God has been doing SO MUCH in my heart and in my life in the past week and a half! I was at training camp for the World Race in Copperhill, TN from Sat, May 21 until this past Sun, May 29. There are about 50 other people on my squad for the World Race, and it was great to finally get to meet them! I landed in Chattanooga, TN at noon on Sat, May 21, and I had to wait at the airport for a few hours while the rest of the racers who were flying came in. As I sat waiting in the airport I was so nervous about what the week ahead of me would bring.
However, my fears eased on the bus ride to camp. I sat across from the female leader for my squad, Lauren, and we talked during the hour and a half ride back to camp. That conversation really quieted my soul and got me excited for camp. I feel so blessed to have Lauren as one of my squad's leaders and am looking forward having more conversations with this awesome woman of God.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into camp. Here are a few things I learned (or was reminded of) while at training camp:
-how to pitch a tent
-We eat way more than necessary in the United States (We were given much smaller portions of food at meals. Although it was strange to adjust, we still had enough energy. We also became much more grateful for our food when we had less of it.)
-The world will not end if I go more than 2 days without a shower.
-to eat food without utensils
-to carry 40 pounds in a backpack for extended periods of time
-to let go of the people I’ve idolized in my life
-I am LOVED BY GOD! He will NEVER stop loving me or leave me. He will always be faithful in loving me.
-God will be with me in every moment, good or bad, joyful or painful, for the rest of my life.
-Things that other people say about me are not necessarily true. If what God says about me contradicts what others say, His word trumps theirs.
-There is more than one way to worship God.
Challenges I will encounter during the race:
-not having much time alone (as an introvert this may be my biggest challenge)
-going to the bathroom outside sometimes (in places other than a toilet)
-fitting everything I need for 11 months into a backpack
-limited contact with loved ones
-not being able to be clean all the time
-not being able to eat my favorite foods
-being uncomfortable (physically, spiritually, and emotionally)
This is all I’ve got for now. I am definitely leaving things out of my lists of things learned and challenges, but I’ll do my best to fill you in as I remember important things that God is showing me and teaching me. I am sorry that this is my first blog post. I will try to blog more regularly from now on. I am really excited to blog about my teammates. They are awesome and I love them already!! Expect to hear about them soon!
