I survived training camp.
But it didn’t come wrapped in glittery paper with a pretty bow on top.
It was dirty, it was messy, and it came at the expense of my own pride.
Broken and remade in the eyes of Christ.
The very first night in training camp N Squad (Route 2) was called in to the training center.
We were told that our route was too full.
7 girls and 2 guys were being asked to switch to O Squad (Route 3).
If not enough people volunteered, they would draw names out of a bowl.
I stubbornly sat in my seat, angry & anxious.
4 girls volunteered.
But as we took some time to pray and ask God for guidance I said this prayer:
“Lord, I don’t want to switch. I love these people and I love this route. If you want me to switch you better make sure it’s crystal clear.”
I was the last girl name drawn out of the bowl.
And you can’t get any clearer than that.
I moved over with the other individuals who would be switching with me.
The final two names were drawn from the bowl.
And we all cried.
They were tears of sadness of teams that would never be.
But while I was saddened at having to leave this family I had spent months bonding and pouring into…
I was at peace.
God gave me that crystal clear message I had prayed for and I would trust in it.
So now I am on route 3 with completely new countries except for 2.
They are as follows:
Haiti
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Nicaragua
Guatemala
Malaysia
Thailand
Philippines
Botswana
Swaziland
South Africa
God had something completely different in mind than what I had expected (and even desired).
He proved time and time again that HE was the one in charge, not ME.
I wanted to go on route 2. He put me in route 3.
I did not want to be in an all girls team. He put me in an all girls team.
I did not want to do anything with money. He had me nominated as team treasurer.
The entire week I learned that I do not get to plan out my life. God’s got it and I need to follow where He’s calling.
And so far it has been amazing.
I love my new O Squad family.
They are amazing individuals and God knew what he was doing when he put me with them.
And while I mourn the loss of my beloved N Squad, I celebrate at having gained a second family.
Who can say they have two families to love and cherish? I CAN!
And I am so excited to see where God takes each and every one of us.
I was also put on an all girls team.
Something I had before dreaded and said I did not want to happen.
However, I have been blessed with such an amazing team of girls.
We all compliment each other well and I look forward to serving alongside them for 11 months.
Team River Dwellers
So do I have any advice for future World Racers?
Yes.
Trust that God will challenge you.
Trust that your desires will be broken for His purpose.
Trust that HE knows better than YOU.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
