TRAINING CAMP.
Some of the most challenging days I’ve faced in quite some time were squeezed into these seven days labeled training camp.
When I say challenging, that definition sure does include physical tests and mental tempts of insanity; but more than that, it includes spiritual slaps in the face and emotional drainage.
The physical toughness came with daily workouts and carrying dead weight, known as our packs/lifeline, on our backs.
Mentally, as a brief explanation, imagine yourself trying to sleep with minimal room; a body slathered to your left, a hammock taking up your space on your right, and no leg room available for your 5’8” length. I was on the verge of a mental breakdown that night, but I like to think that it made me stronger.
Where can I even begin to explain the spiritual and emotional roller coaster I was sent on?
Before training camp I had been at a standstill with my spiritual life. There was nothing really decreasing my faith, but there wasn’t anything that was building it up either.
The ice of my standstill began to be chiseled on the second night we were there. I had a horrible headache, one that came with a hint of nausea, and all I wanted to do was go back to my tent, curl up and go to sleep.
The main speaker went to the front of the congregation and announced that the night was going to continue on because there was such a spiritual presence over us.
My first thought was Really? Can I just go back?
I made it to my feet and while I was standing the lead singer of the worship band told us all to close our eyes.
Yes – my resting time has come.
He told us to clear our minds and imagine God standing right in front of us.
Tears began falling down my face.
How long had it been since I had looked God in the face? How long had I been hiding from Him?
Where had my passion gone? Where was my will to fight for what I believe?
Throughout training camp there were events such as these. I cried almost every session, maybe because I had spent so many years holding back my tears.
Each day chipped off another chunk of ice. Each day I grew to reacquaint myself with God’s love. Every session I realized more and more that the people around me really wanted the best for me; that they weren’t looking at the way I praised God or listening to the words of my prayers. They were and are my brothers and sisters, ones who love me for who I am.
There were so many people who were healed over that week, emotionally and physically! Troubles were grieved, diseases were cured, and the deaf could hear!
G Squad
The week at training camp wasn’t just my iceberg that became ice cubes; it became a waterfall. The boldness and growth that was present at training camp didn’t stop as soon as we left the property, it flowed into these past two weeks. Stories from training camp have affected peoples’ lives, even if they didn’t experience them first hand.
All I can hope and pray for is that I will not go back into my rut; that I’ll continue to grow in faith and with my community. Those seven days of training camp were like a little taster.
Now it’s for the real deal – WORLD RACE LAUNCH IN 25 DAYS!!
Team Kina, which translates to "deep" from Swahili
$$ UPDATE: I have about $6,000 remaining to reach my fully funded mark of $15,500!!
So.. if 120 people give $50 each, then I would be fully funded! Woohoo!!
