the physical requirement- yay!)
Team Breath of Life. I get to do life with these five wonderful ladies on the Race, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! (from left to right: Reb, Rachel, Molli Caite, me, KC, Jillian)
Gap D: 48 people ready to bring Kingdom in Thailand, South Africa, and Nicaragua! I love this squad so much.
With less than 30 days until launch, I’m pretty pumped. Prayers are needed more than ever. I still have about $1500 to go to be fully funded, so please prayerfully consider supporting me financially!
Love you guys! Claudia
