World Race Training Camp
(in a nutshell – as far as I’m concerned)
Be present with an open heart and allow God.
(allow God what you say? – whatever he wants)
Allow him to heal, allow him to free, allow him to love, allow him to comfort and allow his Holy Spirit to move you to tears in the middle of worship, surrounded by 43 of your newest family members – that by the way you could no longer imagine your life without. Just allow God. Period.
Leading up to training camp. I was ‘prepared’ for what I ‘thought’ I should be prepared for. I followed the list of ‘what to pack’ – and was ready to roll. My comfort of the unknown was surprisingly – well, comfortable. I felt good – up until this point, I really felt God had made it clear that ‘this was for me’ – I mean, everything was coming together in typical God fashion, he is so faithful and constant (even when we are not) all things were lining up accordingly. Nerves that I should have, I didn’t.
I have always been so cautious to not use the phrase ‘This is God’s plan for my life’ freely – I had been around, or apart one too many ‘this is God’s plan for my life’ people. You know the ones, the ones who are discontent, jump from plan to plan, jobs, churches, relationships all with the excuse that they felt that it was God’s plan for their lives….(I mean quickly – and without prayerful consideration) I realize God’s plans can for sure change… but, I used to watch these people with wide eyes wondering (how are they possible hearing God’s plan so frequently) — I have heard the voice of God a few times. Sure, I felt called to different things, sure. (growth, unbelievable growth happened in those moments) but to stamp my hand with the This is God’s Plan for my life stamp – no way. I had to be sure. I mean really, really sure. How can you be sure?? — How did I become certain…..
well,
1. after my week long training camp I learned while there that if I would feel ‘ok’ with something when normally I wouldn’t be — God. He was my only rationale (Only God could allow comfort and peace, in times when maybe normally I wouldn’t be so comfortable)
2. Prayer, lot’s of prayer. Lots of one on one time with my Jesus.
3. Worship. Seriously. Letting the words of the song speak to you, closing your eyes and getting lost in the moment.
4. Hearing directly from the Holy Spirit, feeling the Holy Spirit move and then having a fellow sister pray over you exactly what the Holy Spirit spoke to you. (goosebumps – legit)
I left early Saturday morning to meet up with a squad mate – did I mention I never met her before?? – well, I didn’t – and yet that was ok. (God) Ps. She’s awesome. Love that she’s my new sistah!!
Walking up a huge hill, to meet up with 40 + strangers – and being completely fine with it. (God)
Camping, in all sorts of situations (and never having been a real camper) and rather enjoying the adventure — (Totally God)
Praying with these said strangers, comfortably. (God)
Worshiping freely, and with true abandonment. (God)
Learning to deal with “all of God’s creatures” and actually sleeping “with them” – and I mean actually sleeping. (God) #scorps.
Having all 43 some people from your squad quickly become family, where your already missing them. (God)
The week was challenging, the mornings came quick and the days were long. Schedules didn’t exist – moment to moment only — live it: embrace it. Lesson after lesson to digest (and trust me, you wanted to digest it. they were incredible) The terrain was rough. The food was a taste of the world and all without coffee. (for those who know me, I missed my coffee) Dampness & cold consumed our first few days — making most of us uncomfortable (wet) — and yet…. God showed up.
He showed up daily, I felt him when it was too early to really be getting up. I felt him in the encouragement and love from the brother & sisterhood that was so quickly formed. I felt him through the messages and his word spoken so sweetly over me. I felt him in the hand laid on my shoulder during prayer. I felt him as we sang worship one night when a message turned into a never ending praise and worship set – I felt his love washing over me, so gentle and loving — breaking down walls I didn’t even know I had up. I heard his voice and I knew I was loved. I knew I was exactly where he wanted me to be. I felt that stamp – hard on my hand – claiming THIS IS MY PLAN FOR YOU.
This is his plan for me, I couldn’t be more excited…. headed to Nepal in July!!
God is good. God is present.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life,
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
