A week ago tonight, I arrived home after a week of World Race Training Camp. Since I returned home I've had so much going on between a baby shower, a fundraising event, packing my apartment and moving, a bridal shower, my brother coming home from Kenya, as well as working. I have been processing all that I experienced over my week at training, and I still haven't quite digested it all yet. I have waited long enough though and it's about time for a post about my week of training.
One of the exercises/disciplines/routines (not really sure what the best word for it is) we were introduced to and began to implement is called feedback. Feedback is way to communicate within a team about what you observe about each other, both positive (for affirmation) and negative (constructive criticism for growth). Feedback consists of three points: an observation, an example, and a suggestion. It is not a comfortable practice, but it is healthy. It is not easy, but it is necessary.
So, for those of you who would like a glimpse into what training camp was like or if you may be anticipating training camp as a future racer yourself, here is some training camp feedback.
Observation: Community is forced, but so good.
Examples: You will sleep with people you don't know. You will not have alone time. You will open up and be vulnerable with teammates that you hardly know yet. You will make friends fast.
Suggestion: Be open, be ready, be filled with love.
Observation: There's no room for self-consciousness.
Examples: You will sweat. You will smell. You will have little privacy. You will not look your best.
Suggestion: Remember it's not about you. Everyone is going through it together. Read 1 Samuel 16:7.
Observation: You will be pushed out of your comfort zone.
Examples: Food, sleeping, hygiene, physical activity, worship, and prayer.
Suggestion: Be willing and flexible. Find strength in the Lord. Meditate on Philippians 4:13.
Observation: Training camp is FUN!
Examples: Singing, dancing, laughing, Squad Wars, and more!
Suggestion: Have a childlike passion and heart. Be willing to get silly and enjoy the moments.
Observation: Training camp is transforming.
Examples: Brokenness and freedom
Suggestion: Loose the chains and be honest about your past, your struggles, your fears…and let God work.
Going into training camp, my nerves were running high and I was fearful. Although there were many hard parts during the week, it proved to be an incredible week. It was informative, helpful, intentional, and designed to grow relationships. I have less fear now than I did before, and I have more excitement for this adventure than I did before training camp. All in all, training camp gets two thumbs up from this girl, and that is some good feedback!
