11 Things I Learned At TC! (PICTURES)

So I just got back from training camp this past week! God did so much within and around me! I cannot put into one blog what God did in one week, I couldn't box it in a tiny blog format…but let me reassure you that it was good!  For those following my journey, thank you for supporting me thus far and we have got 11 months ahead of us! For future racers that have yet to go to training camp, I have got some things to share with you!

If you are reading this blog and have yet to experience this week for yourself, I know you have a lot of questions. I know that training camp is a mystery and I am sure you've read plenty of blogs, searching to find whatever information or gem the writer will give you. As much as I would love to give you a detailed account, it would take away the experience for you.

So since I am unwilling to fess up what all that goes on, I can tell you 11 tips that you can take with you when it is your turn to travel to training camp!

1. Trust
Trust the people in AIM, they have your best interest in heart. They are not against you, THEY ARE FOR YOU! They want to see you not only survive this season, but thrive in it! Just trust, they have walked where you are walking.

2. You Will Be Uncomfortable
You are learning new ways of living life. It may be awkward at first. You may find yourself uncomfortable, its okay. Just know that it won't always be uncomfortable.

3. Respect
You are part of a new family, respect the differences and where they come from. We are all setting out on a major journey. God is preparing us in different ways and working on different issues that we are dealing with. Respect the different processes that God is doing within us!

4. Cooperate
No activity at camp is useless. It has all been carefully planned to equip you. Don't opt out because it may seem silly. Go all in and get what God is teaching you!

5. Listen
God is speaking. He is going to say some things to you this week that will change your life. Be ready and willing to hear what your Creator has to say to you, He wants to speak into your life!

6. Let Go
Let go of things in your life that is holding you back, God has new beginnings and things for you. He has freedom in store, be ready to lay some personal things down. His way is so much better!

7. Be Open To Change
God does things in so many ways, He is so creative! Be ready to do things in new ways. Be ready for God to be God and change circumstances and attitudes. There is always purpose in the change!

8. Be Real and Honest
Be real with how you feel and how situations affect you. You're training for 11 months of raw community, it's not perfect. There are situations and people you won't be able to run away from on the field. Learn to be honest with how you feel and think about things now so you can avoid major break downs on the field.

9. It's Okay To Not Be Fully Prepared
It's okay to not have perfect gear or things. Training camp is the right time to figure out what works and what does not. You will also probably find out you have packed too much anyway. You will figure it out. Don't sweat it.

10. Don't Have Expectations
Still learning this but it is true. Don't go into training camp with an agenda for what it will do for you or how it will change you. You are training for the unexpected, it's okay to have no idea. Be willing to have expectations blown and if you can help it, get rid of them.

11. This Is For You!
So you have made it to training camp! Just know that if you made it this far, this trip is for you! God hasn't called you to it to not bring you through it. Trust Him and you will survive, well actually you will THRIVE!