I survived training camp! I’ve been back home for a week now trying to let it all sink in. It’s hard to put into words everything that happened.
I tried to go into it with no expectations. One thing that I discovered was that even when I have no expectations, I actually still do. I expected to have my gear every night. I expected to have enough food to eat that I wouldn’t get hungry. I didn’t expect to be pushed to be vulnerable with so many people so fast.
I’m so glad that my expectations weren’t met, because I learned some valuable lessons that couldn’t be taught any other way. I learned that my squad is my family, and that we share and provide for everyone as they have need. And, that the best way to build trust with someone else is to allow yourself to be completely vulnerable with them.
Vulnerability is a scary thing, but over the last few years, I’m convinced that it is so necessary to being free. I’m excited to be in a place where it’s okay to be real. We can’t go out into the world and make a difference if we are still hanging onto our own hurts and issues. Already, I have seen God working in all of us. I feel like we all caught a glimpse of who He has created us to be.
Highlights:
-My new family P-Squad! At the most, I expected to get to know my small team, but I feel like I walked away with 50 new friends! It’s so cool how the Lord has brought all of us together for this time and for this mission. I’m counting the days til launch when we’re reunited!
-The worship at camp was so powerful! Every day, all the squads would gather together to pray and praise God. There were so many amazing worship songs that I’d never heard. And nearly every night, someone from the squad would play guitar and we would worship again by the fire.
-The whole squad sleeping under the stars on the “beach”
-Dicing pounds of frozen chicken with a small pocket knife
-My first trip with Team Pharos! In just a few hours we celebrated a birthday, went off-roading to Wal-Mart and were taught about ear candling in a local herb shop.
-Squad Wars!
-I realized that it’s okay for me to use free time to be alone and recharge (and not feel guilty about it). I was reminded that Jesus often went away by himself to pray and rest.
-The Lord still speaks, and He speaks to me! (more in the next blog!)
Before training camp, I knew that I was supposed to go on the World Race. And after camp, I’m more convinced that ever that this is His will for me in the coming year!
Training camp was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget. It’s made me even more excited for what’s to come. To spend a year of my life completely focused on seeking the Lord and His will! And to experience it with my P-Squad family! I feel extremely blessed for this opportunity! God is good!
My P-Squad family!
Team Pharos!! This is the team that I will be traveling with next year.
(L to R) Lauren, Wes, Jason, Courtney, Heather, Allie and myself
P-Squad Training Session
P-Squad guys
