Training Camp was tough. It was raw and eye opening. It was wonderful and difficult all at the same time. I know this blog is coming a month late but it truly has taken me a long time to process everything that happened that week. From day one Training Camp was my hurdle. It was a financial hurdle at first and then it quickly became a mental hurdle. I told myself that if I could get through Training Camp I could do this World Race thing. I know most of my fear leading up to that week was the fear of the unknown. What would I eat? Would I like my squad mates? Would they like me? Where would I sleep if they “took” my bag? How often would I shower? The list goes on and on. Lucky me I survived.
I pulled in to Gainesville and was immediately flooded with emotion. If you know me, you know I am emotional to my core. I cry about pretty much any and everything. It was so real, I was actually doing this. I was alone and about to enter one of the most crazy weeks of my life. I thought to myself how silly it was that I was crying about this. I signed up for this and this is what I wanted. It was in that same moment that I realized you know what I’m not going to apologize for being emotional anymore. I am not going to be sorry for being this way. This is how God made me and that is enough. I don’t have to defend myself or make up excuses for being this way. It is ok to feel things deeply and to express that because it is who I am. So with this new revelation I pulled in and parked my car. Shortly after that I was greeted by several of my squad mates, where hugs and hellos were exchanged. God provided a peace I can’t explain with those first few greetings.
I would love to tell you every detail of that week but I simply can’t because it would take several blogs to capture every moment I would want to share. It was a week filled with love, community, forgiveness, healing, peace, and joy. I am forever thankful for that week in Gainesville because it opened the door to the next season of my life. I can’t wait to see how God moves this next year in my life and in the lives of my P Squad Family.
To all you future racers out there read my list of things to know below :
Expectation
- Expectations- we don’t usually know we have them until they aren’t met.
- When we surrender our lives to God, he’s going to open up the door to do some amazing things.
- Put your game face on and show up even when you don’t feel like it.
- Try your hardest to go in to the week of Training Camp with ZERO expectations. Embrace what they have for you. Trust me, it might not always be ideal or pretty but everything you participate in at Training Camp serves a purpose.
Turn off your phone
- When I got to camp I was so busy and excited to see everyone that I kind of forgot about my phone. So I decided to turn my phone off for the week. I wanted to be present and not constantly looking at my phone or checking Instagram and I’m so glad I made that choice.
- I no longer was distracted by what was going on outside of my current situation. I was able to be present with those around me without worrying about who had texted me, who got engaged on Facebook, or how many emails I had.
Come Hungry and Expectant
- Bring a notebook and plenty of pens ( you’ll end up losing them or handing them out to others)
- This is a week for you to press in and dig deep don’t sell this experience short by not taking notes or thinking you’ll remember that one thing that one guy said. Write it down so you can actually remember it and go back and read it.
- Have an open mind. People might worship a lot differently than you or the people in your church but embrace it and understand that God made us all uniquely. There will be things that take place at TC that you aren’t used to or that may come as a surprise to you. Just be open and allow God to expand your outlook.
- The Holy Spirit is going to show up. Be prepared for some amazing things to happen. Everyone’s experience with the Holy Spirit is different and special. Just because it didn’t happen to you, doesn’t mean He wasn’t moving. Also, don’t compare your experience to those around you.
Grieving the Seasons of our Lives
- We all have baggage. Whether you prepare for it not, Training Camp is a place to drop off that baggage.
- We all come to the table with hurt, shame, and guilt but we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. He has redeemed us and through Him we no longer have to experience those things.
- “We must grieve the painful losses of the past seasons of our life before we can effectively embrace the present and the future.” Ron Wallborn.
- Sometimes you have to grieve the loss of good things as well, like family or church. We must do this in order to fully embrace the next season.
- The enemy will cause you to live in fear of your losses. The enemy will attack you while you’re at Training Camp. He will feed you lies and try and tell you that you can’t do this. Don’t give in.
Live Dangerously
- GET IN THE RIVER
- Do the last thing that you want to do.
- Don’t lose a month of your race or your life by playing it safe.
Practical things to know:
- Pack a change of clothes in your daypack; you never know what can happen. A fresh pair of underwear and socks is like Christmas morning while you’re at Training Camp. Also pack your toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes, etc. as well. Trust me on this.
- Bring a granola bar or two. You won’t always love the food that you’re served. TRY it first but have a backup just in case.
- BABY WIPES will become your best friend. They make a huge difference and I only showered twice at Training Camp.
- You will be stretched mentally, physically, and emotionally during Training Camp. SO be prepared to stay up late, learn to eat less than you’re used to, and countless other things.
- The AIM staff has all been through this. They care about you and your well-being. If something is bothering you communicate that to them. They are there to help you in any way possible.
- Talk to that one person who is sitting by themselves, I promise you God will open the door to their heart and you will be so glad you made the first move.
- Challenge yourself to sit with different members of your team each meal. It helps you get to know them and it pushes you outside of your comfort zone.
- Journal when you can. Your alone time is minimal so process things while they’re fresh.
- Expect the unexpected. Our first night at TC they asked my squad and another squad to stay. Both of our squads were too large so they asked if anyone would volunteer to switch to a different squad and a different route. You might be thinking what, no way not me, etc. Once again AIM is experienced in this and they know what they are doing. Don’t be surprised if things get shaken up a bit.
- Get comfortable in your own skin ladies. Makeup and pampering are not things you’re likely to experience while in Gainesville. After a few days you’ll learn to appreciate that most everyone has a natural red clay glow about them and that makeup doesn’t define who we are as women. We are beautiful and strong.
- Look up at the stars. Watch the sunset. Take in His beauty in nature and thank Him for it.
- Lastly, soak up every moment that week has to offer. Don’t shut down or cop out because trust me someone will be there to speak life in to you. You just have to be willing to open up and allow God to work.
