Since being back in the States I’ve been to Chicago and then home to Mississippi. After that I drove to Georgia and then headed up to New York for a few weeks. Then it was down to Arkansas for one of my best friend’s wedding and home for 2 nights and on the road once again. Less than 5 weeks after leaving Georgia and about 4,000 miles later I was finally back in Gainesville.
Don’t you worry. I was only in Gainesville about 40 minutes before I threw some more things in a suitcase, hopped in a friend’s car and headed somewhere else in GA to be a part of the Serve Team for a World Race Training Camp for the next 8 days.
Waiting on the Racers to get to Training Camp!
So how did I feel being at a Training Camp for the first time since mine, since being back from the Race? Well, let me tell you. I loved it! I didn’t even anticipate how excited I would be for these new Racers. It started off slow – a friend and I directing parking and not really seeing all of the excitement just over the hill where people were registering and setting up their tents and meeting their squad. After what seemed like an eternity, our job of helping people park was over, and we hiked up the hill to join the excitement.
As I came over the hill, saw the sea of tents and heard the chatter of about 220 energetic and nervous voices this joy just rushed over me. An unexplainable excitement for this group of young adults welled up inside my soul.
Yes, I’m on the “other side”. I’ve been to Training Camp. I’ve done the World Race. Now I’ve come full circle and have been blessed to be at least a small part of helping equip others to do the same.
Rice and Beans Anyone?
It’s a beautiful thing to see a generation hungry for more than the status quo, for more than what society says is success. They are here because the Holy Spirit has stirred something inside of them. They may not even know what that is yet, but they’ve taken action. They have taken a step out in faith and decided to do something different. Something – dare I say – a little crazy. Being on the other side of things and knowing that God is about to rock their worlds and change them forever is such a cool place to be. I’m just so excited for them and what’s ahead!!!!
Does this mean that I feel that I’ve crossed the finish line merely because I finished the World Race? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I know that the Race was just a spring board into the next step that God has for my life. It wasn’t even the beginning of what God has been doing in and through me. It was another step forward. My soul was stirred even more for things beyond this world. My eyes began to be unveiled and my ears unplugged to the cry of the nations.
This past week was a week of working hard. We did lots of cleaning and serving meals and things like that to help things run smoothly logistically, but it was also a time of reflection. God reminded me of things and showed me even more of Himself. The Holy Spirit blew through and refreshed and awakened us all to His presence.
I’m thrilled for what’s ahead for M, N, O and P squads. I’m also excited about what the Lord’s going to do in this next season of my own life. I feel that I’m on the verge of something, something big. I’m not sure what Jesus has up His sleeve, but it’s always better than I can imagine.
A Friendly night of Squad Wars!
He’s already teaching me to trust Him and depend on Him in new ways. I’m in a new season. There is this freshness about it, and I’m in eager anticipation of whatever the Father has planned.
I have not yet hit the support goal that I need to meet for the CGA program. (If you’re not sure what CGA’s all about please see my previous blog.) I’m still in need of monthly support. If you feel the Lord calling you to be a part just click the “Support Me HERE” link on the left to donate and be a part of this next season. Also, please feel free to email me with any questions you may have, and I’ll be more than happy to get in touch with you.
I do want to thank all of those who have been a part of the Race and a part of my life. Y’all are absolutely amazing!! I couldn’t have done any of this without you. The Lord has used you in more ways then you know. Thanks for helping bring the Kingdom to the nations. Thanks for journeying with me. And also a big thank you to all of you who have already supported me in this next step!
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does.”
Psalm 33:4
*Photo Credits go to the one and only Stephanie Bernatos*
