Impossible.
To think that there are even WORDS to describe the experience of training camp?
Not even close!
But, I'll give my best shot to describe one of the most epic, life-changing weeks of my entire 24 years (almost 25, eek!) of existence. The thoughts are jumbled and don't always make sense, but honestly, so much took place, I can't even wrap my head around it.
Here we go…
At the beginning, I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. I wish I could reveal all of the difficult, but yet exhilarating adventures my squad and I embarked upon during the seven days we spent together, but for you future racers reading this, I wouldn't want to ruin one of the greatest weeks of your life. I strongly encourage you to be content with not knowing. They told us to throw every expectation aside and although I thought I had, I realized I had underlying expectations I didn't even know were there! There WILL be curve balls along the way, but EMBRACE them. That's the beauty of the race – not knowing, learning to go with what comes, trusting that God is there every step of the way, because He is! AIM knows what they are doing with the way training camp is set up, trust me. And so does God. 🙂
What I will tell you is this:
- There were times of tears…LOTS of them (and snot, oh yes…don't be afraid.).
- There were times of weakness (You mean I have to walk up THAT with my PACK?!).
- There were times when you felt like you would do ANYTHING…and I MEAN anything…for a Cup O' Joe in the morning, or any type of caffeine for that matter (Even those disgusting 5 hour energies).
- There were nights you stayed up until 2:30 AM playing "Signs" only to get up hours later and be packed and ready by 7 AM. (Not realizing the repercussions of your decisions until later when you slap yourself to try to stay awake during a teaching.)
- There were hard lessons learned (DO NOT eat the duck egg, trust me on this one!)
- There will be times when you feel like you seriously can't go any longer. (What day is it? You mean to tell me we have only been here for THREE DAYS??!?)
- There will be times when you feel anxious and just want answers to unanswered questions (They won't tell you and there is a reason for it. Let go of expectations, remember?!)
BUT…
…There were times of laughter (I didn't need to do ab workouts the entire week.)
…growth and healing took place. (of all kinds – emotional, spiritual, physical)
…life long relationships were formed. (Are you sure we just met?)
…STRENGTH was found in The FATHER! (Forget the caffiene and doubt!)
…chains were BROKEN and people were set FREE! (We STOOD on top of our past!)
…faith in God was taken to a whole new level you never thought possible.
…expectations were thrown away. (As the Beatles say, 'Let it be.' 😉 )
…the power of the Holy Spirit was experienced for the first time for some.
…spiritual gifts were revealed. (Prophesy? For real? Yep!)
…the Father's love was poured out unendlessly.
…there was incredible worship that words cannot even describe.
…everyone got to dance like there was no tomorrow!
…unity took place among 60+ strangers, so diverse, you would have never put any of us together yourselves – But God DID.
I could go on forever.
There were so many instances in which I was asked to step out of my comfort zone, but I knew that God didn't call me to the World Race to stay the same or to feel "comfortable" in the skin I'm already in. There was opportunity to grow close to people the world would define as "strangers," but I kid you not, after only two days, I felt like I knew my squad for ten years, and I bet the not one of them would disagree with that either. I experienced community like I never had before. Learning to be open with one another, vulnerable, sharing the deepest aspects of our hearts, being open to giving and receiving feedback to help each other grow into the individuals God has called us out to be. The amount of love (including the tough kinda love that your Mama always shows) shared in those seven days alone was unreal and I can only imagine what a whole year is going to be like with these fine and dandy individuals on the K-Squad!
The pictures below don't represent the "people" I shared my training camp experience with. The pictures below represent my new brothers and sisters in Christ – My FAMILY that I will share life with for the next year. God has blessed me beyond what I could have even asked for or imagined!
The K-Squad! Aren't they such beautiful people?!
Team Consuming Fire!
From left to right: Celeste, Brian, Hannah, Heith, Emily, Morgan and I!
I cannot WAIT to spend this next season with these amazing brothers and sisters! They are just the greatest!
TO ALL MY SUPPORTERS, CURRENT AND FUTURE!
Training camp was such a blessing to me and I could NOT have done this without you! I would not be at this point if it wasn't for all of your love, prayers, kind words, and generosity in giving your time and money for the purpose of assisting me in reaching out to the broken world! Words cannot express my gratitude to all those that have and will donate to my World Race trip! I look forward to being your hands and feet among the nations!
To anyone who is interested in partnering with me in this adventure:
You can utilize the link to the left under my picture that says "Donate/Support Me".
I currently need to raise $1,200 by AUGUST 17TH or I am at risk of not launching with this amazing family I have already become a part of.
Thank you so much and God bless!
