As I’m writing this, I am sweating
in the humidity listening as the thunder and lightening crack in the
background. Our daily downpour at training camp is coming.
Training camp has been like nothing
I’ve experienced before. But of course it would be. Here we are, a group of 69
23-ish year olds with the same calling to follow the Lord with a backpack for
11 months around the world.
It’s been challenging mentally,
spiritually and physically. Moments where I question why I am choosing to live
in dirt and a tent for the next year. But there have also been reaffirming
moments where G
od has reminded me why I’ve been called; to share my faith with
others who have never heard of Jesus before, to love orphans and widows who
have never felt loved and so much more than I can even imagine now. And there
have been moments of worship and community where I realize I’m going on this
trip to experience powerful moments such as those.
The theme of this trip has been
flexibility, which in reality will probably be the theme of the year. Racers
know only an hour to hour schedule where truly anything could happen next, such
as a spur of the moment backpacking trip for the night, or sitting on the floor
eating curry and rice with only our right hand (the tradition in India). This has
all brought about a sense of community, as we’re all in it together. It’s
amazing how quickly a group of 69 individuals can become a family.
The week is not over yet, but
already I have been challenged, uncomfortable and experienced brand new things.
I suppose this is God welcoming us to our next year. It’s going to be hard, but
so worth it in the end. We’ll be a changed people, although I have no idea now
what that is going to look like. Here goes to stepping out in faith…
