Training camp was a much needed mental and spiritual challenge. I was definitely nervous before I went just because I didn’t know what to expect but I am so thankful for everything we did and everyone I met.
I got up super early on Thursday morning and my dad and I drove down to Gatlinburg, GA. It was around a nine hour drive from Columbus to Gatlinburg and by the time we got there I was already super tired. However, my energy soon came back when I finally met my team. We all got along right away and I could not be happier! I am so thankful for all the amazing girls God has placed specifically in this group and in my life. There were six different groups all training together and then dispersing from camp after the weekend ended. It was really fun getting to know some of the other students going and hearing about how excited they were for their upcoming adventures.
Throughout the weekend we were jammed packed with different activities and training sessions. We always had team-time in the morning so we could prepare for the day ahead as a group. Then we all gathered together for breakfast. Every meal we had during the weekend was inspired by a different country around the world. We were exposed to so a many different types of delicious food.
Most of the days were spent in sessions learning about life on the mission field. It was hard work trying to mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepare for a three month trip to a third-world country. Friday night I got to see, first-hand, how well the Lord works in our lives. During worship I was feeling a little overwhelmed and I started asking God, “Why am I here?” and “I am prepared for this trip?” Then half way through the song one of the other leaders came up to me and started praying with me and told me I was WORTHY and God has a purpose for my life and a reason that I am here, going on this trip. It mean’t a lot to me and I was so thankful that she came up to me. I felt a boost of confidence after that and got excited again for the trip. Things like that kept happening all throughout the weekend and it was so crazy seeing the Lord work in such obvious ways like that.
My favorite parts of camp were the times my team would just come together and chat about our fears, worries, hopes and dreams for the up coming months. I love my team and am truly grateful for all of them. Oh, and also on Saturday when all the teams came together for a massive dance battle. It was so much fun. My team and I were definitely the master dancers… even though we didn’t win;)
I might be biased but I think my group is the best.
I can’t wait to see where the Lord takes us over the next 3 months!
Here is my team (minus my leader Oriolyne) this picture is chaotic and crazy but honestly captures us perfectly!
