What Did God Reveal to Me During Training Camp?
I don’t have to do this journey alone.
Although I said “yes” to this journey without knowing what to expect and was a little nervous heading to training camp alone, He showed me that He is with me every step of the way and that He will provide other people that will walk alongside this calling with me in building His Kingdom.
I had a chance to meet and spend time with my squad, which consist of 48 other future missionaries not including our squad leaders, mentor, and coaches. We got to worship, pray, shower, sleep, eat, and learn together! We cried, we laughed, we got challenged in every way possible, yes we got frustrated and stressed out a few times, but through it all, we got to experience God’s love in so many ways! I realized that God would equip you with the people you need in order to do what He has called you to do. You are never meant to do this journey alone and for that, I thank God for showing me His love and presence through a group of strangers that instantly became family this past week.
I need to stay focused and disciplined.
My first night was a little rough. I had to learn how to set up my tent, reorganize my pack, get accustomed to sleeping in the woods, take bucket showers, while still processing the fact that I just left everything behind in NYC.
After a few days, we even had to pass a hiking test that required us to do a 2.2 mile hike in 38 minutes with our 40-pound backpack on. Yes, I doubted myself and felt like giving up at one point but God showed up in the middle of my hike and reminded me what FOCUS and DISCIPLINE means. It meant focusing my eyes on the finish line, disciplining myself not to give up no matter how difficult it gets, and trusting God that He will get me through it and He is right beside me. He even used one of my teammates Carolyn to encourage me by making a simple gesture of holding my hand when I felt like slowing down, but she kept me accountable until we both hit the finish line! In fact, I felt Jesus’ presence holding my hand during this time as we both finished the race on time!
He has called me to be a leader.
As much as I try to run away from this calling, God has a sense of humor of entrusting me with a big responsibility anyway. Yes, I always thought I was called to be in a leadership role but I tend to lack confidence in myself, thinking I’m not capable enough nor equipped enough to do the job (kind of like Moses). However, I have learned to say “YES” to everything He has called me to do so far and I am continually learning to say “YES” even if I think my next assignment is bigger than what I can handle.
During training camp and after multiple team activities, I am now given the responsibility of being a team leader and was given the honor to lead a team of 6 wonderful ladies as we travel across 11 countries within the next 11 months. Yes, I was a bit surprised at first but I am beyond excited to walk alongside this journey with my sisters in Christ as we all grow and learn from each other. God equips those He calls and so it is our responsibility to say “YES” and accept the challenge.
Overall, the last 10 days have been an overwhelming preparation for what’s to come in October. I was challenged spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I feel like I got a taste for the upcoming missionary life. I was filled with the presence of God, but I was also pushed outside of my comfort zone. I realized that through it all, God is with me every step of the way and I don’t need to be afraid. I also learned to accept being uncomfortable as this is what my life is going to look like for the next 11 months.
Thank you World Race staff for giving us an amazing and unforgettable training experience and thank you God for preparing us for the journey ahead!
Here’s a few highlights of Training Camp!
