Trees surround me as I walk into the unknown. I see many people up ahead and get slightly self-conscious. Walking into big crowds can intimidate me at times. I have to give myself a pep talk before I meet strangers. But not everyone in the crowd is a stranger. I look for familiar faces as I carry my heavy pack into the unknown. I see a crowd of people, all huddled into small circles; sharing, talking, and with joy on their faces making connections. This is what I picture training camp to be…
In 3 weeks I will board a plane and head to Atlanta. I’ve anticipated this moment for 6 months. I have been “getting to know” my teammates through facebook, skype, and phone conversations. But in 3 weeks my life, my path to the World Race, will collided with 60 others. I go through moments of complete giddiness where I cannot contain my excitement. At times I feel like I will never be prepared to leave or bring the “correct” items. How am I going to fit it all into my pack? Will all the money come in?
I have no idea what to expect from training camp, but here are my thoughts:
- I’ve got this. I’m 26 and been on missions before. I went through a Discipleship Training School with YWAM where I was exposed to a lot of different ideas. I won’t break down like other people.
- I will crash quickly. I’m going to fall apart without God. I have no idea where my pride comes from but I am going to get a good cry out of this week. I hope no one judges me for it.
- I cannot wait to meet my teammates. I want to get to know each person on my squad. I feel like this Race is all about how I can serve my teammates. I want to be there for them. I want to come along side them. I have a huge heart for my teammates and I can’t wait to see what happens.
- I don’t know how to serve my teammates without God. If I have to rely on God to accomplish this, I better be connecting with him daily.
- Will I be a team leader? I don’t want that responsibility but it will be a good thing. I tend to be a leader through my actions anyhow but never had the formal title.
- I want to make all my decisions without selfish ambition. I want to make decisions for the good of my team! I hope I can keep that up.
- I don’t want to get swept up in drama. I don’t want others opinions to become my own. I don’t want to judge others for being different.
As I prepare over these next 3 weeks, I pray that God continues to give me clarity on these topics.
