Here are a few thoughts that ran through my head prior to Training Camp:
Can’t sleep.
I’m probably forgetting something important.
How much hotter is Georgia than Wisconsin?
I definitely packed enough clothes.
Everyone’s probably an expert camper and I don’t understand how my tent works.
IM SO NERVOUS! Get it together, Elizabeth.
Jesus, help me. This pack is heavy.
What if I find out World Race isn’t what I’m supposed to do next year?
The last statement was my greatest fear–that all of this preparation would be for naught and I’d end up lost, with nowhere to go from here. Immediately, I was hyperaware of my surroundings, searching for red flags and disappointments. Throughout the worship and teaching sessions, I was overly critical, waiting for a sinking in the stomach or a bitter taste in my mouth. I entered training camp with the “water bottle half-empty” mentality: something was going to fall short–me or World Race.
Day 4, God quickly broke down those insecurities, as we were prompted to share deep emotions and insecurities with our new squadmates (vulnerability was a recurring theme). Immediately, I was confronted with the fears held tightly for months.
IS this what God wants for me? How do I know for sure?
There haven’t been prophetic dreams or burning bushes. God hasn’t spoken to me audibly. It’s frustrating when I try to sort out the difference between my will and God’s, while also dodging pressing expectations for 22-year-old college grads.
For two years, I’ve journaled
and prayed
and talked it out
and researched
and planned
and justified my decision to many.
It turned out, I was quite angry at God for not providing clarity about World Race.
Thankfully, I was wrong. God is more patient than I, and He did provide clarity at the very right moment, when I needed it most. I received clarity when I fell in love with my 50 crazy squadmates who are so unique, but also just like me. I received clarity when I felt the Holy Spirit move more distinctly than I ever had experienced before. I received clarity when I survived 10 very difficult days, but never wanted to leave. I received clarity when I said “YES” to my team and promised to devote eleven months to bringing God’s Kingdom.
I know I mentioned it before, but Training Camp was TOUGH. It’s quite a testament to God’s grace that I even survived, and it’s even more of a miracle that I returned more jazzed about launching than before. Here are some things I learned:
- How to divide one sub sandwich between eight hungry/hangry people for lunch
- How to make 3 pairs of socks last after you break your only pair of sandals on Day 3 (Shout out to Liz and Morgan for their socks and crocs!)
- Earplugs are gold. Also, dry shampoo.
- How to take a bucket shower in 1 minute
- When everyone around you smells bad and sweats a lot, you bond quickly and always have a topic of conversation.
- How to confidently wear the same stinky outfit several days in a row
- I don’t plan on taking summer vacations to Georgia.
- The flush of a toilet is the most beautiful sound in the world.
In all seriousness, the leadership and staff at Adventures in Missions put so much thought and prayer into our training. Every hour of every day had a purpose. We practiced ministry skills and how to be culturally relevant. We learned about the scriptural model for World Race (Matthew 10–check it out) and the connection between physical and spiritual health. They taught us about using media strategically and how it can spark a response that echoes beyond our eleven months. We dug into the importance of discipleship, within our teams and within the communities we’ll be serving.
I’m STILL processing through everything. It was like drinking from a fire hydrant, which is why it’s taken me so long to distill it down to one blog. I’d like to take another blog post to talk about my new family (K Squad), so stay tuned.
As always, thank you for following along and praying! If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you!
