Training Camp for the World Race has officially ended and God has changed my life in the best of ways.
I have returned home from World Race Training Camp and my life is forever changed. I have never felt so loved or accepted by God before and the community God provided is unlike any other I have had in my past. God showed me that I am loved and nothing I can do will ever take away the love our Father has for us.
Over the course of training camp we worshiped, heard various speakers with the WR, experienced field scenarios, and had many informational sessions regarding what our race will look like. My squad has become my family and I will cherish them for a lifetime. We all have our own stories and reasons for the race, no two are a like, and it is beautiful.
In our sessions we were asked various questions to take back to God to find out what he thinks of us. What he thinks of our past, the shame we carry, and the things we allow to define our identity. I was convicted in more ways than one and to say it was anything short of amazing would be and understatement.
Below if have included 25 ways God showed me I was loved this week.
- Whitney sat next to me on the bus ride to Gainesville from the Airport. We talked about life and being nervous for camp. Her heart is beautiful and she walks in grace everyday.
- Walking into the AIM headquarters I was met by my WR mentor, squad leaders, and coaches. Never having spoke before we all hugged each other and I have never felt so welcomed by a group of people before.
- Nick, one of our squad leaders helped me put my tent together shortly after arrival and continued to help multiple people on the squad without being asked. He has a servant heart and I cannot wait to learn from him on the field.
- We worshiped multiple times a day and the power of the Holy Spirit filled the room every time. No matter how tired we were we never strayed from our time to praise him together through song.
- Multiple individuals on my squad told me I have a calming presence. Though a small word or affirmation, it made waves in the way I see myself.
- After sharing some of the shame I have carried Brittany looked at me with nothing but love in her eyes. She prayed over me and told me I was like a diamond being cut and polished by God and that I am loved more than I could ever imagine. She radiates the Holy Spirit and walks in love and grace.
- During camp many of us became ill and to see how we came together as a community to care for each other showed me what true community looks like.
- Kylie has a beautiful soul and presence. She is loved by all around her and radiates kindness. My friendship with here is one I will never take for granted. The community I have found with her is one I didn’t know I needed.
- During our 2.2 mile hike the encouragement we all received from each other and from the WR serve team was AMAZING. Every single person once they completed their hike would go and walk with their team mates to ensure they felt encouraged and finished in the allotted time.
- Identity was a huge topic during camp and how we see ourselves versus how God sees us. I have a new sense of identity and the way God sees us surpasses all others. I am loved, I am whole, and my past does not define me.
- Through worship and sessions I learned that there are countless ways to serve our Lord and he is capable of so many more things than we could every imagine. The Holy Spirit is awesome y’all.
- I witnessed healings. With the power Holy Spirit we are capable of anything.
- Lynna has so much wisdom and will always lead you back to God in every conversation.
- Ashley is someone who always puts others first and loves to serve. Her heart is so pure and I cannot wait to be on a team with her for the first four months of the race.
- Aleesa is kind and gentle with everyone she comes into contact with.
- Tabitha is an amazing listener and walks in kindness and grace. Tabitha is our team leader and I cannot wait to serve with her.
- Lauren loves the Lord with all of her heart and mind. Seeing her heart for our Father every day was breath taking.
- McKenzie spent two hours walking with me and we were able to share our testimonies. McKenzie is someone I will learn a lot from and her faith is steadfast and strong.
- Rae Lynn spoke truth over me on the last night of training camp. The love I felt from the Father in that moment was over whelming and life changing. I will never forget what Rae Lynn told me.
- Molly Fae has a peaceful presence and gives the most amazing hugs. She is also took time out of her day to drive us to the airport at the end of camp.
- After finding out our teams we went and did street evangelism. We went door to door and asked how we could pray over them and their families. We had great conversations and were able to pray over many people in that neighborhood.
- On more than one occasion I was privileged to share my tent with a fellow racers. We talked, we laughed, we cried and I will cherish those moments for ever.
- Even through multiple overnight field scenarios I was always able to get a good nights rest.
- The men on our team are incredible. They washed the women’s feet during our camp fire night, and spoke words of love over us; I will never forget that night.
- We shared our stories openly with each other. The vulnerability we shared with each other after meeting only days prior was beautiful. We shared without fear of judgment or approval. We have opened our hearts to each other and I cannot wait to see how this community grows over the next year.
I could go on and on about the countless acts of love I witnessed the last ten days and if training camp is anything like the race I am in for a wild and amazing ride.
I was reminded of the importance of making space for God. Make space for him to fill you up because he will, he loves to be with us, our God desires to be with us every second of every day we only need to let him in.
Over the next few blog posts I will share more about training camp and provide route updates, introduce my team, and provide fundraising updates.
Thank you all for supporting me so far on this journey, without you none of this would be possible. You are loved, you are cherished, and you are making a difference to the kingdom.
With Love,
Julie Watson
