Training Camp, May 2011.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY W SQUAD! May 21, one year ago, the World Race W squad was meeting for the first time at Training Camp in Tennessee. We were complete strangers coming together to serve God and embark upon a new chapter of life together.
As I was reflecting on this past year, I cracked open my journal to May 21, 2011. Here’s what I wrote:
Well, the world is supposed to end today…some say. 6pm I think. So, maybe I’ll be seeing You face to face real soon. I’m currently at O’Hare waiting for my plane to board. I keep wondering who else is “filling the seats” on the rollercoaster. My first guess was wrong… Its really interesting watching people….
One year ago, I met my squadmates for the first time but I also said goodbye to the friends and family that I love. I wrote a blog entitled “Going Back Up.” I used the analogy of a rollercoaster to describe how I was feeling in that moment- I had just finished interning with Campus Crusade for Christ and had barely caught my breath before jumping on the World Race rollercoaster and started click-click-clicking back up to the top. At that time, I didn’t know anyone else on the ride, nor did I know what to expect. Here’s an excerpt from that blog:
The picture I drew in my journal.
I just finished the ride with Crusade. I’m in the “That was awesome/my stomachs a little queasy/let’s do it again!” phase that happens when the rollercoaster safely locks itself back on the platform. Most people get off, take a moment to savor the ride, then go again or try a new ride.
But I’m going back up. On a new coaster, never been ridden before. By myself. I’m tick-tick-ticking to the top and I don’t know what’s coming after the drop. As I look back at the platform, my friends and family are standing there waving goodbye to me. They’ll be at the platform when I get back but they won’t experience all the loops and turns they next year has for me. This makes me sad.
I’m guessing since you’re reading this that you’re probably one of those people on the platform. Thank you. Thanks for sharing in this new journey, this new ride. Believe me, a large part of me wants to get off the ride and return to the comfort and safety of the life I know.
But the other part of me can’t wait to see what’s at the top and who will join me on the journey. As I look back at the other cars on the coaster, I only know one other gal that will be joining me for the ride. But tomorrow, I get to meet the rest of my family for the year. Training Camp is first on the agenda as the World Race rollercoaster gets ready for an unforgettable ride.
So, as I go back up to the top, I’m sad to say goodbye to those of you who are waving on the platform but am excited to meet the people sitting in the seats next to me. I’m grieving the transition but ready for the next ride.
Whether you’re standing on the platform or sitting next to me, thanks for joining me in the journey! Now, on to Training Camp…
One year later, I’m preparing to return to the platform. I’m eagerly awaiting the reunions with those of you who have followed this journey and want to share all that I’ve learned on those loops and turns. But (there’s always a but), I have to say goodbye to those strangers who have become my family…and my family has grown immensely this year!
Family Force 6 on top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
Lauren Erb and Amanda Howard?
I knew we'd be friends since Training Camp!
Nicole Ransom and I have been partners in crime since they put us on the same team.
(Muah ha ha!)
Workout buddy, street food buddy, process buddy-she's been a great friend to me!
Melissa Lowell first captivated me with her story telling abilites during "porch time" at Training Camp. Throughout the Race, we've continued to get to know each other through our stories and taught together during our month in Swaziland.
Jamie (Himes) Ham and Ashley Caple have been stuck with me the entire Race. It's been a priviledge to see them grow in their faith throughout the year. They are not the same people I met at Training Camp!
And those are just a few of my new family members…
On our off day last week, I went on a real rollercoaster ride here in Kuala Lumpur. My teammate Ashley is probably the best person to ride a coaster with because she gets so excited. Nicole was our wonderful videographer… Enjoy!
