I just got back from training camp, a super intense, 10-day camp. While we were there, we used porta-potties instead of flushing toilets or western toilets, we went through simulations that we would most likely go through on the field, and we got to experience God’s presence on a whole new level.
I came in to camp not knowing anyone on my squad, W Squad. I had been a part of the Facebook group for about a week before I met them. BUT GUYS. Let me tell you. These 29 other people are the most amazing, God-fearing, and kind people I have ever met. I never thought I would be comfortable with them, but here I am, 12 days later with a whole new family.
We quickly grew closer when we had to take down and pitch our tents multiple times in the pouring rain, when we had to share tents because we “lost our luggage in the airport,” and when we prayed over each other and our struggles.
The people were amazing, but my absolute favorite part of training camp was when I truly broke down and connected with God. I had gone through some things this past semester that I hadn’t been able to process, but during the worship sessions, He really broke through the barriers that I had put up. My King of Zion not only called me worthy, but He also told me how much I was loved and accepted. My struggles were not mine alone.
My broken heart was put back together piece by piece during training camp. I was told that training camp was more intense than the race will be, but I pray that training camp has prepared me in some ways the intensity and the depth of love that I experienced. I didn’t walk away from camp with some profound thoughts, but I did walk away with new ways to connect deeply with my King of Zion. Training camp completely took me by surprise, but it was the best kind. I loved every single part.
Let me tell you a bit about my team that I will be doing the first part of the race with. I am kind of in love with my little family that we have. Meet team O’hana!
When we got paired together, it felt like we instantly connected. I love the dynamics of our team. We challenge, encourage, and love each other so much. We have come to know the deep parts of each person’s story. I am so excited to get to know these amazing people on a level that only family knows each other.
I will post more about these amazing people later, but for now, I don’t have many comprehensible thoughts about training camp other than the fact that it was amazing, and I would have stayed there for so much longer. Sleeping in tents, taking showers with a bucket of water and a measuring cup, eating weird food, and hiking hills with 40 pounds on my back could not take away from the experience that I had.
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