So it's already been a week since training camp. I knew I was going to meet some pretty cool people over that week, but I never would have guessed that I would have missed each and every one of them to this degree. Most friendships take years to build to this level. I know as an outsider it's hard to understand how the bonds 47 squad mates could grow that quickly in just a week. So I just wanted to explain that a little bit.
First, we left our comfort zones at home. We all entered an environment with information about each other that we could only get from facebook. I knew absolutely no one going into the week and as an introvert, that was difficult. We were also literally uncomfortable. Over the week, all 47 of us piled all of our stuff in a bus and slept, shared all of our stuff with each other when half our squad lost their packs, and most of us only had a few showers throughout the week. Stepping outside of our comfort zones left the door open to make sacrifices for one another.
Next, we let our guards down and opened up to one another. This was probably the most important step that we took as far as building relationships with each other went. We willingly shared our life problems and insecurities. This was not forced in any way shape or form. We were given the opportunity to share and decided to hold nothing back. We laughed, talked, sang, and even cried together. That's right! Pretty much everyone cried! No big deal for P squad.
Finally, we were all willing to listen to the Holy Spirit and obey what it was telling us. We even prayed and worshiped together every day. This allowed burdens to be lifted and chains to be broken. I personally came into camp holding onto a lot of depression and guilt. One night at worship God released all of that from me, however satan attacked me with that depression periodically throughout the week and my brothers and sister were quick to pray for me and heal me when I felt those feelings. I'm not sure I ever really knew the power of prayer until my squad prayed for me the way they did at camp.
So that's pretty much the formula that we used to get acquainted with each other so quickly. I miss and pray for my squad everyday. I've never met a more real group of people in my life. Can't wait to serve on the race with them!
