As I packed my (large) backpack, I felt only one emotion – excitement. Though I was riding with two complete strangers, I had no fear… I was pumped and eager to get this thing that they call ‘training camp’ on the road.
Matt showed up to my apartment that morning, followed by Maddie, and I quickly knew that whether or not they were on my team, we would be friends for the long haul. After effortless conversation, we discovered that we attend the same church, just different campuses, and have many mutual friends… small world. We hopped in the car and headed for Gainesville, GA only after stopping for The Last Supper (lunch) at Chick-fil-a. After a few short hours, we pulled onto the Adventures in Missions property, only to be greeted by tons of smiling faces! Our first instructions were to set up our tent. Well, me being me, had not yet opened my tent or even tried to set it up. I’m so very thankful for the many helping hands. Because of their generous support I knew I would be in good hands (and covered in red dirt) for the next 10 days.
On a more serious note, training camp was a STRETCHING 10 days… chains broken, attitudes adjusted, flexibility tested, and endurance pushed. I’ve never been more vulnerable so quickly with anyone. I would walk away from sessions and breakouts asking myself, “Woah HB, why in the world did you share that with these people who you have only known for 48 hours?” Because in all honesty, these people know more about me now than most of my friends back home. When I actually thought about why I was so vulnerable, I realized that in order to be productive in spreading God’s love to others, our team has to work well and be open with each other. These people are going to see me at my best and my worst. They can do a better job of picking me up when I have fallen if they know where I have been. It’s truly amazing to worship, encourage, cry, and walk in such freedom with so many of God’s children. Not to mention, the many leaders who were constantly lifting us up in prayer and sharing words of encouragement with us… It was an incredible atmosphere. Just after the first couple days, I knew I was in good hands.
Training camp consisted of many sessions, breakouts, field trainings, field scenarios, team building, and much more. To break things down a little, I’m on a squad of 56 amazing and God fearing peeps… Also known as, J-SQUAD. Within J-SQUAD, there are 8 teams, each consisting of 7 people. We will travel from country to country together and then each team will disperse to our specific ministry site for the month. Pictured below is my amazing team! Each member brings very unique gifts that will help our team minister effectively. I was humbled to have been named their ‘team leader’!
I can’t wait to launch this exciting season of spreading God’s love and grace all over the world! So… As I continue to prepare for launch the beginning of August, I know that I’m not only in good hands, but in His hands.
Also, here is a video of the some of the oh so sweet memories from training camp! http://youtu.be/XzF5auWP130
