From June 3rd to June 14th, I spent my days in Gainesville, Georgia for Boot Camp…I mean, Training Camp 🙂
In order to prepare us for our Launch in August for the World Race, we spent our time in various sessions and activities…
First, let me quickly introduce you to “us:”
My Squad is a small group of 24 amazing and wonderful people! We travel together to the same countries and then are split into teams within each country. My team is made up of 6 beautiful and precious ladies– find out more about each of them by clicking on “Meet My Team: Agape Vita” on the left side of my blog site. Our team chose “Agape Vita” because we are purposed in wanting to lead a life guided by love–God’s love.
This is L Squad
FIELD PREPARATION:
- Each day was themed on a continent/culture and we were able to eat food from certain areas while also learning a little about the cultural norms of those areas– Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, India (which I hardly ate during and am now thankful I am not going to India), Girl’s and Guy’s Day (separately), Adventure Day, Travel Day, and Coming Home Day…
- Ran through field simulations that were a BLAST– losing our bags at the airport, a LONG layover at the “airport,” slept in a tight space with 10 people– community living, we camped out and made food, we experienced an international marketplace (which was SO MUCH FUN), and we got to go out into the community and be led by God to reach out to others.
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION:
- Worship– so many beautiful opportunities to worship alongside so many amazing people seeking after the Lord.
- Prayer– I loved spending time in an environment that believed in the power of prayer and communication with our Papa
- Sessions– leaders shared their heart through various life-giving topics. Some of the ones I enjoyed the most included ‘Identity,’ ‘Forgiveness,’ ‘Communication Skills,’ ‘Father Heart,’ and ‘Spiritual Warfare and Spiritual Gifts.’ Other topics that came up in more informal settings that impacted me were the importance of Boundaries, Discipline leading to Freedom, and of Mentorship– I have a feeling I will be sharing more on that in the future.
PRACTICAL PREPARATION:
- Storytelling
- Packing 101
- Medical Insurance
- Donor Relations (Fundraising)
- Safety
- Cultural Competency Sessions
- Parent Ministry
Of course, everything you have just read is a summarized version of all that I experienced at Training Camp. There is SO much more! Please feel free to reach out if you want to hear more– let me know!
So, now I am home and waiting for the day I fly to Georgia once more to prepare to leave for 11 months. Right now, my Delta app says I have 34 days left before leaving…34 days left to grieve leaving the area, to continue to raise money, to say some goodbyes, to pack and re-pack…I am trying to stay present but it is a struggle. One of my former Pastors, Tommy Miller, used to say ‘struggle, but struggle well.’
So, today my cry is “Kumbaya, my Lord”– come, and be here in this place and in my heart so that I can be guided daily by You.
Team Agape Vita
Left to Right – Sarah, Emily Ann, Mollie, Fabienne, Aryne, and me
// Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya //
