Training Camp is a lot like pregnancy.

It’s true; I have in fact never been pregnant. However, I spend on average 40 hours a week surrounded by expecting mothers so I figure that qualifies me to make the comparison.

The idea of pregnancy is a lot different than the reality: I thought, having watched several people close to me go through training camp, that I had it on lockdown. The idea of being flexible and living in community with 46 strangers seemed to be no big deal. Let me tell you; it was no easy task the first couple of days. Routine is non-existent and learning to work with others from various walks of life can be frustrating and entertaining all at the same time.

You will have a heightened sense of smell: The food I ate had some distinct smells and not all of those were pleasant to my American nose. The bathroom was rank after a few days, and in the moments when I smelt B.O. amongst the crowd I prayed that my teammates would not skimp on deodorant when packing.

Food cravings and odd combinations of food: On our first day we were served fish head soup, an Asian meal. Doesn’t sound appealing but I was so hungry I don’t think I even gave myself time to taste it. As I reminisce, it was probably a wise choice. After four days I was craving any and all things sweet. I probably would have traded a limb for a cookie or snickers bar. The Lord is trying to break me of this addiction.

You will be emotional: With little sleep and sugar withdrawals setting in, on day two I was bound to be on an emotional roller coaster. Add in the fact that the Lord is doing a lot in your heart in such a short amount of time and it’s inevitable that you cry. I know this is not a newsflash to some, but I cried a lot. I cried for the chains that were broken in my teammates and myself. I cried over the things I will be leaving behind. And I cried in excitement over the year to come and the lives we will touch.

Clothes don’t fit you the same way: After wearing the same outfit for three days the articles of clothing start to lose shape; lets face it yoga pants only have so much give. At one point I was so cold (yes folks Georgia is cold in October, go figure!) I had six shirts on. I felt big as a house but at least I was warm.

You can forget a comfortable night’s sleep: Sleeping pads are a wonderful thing and quickly become the new standard of comfortable. I slept on rocks, uneven ground, tarps, and packs and while none of those will ever come close to my beloved pillow top mattress I learned I could sleep without it. I may move like a 90-year-old when I get up but at least I am semi-rested.

Random people will rub your belly.  Okay that never happened.

Pregnancy is a short season of life that breeds new life. Training camp seemed to last forever, days ran together. I know the World Race will be the same way. And yet I keep reminding myself it’s just a short season in my life. The Race may not be everything it’s cracked up to be all the time but I want to soak in every moment because before I know it, it will be over. In the end hopefully I will be molded into a new person with big Kingdom dreams. I can already see it happening.

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Without much further ado here are the six individuals I will be doing life with this coming year…