So I was told by the training camp staff to write a blog about training camp, that doesn't give too much away about training camp, but lets other people, mostly future racer, what to expect if they ever come to training camp. Well, here it is… written at training camp on Thursday, May 26th, 2011. Not going to lie, before thursday, leaving the World Race had crossed my mind a few times. I was so conflicted with things that were going on, that i didn't really know if i wanted to be apart of something like that. Well, let me tell you that in 24 hours, my attitude had completely changed, and I'm so stoaked to continue on the World Race.
Before heading to training camp, I didn’t really know what to expect… I was told it would be a time where AIM would “re-create the race”. Well, its that and so much more. There are sessions and bonding times, surprises and group development activity. The staff are incredibly encouraging and loving, but can at times be a little pushy. I mean why wouldn’t they try to get us to be engaged in everything??? We’re in one of the most beautiful places on earth and experiencing some of the most intimate times with God we have ever had. I saw celebration, restoration, and communication with the one God who is awesome, powerful and wonderful. He is not mysterious, and is not inconclusive. If you are wanting something more out of the world race, and life in general, you may just find yourself being impressed, encouraged and blown away by training camp. The sense of community is astounding, and it is in a setting that one would typically express was only for kings, but no; we get to experience it too! It’s a beautiful time of love, life, and freedom.
If you’re willing to get your feet wet, and your taste-buds tingled, after coming to training camp you may be soggy after being whisked away in Gods river of love and bloated from being filled at the table of the holy spirit. It’s a time of discomfort and challenge. If you have a hard heart or are not willing/wanting to get much out of camp, then you won’t. It takes a strong character to be able to admit they need help. So come to camp, looking to be changed, use you discernment and you may just be in for something much greater than yourself. Undoubtably fun, profoundly encouraging, routinely challenging, and christ-lead, spirit-filled community is what’s in-store for you.
Please pray for my team, TEAM RISE UP: Sarah, Mallory, Kelly, Steve, Hannah (in charge of team budget) and Jill (our fearless team leader). The 7 of us have started a new family, which will be living with each other starting in July for 11 months! I can't wait to get to Launch (the start of the race) and grow together in unity and fellowship.
