10 days of tents and porta potties, of laughter and tears. 10 days of unplugging from the world and building intentional community. God was at training camp, and 300 world racers showed up to meet Him. Walls broke down, shame was destroyed, and freedom was discovered. Always, He was there with open arms of love and grace pushing me into areas of discomfort. He sat there in the middle of the night as sweat pooled at the nape of my neck and hummed melodies through the pitter-patter of rain and chirp of crickets. He stood patiently reminding me of his perfect plan as I swung in my hammock worrying about pieces of the puzzle I didn’t need.
I remember the butterflies that swirled in my stomach as the plane made its descent into ATL. Doubt stirred in my mind as I made my way to our meeting point, but when I was greeted with smiles and hugs, the butterflies flew away. That’s not to say the week wasn’t hard, because it was. Physically, mentally, and emotionally we were put through the wringer.
As the week began, doubt and fear floated to the surface of my thoughts, and each one was a small slap in the face. But something changed day 4. A lot of things happened, but there are two distinguishable moments that changed the trajectory of my thoughts for not only training camp, but the race and that awkward time between training camp and launch. As worship began that night, I asked for clarity. I needed to know what was behind these doubts. Was the race actually where I needed to be?
Just as I asked, the Holy Spirit showed up. He spoke loudly and clearly. The words “don’t hold back” echoed in my ear. As our conversation began, He spoke encouragement asking me to step into the dark, to get uncomfortable because to be uncomfortable is to be free. Then the incredible happened. My squad and I prayed and witnessed healing.
During the fitness hike day 3, one of my squad mates, Kara, injured her Achilles heel. By the afternoon of day 4, she was unable to walk and found herself sitting on the sideline. During worship that night, prayers for healing erupted. The moments to follow connected our squad as her pain levels dropped.
Prayer is powerful, and my faith is little, but the Spirit showed up and healed Kara. A spiritual breakthrough was made that night. M squad did not hold back.
Training camp was real. It was emotional, and it was beautiful. It was an experience that needed to happen, but it is one I don’t wish to experience again. It reminded me that I still have room to grow and that growing pains hurt. It revealed the realm of discomfort, and I was able to peak into what this next year could be like. It was only 10 days, but I could write a small book about my experience.
I serve a big God, and He is constantly calling me out. The World Race is a thing, and it is going to happen. In 5 weeks, I leave and journey into the uncomfortable. If training camp was a taste test, I can’t imagine what he will continue to do over the next year!
