Going into training camp I had an unusual amount of anxiety, I still can’t quite pinpoint it, but I think generally it was having no control or knowledge about the next 11 days. We did not know a lot of what was going to happen at training camp and I think that was to not set expectations for the week ahead. All that I knew going into training camp was that I was unprepared for the race and I was unprepared for what I was going to experience at training camp.
Even though I tried to not set expectations I still did, I was expecting more classic camp activities and always being in the woods, but rather the 10 days consisted of 26 sessions, equivalent to half a year of church. However, the outcome was also not what I expected.
Training camp began with a question that was simple yet daunting. “Why are you here?” Now I had already written a blog about ‘Why I was Going on The World Race’ but for some reason, I couldn’t come up with why I was actually there. That was when I first started to doubt that I was in the right place. Maybe I had listened to my own voice rather than God? Maybe my own wants lead me on this path instead of following where I was actually meant to be? ‘Why am I here’, luckily for me, they answered it. “You are here because He is worthy.” I am here because He is worthy. I am going on The World Race because there is a man named Jesus who gave his life so that you and I can live. I am going on The World Race because there are people who are worthy who deserve to hear His name.
In preparing for training camp and the race I took many trips REI and gathered all my belongings. But in preparing my materials I forgot to prepare my heart. I did not prepare to say goodbye to my family and friends. I did not prepare for the spiritual attack that I will face and am facing now. Heart work is hard work and training camp was not easy but was rewarding.
I got to meet my squadmates and my team. I got to camp outside for the first time ever. I got reminded of why I was there.
One of my absolute favorite verses is Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of the you heart.” I have been reminded of this verse often because I am in the time of trying to figure out what I want/should do in my future. But this verse reminds me and that it isn’t up to me to decide. I would love for you to pray with me that over these next nine months I would continue to delight myself in the Lord each day. No matter my own wants, that I would be joyous in all that I do.
Thank you for reading.
ALSO if you are in the Maryland area, I would love for you to join me Friday, August 16, 6:30-8:30 at the Roger Carter Community Center for a Bingo Night and Silent Auction. Some local businesses have donated some super cool baskets that are up for auction. All event purchases will go towards supporting my trip!
