Training Camp

Hey everyone! I recently embarked on a 10 day training in Gainesville, Georgia. This training camp has probably been one of the most challenging yet rewarding weeks of my life. It has taken me quite a while to post this considering the amount of information and experiences I received. God moved so powerfully through each worship night, team building, sessions and just about everything else. With that being said, here is a glimpse of what I experience/learned at TC.

Before heading to Georgia, I had this deep rooted fear of what training camp would be like. I read and watched countless blogs and videos on what type of experiences I would take on. It all seemed almost too much to bear. So, as I said my goodbyes on August 9th I found myself filled with excitement and nervousness but also an incredible amount of peace. Sitting in the airport waiting for my flight, I came to the realization that this is what I was created to do. As I’ve mentioned before, from the moment Jesus became Lord of my life, I have desired to go out into the nations.. and in that moment, God was making it clear that He wanted that for me to.

Living Situation: For 10 days we were asked to live in a tent, take bucket showers, use porta potties, and eat in community. Taking on camp I had no idea how to do any “camp” related stuff but as always the Holy Spirit quietly guided me through it all. Even though these things at the time were a bit challenging, I learned so much through this experience. Being back home, especially in the society we live in we are constantly being bombarded on what we should wear and how are we to look. I was able to take an approach to simplistic lifestyle where none of the externals mattered. Yes, I was sweating constantly, smelled terrible and I hadn’t washed my face in days, but it simply didn’t matter. This was one of the most freeing things I experienced throughout training. I allowed God to really work in my heart for the things that was important and let go of all other desires. 

Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  Colossians 3:1-3

WOLFPACK: Meeting my squadmates aka WOLFPACK I was determined to be intentional and be real with these people. I didn’t want a “normal” friendship, I wanted to go deep and as a community pursue Jesus relentlessly, through the 10 days of training and then  the next 11 months. Living in community had its fun times, but also had its fair shares of challenges. Having to sit with 8 other people at a table and share food was a bonding but difficult experience. At the table we were able to be real and join in deep meaningful conversations. On the other side, I had to sacrifice my hunger, and make sure others would have enough to eat as we shared one large plate of food. It brought me to recall one of our first messages of dying to ourselves and placing others above our desires. Another huge benefit to living in community is the power we have through the Holy spirit to pray with authority over circumstances in our lives. I saw my squadmates passionately praying over friends who were injured and it probably was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever experienced. To see the passion each of my squadmates had for Jesus was such an inspiration and lifted my desire even more to go deeper with our Lord. With having known each other for a short amount of 10 days, the unity and love for each other could’ve only happened by the power of the Holy Spirit.. We went from strangers to family.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5

WORSHIP/SESSIONS: These 2 were usually combined and through each activity God spoke so clearly! Through worship I learned a new form of praising Jesus. In the mood to dance? Dance away. Is the Lord pressing in? Go ahead and bow down. Any form of worship was accepted and encouraged. That for me was so freeing. Allowing the Holy Spirit to move whatever way He wanted gave me a sense of freedom and an overflowing amount of joy. A particular night, I was brought into a deep place of worship where God gave me a beautiful vision of His Holiness. As the spirit moved, I became flooded with tears from this incredible tangible experience with Him. The sessions we had were filled with so much information on forgiveness, abandonment, shame, living on mission, community and more. As I listened to these messages God revealed more in my heart of who He was and what He had called me to do. 

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24

 

Overall, this experience was unforgettable. The friendships that were made, the memories of everyone goofing off, those hard moments of truth are all so close to my heart. I was able to experience God in many different ways, learn more of who He is, and remember to live life on mission. After countless of team building activities we found out who are team for the next 11 months will be. I am extremely excited for this next year and how God will move through each one of us. Although, this is a very small summary of what those 10 days were like I encourage you to reach out to me if you have further questions or would like to know even more of what happened at training. 

#WYGIG SOUL SISTERS

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16 

What’s Next? 

In a short amount of 5 weeks my squad mates and I will be on our way to be on mission in Costa Rica!! Crazy huh?! 

I still need $4253.00 to reach my deadline for September 16 of $10,000.00!! With that being said I really ask each one of you to prayerfully consider in joining with me on this Kingdom Journey! God has already moved so evidently through training camp and I can’t imagine all of what He will do for the next 11 months! 

Dates to Remember: 

GARAGE SALE

WHERE? 815 FORESTVIEW AVE PARK RIDGE, IL 

WHEN? 9/9/16-9/0/16  

8AM-5PM

**currently accepting donations for clothing, kitchen appliances, furniture, toys, and anything else! 

ZUMBA FUNDRAISER

WHERE?  Centennial Activity Center 
100 SOUTH WESTERN PARK RIDGE, IL