Training camp changed me forever…
The forests of Georgia, 130 very special people who have decided to dedicate their lives to Him, ABBA, our father, in the service of others, in complete obedience.
Walking into the Atlanta Airport Atrium and seeing a couple dozen racers with packs pilled upon packs. A cute older couple tapped me on the shoulder and had to ask… what is this?
This….I answer….well…. we are world racers and we’ve decided to go to 11 countries in 11 months to share the gospel and serve the poor. Upon listing our 11 countries, they both stared at me in pause. They wished all of us well and walked off with big huge smiles and compliments to us all. The amazing thing is… I’m thinking about the two of them… not the two dozen standing behind me. That’s the amazing love of God that resides in every one of us.
We love because He loved us first.
Our squadmate Chris put it well when he reminded us that our mission field is all around us at all times, it’s not just “waiting” for us when we land in our first country of El Salvador.
It’s natural to think that the growth of this adventure will be on the race, from day one to day 330… right?
Nope. It began the day you heard of the world race, we took steps when we applied and accepted, and I am excited to share with you that training camp itself was like being catapulted miles from what you thought you knew. (And this is only the beginning!)
There are countless beautiful moments from just one week in upstate Georgia. God inspired moments:
Tears upon tears at worship with Jonathan David Helser and his band just killing it!!! Inspired music that moves hearts.
Katie Ballard taking time to remind me that the race is but one step in many and that the 11 months of the race are but a season in our lives. (Jeremiah 1… Katie! Thank you) Bringing us breakfast each and every day, walking up to our tables and speaking a piece of God’s word into our lives. Her version of breakfast is far more satisfying that anything we feed our belly’s.
Nicole and Becki are not allowed within 20 yards of me if I have a broken rib. I laughed so hard it’s ridiculous. Becki and I were bent over in pure laughter on more than one occasion.
If Taylor could watch her documentaries without interruption, campfires of vulnerability and openness, the entire squad speaking life into one another, speaking truth into one another and creating a safe place for healing hearts that I have NEVER experienced before. So much love and encouragement and care and sympathy…
Princess Press… you are so loved.
Canoe rides, firewalks, role playing, 7am exercise with headlamps, having to tell Catherine-Zeta you’re no longer in love with her (Men… you get me here).
Dance competitions to the music of Lion King & Little Mermaid (Dura & Ada… let me just say Broadway in your future)
Leah… you may think she’s quiet… but watch out. You get some music going and some free space in the back of the pavilion. This girl has moves. (Dear Leah’s team, she told me that she usually is the one that starts the dance parties…FYI… be ready!)
The amazing and incredible and beautiful personalities of our squad, a generation rising up and deciding to take action, to say we WILL do something about it, we WILL be obedient to His commands.
Entered one man, returned another
We are worthy
We are sufficient
We are so loved
We are perfect and beautiful
