Ok, so to recap something as huge as training camp is quite a tall task, but I will do my best. I was challenged, humbled, embraced, loved, encouraged, prayed for, constructed, molded, befriended, called out, and called up. I danced, sang, led, encouraged, challenged, played, tried new food, hopped around, crawled up the side of a muddy hill, participated in boot camp, created art, slept under the stars, slept on a cold tile floor, worshipped, prayed, and grew in my knowledge of God.
And rather than re-hash everything, I will give you one highlight.
Ok…vulnerable time.
I was humbled by the leadership selection process. By God’s grace I was given the position of Squad Support Coach for P Squad. This job is pretty self-explanatory, and my responsibilities will include coming alongside my squadmates who are struggling in their fundraising process, and helping them brainstorm creative ideas to reach their goals, as well as hold them accountable in this journey of support-raising.
Well, this year AIM is creating a new leadership position, entitled Squad Storytelling Leader. This person spearheads the vision for documenting the stories of the people we meet and minister to on the field through writing, photography, and videos. We use these mediums to advocate for these people and assure their stories are told, trusting God to use our gifts to bring light into the darkest of places.
Naturally, I felt like I was more qualified for this position than the position I was given.
This is my job. This is what I do everyday. What the heck?
“My plans, not yours…”
This is the still small voice I heard, but tried to ignore. My flesh felt overlooked. My flesh wanted to take control. I’m the best. Me. Duh. Me me me me me me.
[I look at my fleshly, gross response to this now and it makes me want to vomit]
But God, ever-abounding in His love and His patience for me, blessed me with 2 awesome interactions that pointed me straight back to why I signed up for the Race to begin with.
1. My sweet teammate, Cassady, pulled me aside and gave me some incredible feedback. She told me that she sees great qualities in me that make me equipped for each of those positions, and that I would probably operate pretty comfortably at either. However, I would probably be pretty uncomfortable NOT being the storytelling leader, and being put in a position to follow where my flesh wanted to lead.
*gulp*
Cassady pointed out the gifts God gave me and the qualities she sees in me that will serve the squad, but then called me to honesty with myself and my selfishness, to trust God that He can and will meet me in the areas that make me uncomfortable.
2. Our sweet squad leader, Kaylalynn. She took the time to explain to me the staff’s reasoning for selecting me as support coach, and let me express my questions about the process, and why I was feeling (selfishly and incorrectly) that I should have been selected for a different position. She encouraged me to take the evening and pray, asking the Holy Spirit where He wanted me, and that the staff was willing to consider my thoughts and feelings on the subject before making a hard, fast decision.
I’ve never felt so heard and cared for by a leader in ministry in my whole life. I respect Kaylaynn and the Adventures staff so much for the way they do ministry.
Bottom line is this: I didn’t accept the call of God on my life to embark on the World Race and be comfortable. I didn’t agree to set aside my life for a year to serve the least of these at the farthest corners of the world to keep doing what I’m already doing now in the states. I made this decision because I believe God wants more of me than I’ve been giving. More of my heart, more of my time, more of my efforts.
So it’s time to be uncomfortable. I will be first and foremost, a daughter of the most High King. I will be a member of P-squad, a light-bearer. I will be an encourager in the area of fundraising for my squadmates as the P-squad support coach. I will be a faithful member of Team Awaken.
I’m called to be uncomfortable this year. And here is the first step. Humbled.
I still need about $5000 to be fully funded, and would love it if you would consider coming alongside me in this journey to make it possible! If every single of one of my current supporters all donated $15 more, I would be fully funded! If you feel led, please click the support me tab on the left column and follow the instructions.
Blessings,
Eva
