This is the week we’ve all been waiting for since the time we made that initial deposit and officially “accepted our acceptance.” For me, it’s been six months in coming. I packed my bags last Saturday and started this World Race journey at Training Camp.
Initially I was excited to meet the people I would be traveling with for a year. However I neglected to prepare myself for the encounter that Jesus was waiting to have with me.
We started out the week at “seminary” with class after class lead by Dr. Ron Walborn, Dean, Alliance Theological Seminary. Although many of the topics I have learned about during my time in Bible college, I was not about to write off what the Holy Spirit wanted to teach me. I knew I was sitting in that room for a reason and I had to ask God to teach me what he wanted me to hear and learn.
The beautiful thing about encountering God is that you will never be the same. Ever so subtly he is filling you with more of himself and in turn removing the ickyness our human nature has to offer. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
However, I also did meet those “oh so special” squad mates of mine. We spent time together getting to know one another and learning about the spiritual and practical aspects of the Race. We embraced eating with various cultural situations that we may encounter as well as discovering bucket showers and sleeping accommodations in a whole new way. I will say my tent is very comfortable and I quite enjoy it.
By the end of the week we were told our official teams and I am delighted to announce I will be working with five other lovely ladies for the next year (pictured below). We began to embrace some practical strategies for team communications as well as began to discover our personal stories.
“Team Conquerors” from left to right; Lynda, Natalie, Emily (me), Ana, Becky, and Alany
This is just the beginning of the tangible World Race journey, I feel envisioned and empowered to walk out the call that God has given me. Honestly I believe this year is about to fly by! I am passionate about living each and everyday in the present, so upstate NY here I come!
*****Fundraising Note*****
I have reached my August 22 deadline of $7500 ahead of schedule. Thank you to all my supporters! My next deadline is $11,000 by December 1st, and my final deadline is $16,252 by March 1, 2015.
