Words Are NOT Enough

Words. Words are simply letters smashed together and given meaning. Words are at the center of all language and all communication. Words are used to describe and define our experiences, but there are times in which words are just NOT ENOUGH. There are times when words cannot do an experience justice or when an experience cannot simply be put into words. World Race Training Camp is an experience that CANNOT BE PUT INTO WORDS. In this blog I will attempt to give you a glimpse into my WR training camp experience, but let it be known mere words will NEVER do it justice.

My WR Training Camp consisted of 10 straight days of roughing it.

I Slept…on the ground, in tents, in community tents with a snoring Jack Rymer, in hammocks, in a simulated airport, in cars/buses, and shamefully in the lobby of the lodge during breakout sessions.

I Ate… anything I could find. Peanut Butter was a delicacy. Any liquid that was not water was sent straight from heaven. Anything remotely sweet was worth secretly smuggling around in backpacks so you didn’t have to share with the rest of your squad. (Bad. I know. It was a desperate time.)

I Walked… everywhere. I walked 2 miles with a 50lb pack which resulted in the largest blister known to mankind on the back of my ankle. We named it Cortez.

I Experienced my first… bucket shower. It is surprising how luxurious a bucket shower can be after bathing in your own sweat all day long.

I Made… poop. Actually, I avalanched that business. Let the cheers, chants, and applause begin all in the name of a bowel movement.

I Saw… Jesus. As I looked around at the 150 young adults partnering with me in this journey I was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the love, compassion, trust, understanding, knowledge, and complete dependence. These past 10 days I saw Jesus through and in every person around me.

I Packed… and unpacked. Over. And Over. And Over. And Over.

I Laughed… constantly. I will defend the statement that Gap C is the funniest squad in all of World Race history. Our 13 boys are so obnoxious there is nothing to do but laugh as they scream at each other, snuggle, wrestle, or turn into three silly ladies.

I Worshiped… Yeah, I WORSHIPED. This was no simple ‘raise the hand thingy’ type of worship this was a ‘heaven is coming down in this place’ type of worship. It was a boot-stomping, hand-clapping, dance in the river type of worship.

I Prayed… all day. Need prayer? Come to C Squad. We have people that will plead the blood over you day and night.

I Talked… (No surprise there). I talked all day long and it never seemed to be enough.

I Got… Wrecked. My prayer life. My worship life. My thankfulness to my heavenly father. My self-image. My identity. My love for other people. My relationship with the Holy Spirit. ALL OF IT. WRECKED.

I Found… my family. This. Words will NEVER do THIS justice. I found my family.

I Learned… when the Lord makes a deal he ALWAYS holds up his end of the agreement.

I Surrendered… EVERYTHING.

I Experienced… Peace and Assurance like never before. Never in my entire life have I been at such peace in knowing I am EXACTLY where God wants and needs me. I have zero doubt that right in this moment I am living the story God has written for me.

I Am… A Child of the Living God. BOOM. Get behind me Satan.

World Race Training Camp was beyond words. Mere words are just NOT ENOUGH. I am left speechless. I cannot thank God enough for His faithfulness and goodness. He is SO FAITHFUL and He is SO GOOD. Walking away from training camp I realized how I utterly lacked in thanking God for His presence and His love for me. I now sit at His feet completely speechless. SPEECHLESS. No words. NO WORDS could ever fully encapsulate the amount of praise and thanksgiving God deserves. He is a Good, Good Father and words are simply NOT enough.

C SQUAD IS THE SQUAD

Peace and Blessings,

Darby