Time is just flying on by. With about 9 weeks until the
start of training camp in Atlanta, GA, and less than 5 months before I launch
into my first country, there is still much to do! I have recently started
researching and purchasing my gear that I will need for 11 months. A tent,
sleeping bag, sleeping pad, daypack, mosquito net, power converter, trail
shoes, eating utensils, headlamp, sleeping bag liner, laundry bag, earphone
splitter….these are just some of the items, the list goes on quite a bit after
that! Some items I really want to last the whole trip, so finding some gear
that’s durable and moderately priced has been somewhat of a challenge, but I am
extremely thankful for those who have chipped in and made sure I have the
things I need for when I’m on the field.
I have been getting some questions from friends and sponsors
about training camp. Like I stated above, it will take place in Atlanta, GA
from July 14-21. This week is an intensive one designed to prepare us for life during the race. The World Race staff will do their best to make this week as
if we were already on the race. We are expected to bring most or all of our
gear with us and expect things like sleeping in a tent, cold showers, and other
similar conditions. This is a time where I will have the opportunity to meet
all 60+ of my teammates that are doing the September World Race route 1. During
training camp, we will be broken up into smaller teams (say 6-9 people) with
leaders chosen for these smaller teams as well. Pray that God would guide the
World Race staff as these groups are formed, as those decisions are not
easy. This week is also about growing in Christ and learning how to bring the Word to non-believers through the work that we will be doing. Below is a link that helps explain:
http://theworldrace.org/?tab=about&subtab=training-camps
I’ve also already had the opportunity to meet most of my
teammates via our facebook group. A blog most of us completed earlier titled
“50 things about me” helped us learn a little about each other. A pre-training
camp bible study has also been started that I am really looking forward to. We
have been broken up into smaller teams of 3-4 and we are going to meet through
google chat/Skype/facebook to get to know each other better while discussing
some interesting literature.
Two quick personal notes as I conclude this blog:
Just recently on April 28th at Van Andel Arena in
Grand Rapids, I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s
of business administration (bba); majoring in accounting and finance. I am so
thankful to God to have made in this far academically. Two months before my
high school graduation I finally was convinced to take some classes at the
local community college; I have come a long ways since that point! I was
blessed and had a job throughout college so I have zero college debt, another
thing that I am very proud of. Humorously, although I have graduated, I have
done so on the assumption that I will pass the three spring classes I am
currently enrolled in. These have started today (May 8), and will conclude June
19. Prayers for a strong finish to my college career are appreciated!
More recently on May 6, Crystal Springs Alliance Church, my
church for the last 17 years, celebrated 20 years together! This is quite a
milestone for a church that started out with 4 people in a small room. We have
since built a church home and continue to reach into the community. We had a
cool service including words from the founding pastor and another pastor that
served 10 years as a senior pastor. It was great to see many familiar faces
that have visited CSAC over the years. It is clearly evident that God has
blessed this church from the beginning. I’m thankful to have been a part of it
over the years and witness to what God has been doing through our church.
