It has been about a week since training camp ended. Looking back, training camp doesn’t feel like it lasted longer than a few days (compared to the 11 days it actually was). Although, in just those eleven days, I discovered more of myself and Jesus than I have in my life so far.
Going into training camp, my expectations were pretty low. I knew it was going to be hard and out of my comfort zone. In my mind it was just a time for leadership to train us to be in other countries and make sure we had what it takes to be on the actual field. It was something to just tough out and get over with. And while it was all of those things, it was so much more. To my surprise, now that it is over, I am actually so thankful I got to experience training camp.
I think a phrase that summarizes all that I learned at TC is that there is beauty and growth in hardship. I had no idea that sleeping in a tent, having no real bathrooms, not having my phone all day, and taking bucket showers for eleven days would make such an impact on me. I had to learn to depend on God and His word to get by when I wanted to quit. I had to learn to be authentic and lean on people I had just met. I was way out of my comfort zone, seeing that I had only slept in a tent a handful of times and have stuck to pretty much the same friends for years. But I am so thankful. Now if I am feeling upset or overwhelmed, I have started to go to God’s word, not to the comforts I have in my daily life. I have learned how to get along and be genuine with everyone I come in contact with. In addition, I saw what real, raw community in Christ is like. I was shown I don’t have to wake up and put makeup on and fix my hair to be loved. He has softened my heart and taught me how to love and see beauty in everyone and everything. I was taught how to forgive even when forgiveness is not deserved. (If I elaborated on that this blog would be wayyy too long.)
Also, the worship at TC was extremely refreshing and eye-opening. I am so used to worshipping God the ‘normal, attractive way.’ A member of the band at camp taught me that worshipping is more than just doing what everyone else is doing or what looks normal. It is about doing what works best for you to connect with God and give Him the praise He deserves, and it can look different for every person.
Lastly, at TC and even now, I am experiencing spiritual warfare for the first time. I have actually seen and felt the enemy trying to ruin and tear apart the incredible things that God is doing. I didn’t even realize some of it until now, but throughout training camp I was in constant battle with the enemy. Satan was using anything he could find to dishearten me, some examples being people and even my own thoughts. I had no idea the fight that I was in for. But God still won. I have come a long way since I called my mom the second night in tears wanting to leave camp. I have learned how to use the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) to win every battle against the enemy, and to decipher what is true and what is coming from the Devil.
Overall, training camp was one of the hardest times of my life, but it was also one of the most growth. I am left with an open heart and mind, and I am much stronger and wiser than I was before. It was truly a transformative experience. I am thankful and hopeful for the future, whatever it may bring.
