UNITED we STAND!
As one family…
Ten days earlier I donned my backpack and headed to Georgia. The dirt is red they said. And the sun is hot. They were right. I had little expectations about training camp. Mostly for lack of time to research. One thing I did know though was that we will likely not be served coffee. No problem. The sisel coffee packets take almost no room and weigh nothing. I stuffed them in the cracks of my pack along with my mug and portable travel water heater. It was with great delight that I got to serve coffee to quite a number of other desperate, seriously deprived coffee lovers!;) Good feelings to be able to save the day for someone.
The first day of camp was workshop in which they taught us to be good story tellers. I love their perspective of storytelling being ministry itself. Also, I believe it quite possible for you guys to join the RACE experience through our stories. I want my stories to exalt Christ and be gospel-attractive.
So in spite of my lack of expectation, and of beginning TC feeling pretty mellow about the whole thing, I left with such a huge dose of recharge and victory. I titled this one “gaining ground” because of the picture I got of these fifth generation squads stepping fearlessly into enemy territory and claiming those grounds. There was such a unity and a bold love in these people that have in such a short time , but such a powerful way become family to me. We stood up for each other and created unbreakable bonds.
God has worked miracles in and for us. Holy Spirit activated the team of leaders and speakers that delegated our sessions. The teachings on Discipleship, Evangelism, Identity, Hearing God’s voice, and so many more had me deeply inspired and encouraged. Times spent in worship were beautiful. The Name of Jesus lifted high. Raw encounters of divine LOVE. Embracing truth and tearing down lies. Healing happened. Freedom, boldness, unity, and integrity happened.
We were presented many real-life race scenarios such as:
- sleeping in the “airport” one night. Loud noises and bright lights all night long.
- having to buy our meal at a chaotic Asian street market where vendors didn’t speak English, we had to exchange our currency, honor the king, and somehow avoid getting run over by people and vehicles, steer clear of the robbers, and keep track of our team.
- eating crickets, goat, duck eggs, and chicken gizzards
- cold bucket showers and hose water to drink
- having half of the squad’s luggage lost at the airport and everyone sharing the other half
- having to preach a sermon or conduct kid’s ministry with only a few minutes to prepare
- taking shifts in an all-night prayer watch
- street ministry/outreach in town
- setting up tents only to pack em right up again and again. And again.
- and oh the hike. 2.3 miles in 38 min. if I’m not mistaken. With my house on my back.
They did NOT give us the squatty potty experience or the 50-hr bus ride, but we were made aware of the likelihood of that being a given in RACE-life.
Also we are told when we get a chance to buy snicker bars on the RACE that we are very apt to buy five and eat them all right away. Even if we normally don’t eat snicker bars. I highly doubted but the fact was basically proven true the night that we were given the freedom to go into town and choose our own food. I had excessively weird cravings and ended up with a large doughnut, starbucks frappe, and a tall glass of coke besides a serving of quesodillas. (Oh dear!)
It is with sheer joy that I introduce to you my lovely team: DIVINE ROOTS
To my right is Taylor and clockwise from there come Katie, Sarah, Samantha, Kimbra, and Tiffany. Fiercely passionate about changing the world together. It’s sisterhood for sure!
And here is the A-squad! Speaking of fierce. Of passion.
Look out Chile. We’re coming in!
