Before training camp we were required to get as much of our equipment as possible so we could try it out while we were there. So we got our packs, and our to make sure we liked it since its going to be our home for the next 11 months. So we pulled out a 3 person tent and set it up in the store to make sure it was what we were looking for. We liked it, but there was a little hook missing so the man that was helping us said, “I’ll grab you another one.” So he grabbed it and we were on our way.
Once we got to training camp we had to set up, and we opened up our footprint and we’re like, “I think they gave us the wrong footprint, because that looks too small for our tent.” Well, once we opened our tent we realized that they had given us the wrong tent all together.. He had pulled the same type of tent, but it was a 2 person tent instead of the 3 person tent. Now if you have ever been camping at all, you know that a 2 person tent is really only a 1 person tent that fits you and your equipment~ so needless to say we were somewhat like sardines in the 107 degree weather with 100% humidity. NOT THE MOST COMFORTABLE! It was probably a very real first impression of some of the things we will encounter along the way. Isn’t it funny though, that when you are kingdom focused you want to get uncomfortable! Thankfully by the end of each day I was so exhausted that I’d hit the pillow and be out like a rock! Josh on the other hand has a hard time falling asleep in the heat, so I’d hear him grunting and turning. We’d joke in the morning about how he was making up tunes for some new song through his grunting. Night 3 of camping or screen ripped on our door, so my legs became dinner and dessert to our lovely mosquito friends. I probably had 20 bites on each leg! So Josh and his grunting and me and my bites weren’t the happiest about our whole tent situation, but we decided to try and make the best of it because it was all we had there. We got back to New York, and thankfully the store that we bought the tent at let us return it for store credit. While we were there we looked at other tents, but the only 3 person one they had there was the same one we originally wanted to buy (which was the same brand as our broken one). So we decided to use our refunded money on other equipment that we needed instead of a tent, and then look elsewhere to find one that was more durable.
Yesterday Josh and I went to buffalo to meet up with some of our friends from training camp (Jen & Jesse De Jager). They are another couple that God wanted at training camp, but actually had other plans in mind for them for this coming year. They live in Canada so we decided to meet them half way. It was so encouraging to see them, and to talk about what God had been teaching us. When we got done eating they told us that they would drive us to our car. As we got to their car they pulled out this big bag with a bow on it. It was their tent! They wanted to bless us with it since they were no longer going to be needing it! How amazing is our God?! How sovereign is He?! Yet another way for Him to prove Himself totally faithful, and for Him to lavish His love on us through others! Thank you God for always providing for us in ways that give us a glimpse of your beautiful glory!!
May we always remember that Our disappointments are God’s DIVINE appointments!
A blessing in disguise!
~Briana
