I am a planner. Type A personality. I like to know the details. The when, where, how, and so forth. So…prior to training camp I scoured the web for previous racer’s blogs and videos. Anything that would give me some sort of clue as to what my 11 days in Gainesville, Georgia would entail. But, no matter how many blogs I read or times I packed my bag I was never going to be fully prepared for what awaited me at training camp.
Over the course of 11 days my squadmates and I used porta potties and bucket showers. Slept in tents, hammocks, under tarps, and in a mock airport. We ate our meals in groups of eight. Sometimes we had plates and silverware. Other times we used our hand and ate off the same plate -family style!
All the while we were asked to come out of our comfort zone. To address currently struggles as well as things we have struggled with in the past. We talked about fears, guilt, shame, and grieving. I learned to let go of my expectations, forget about the plan, and to stop focusing on the schedule. Instead to learned to live in the moment, be present where I am, to admit my weaknesses, and to let others in.
I also got a glimpse what means to live in community. I witnessed 54 people from all over the United States and Canada be transformed from group of strangers to family. I can not wait to see what this year holds for each of us as we get to do life together while serving others.
In the end, I got a small taste of what this next year holds and I can not wait!
Thank you for everyone for the continued love and support!
Kate
