Now I’m not claiming to be Bear Grylls or anything but training camp was pretty wild. When I imagined camp, I pictured cabins(with plumbing), campfires, and maybe a low ropes course or two. What we got were bucket showers, semi-torrential downpours, numerous porta potties, and layerings of sweat and dirt. That being said, it was, as my teammate Jon would say, beautiful. Adventures in Missions is such a special organization and we were truly blessed to have such great leadership pour into us that week.
We were physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenged throughout the week with the intention of preparing us for life in the field. Physically, we were placed in realistic field scenarios such as sleeping in “airports,” “hostels,” or the woods, community eating from different cultures, and hiking some distances with our packs. Emotionally, we were given opportunities to be vulnerable in our communities and to allow healing to occur in different areas of our lives. Spiritually, we learned a lot from the amazing staff of AIM through convicting and enlightening lectures/messages and were encouraged to let God speak to our own minds about the preparation process. On top of all that, we were also introduced to our squad-mates, whom we would be doing absolutely everything for the next year with. Casual. Not to mention I was a day late to camp and an inside-joke short.
Praise the Lamb though because even with all the stress of trying to make everyone love me, change, and growth, there was an unexplainable peace surrounding the whole process when I (finally) let God do what He does best—take care of me and the ones He loves. I came out with excitement for my journey ahead, 6 amazing teammates, 45 more awesome squadmates, and a more prepared mind and body. I think what I learned most from training camp is that control is a funny thing. I really don’t want it, but I always feel like I need to have it. It’s so much more fun to enjoy the ride with my Father at the wheel. (Yes, I referenced Carrie Underwood) Oh am I going to learn a thing or two more about it on the Race. Friends, forgive me if I come back a hippie.
Needless to say, the 10 days of camp were quite interesting. The days AFTER training camp are going to be much more than that, I’m sure.
Meet my team! Team Kaleidoscope.
Left to right:
Emily is beautiful inside and out. Gentle, intuitive heart but not afraid to speak her mind. The best combo. She makes face planting look cool(Sorry I just told the internet about that). She’s going to be such an influence to everyone she meets on the Race and further. So excited to do life with this gal.
Jon is so servant-minded that he and even Jesus would probably spend some time deciding who would serve the other. Encouragement is just one of his many gifts and my team and I aren’t mad about it. We feel better than Beyonce when he’s around. Hopefully we can return the favor. He’s the best.
JJ is just the definition of cool. I dare you to try not to love him. Anyone who tree tops(patent pending) and hand-feeds fake beggars is A-okay in most anyone’s book. In the most important Book, he’s doing okay too. We are never going to have a dull day with this guy on our team.
Meagan. Don’t let her sweet, young face fool you. She’s wise, funny, and fierce. When you meet her, you just know that the Holy Spirit in moving in her life! She’s going to be a world changer, I know it.
Brittni is our resident storyteller. She’s also one of the squad’s Storytellers. Follow her to find out more. She’s hilarious and sharp as a tack. Our mutual love of Taylor Swift is going to annoy some of our teammates, but haters gonna hate…hate hate hate hate and we’re cool with that. Love her already.
Psalm 12:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Update: Route Change. Instead of Burkina Faso, we will be going to Laos and Burma/Myanmar.
