Walking up the gravel hill for what seemed the hundredth time. The Georgia wilderness sat around me in perfect stillness. I look up to see the grey skies for the fifth day in a row. Then I look down to see my feet. Dirty and stained red. There were so many times that I wasn’t sure how I was going to stand up, but in this moment I felt ever so alive. These feet. They are not mine.
Training camp was one of the hardest weeks, but at the same time one of the absolute best weeks of my life.
One of our first objectives when we arrived Saturday was to set up our tents for the night. Then we had what seemed like FOREVER to go meet/help others set up their tent. Never have I felt so overwhelmed. There was lots of awkward arm crossing and looking around. I found myself questioning God. Why would He make me switch squads…where I literally knew two faces. TWO of sixty!
Photo Credit: Justin
Two days later I was balling my eyes out in front of a group of girls in one of our breakout sessions. You can say it only went up hill from there.
Dear Lord Jesus, Do anything you need to do in me, that you might do everything you want to do through me. Amen
This was a prayer we were asked to pray at one of our first sessions. And boy did God ever listen to that prayer. My heart was ripped open, torn apart, and then healed within just a few days. Training camp was not just about preparing for the trip, it was more of a time for us to grow closer to God. For we cannot serve others if we are carrying tons of our own personal baggage.
God spoke to me in ways I have never experienced before specifically through the Holy Spirit. Words such as grieve, forgive, heal, trust, connect, simplify, create, and so many more filled my heart.
Photo Credit: Jordan
All of us have a dark past to one level or another. Mine comes from broken friendships, and a lonely past full of distrust. The pain ran much deeper then I knew, but God brought it all to light. I was challenged. It was so hard to have those past emotions resurface, but God now fills those once empty holes.
I feel as if I am walking on air. I am sure to stumble. And I have SO much growing to do. But this closeness and deep relationship I have created with my Father is sure to guide me where I need to go. Through the good and the uncomfortable waters.
Dear Heavenly Father, fill my heart, fill my soul.
There are no words for the love I feel for my squad and teammates. The connections we began to create are deep. I cannot wait to do life with them for 11 amazing months. We worshiped, ate minimal food, survived sleeping in hard places (literally), danced our hearts out, and met every hardship with prayer and love.
Photo Credit: Andrea
Look for future posts that explain more of my training camp experience but for today I ask you to pray over my sQuad. Pray that each one of us can stay strong these next 10 weeks. The enemy is sure to put up a fight, but we have the “stronger man” on our side.
Photo Credit: Justin
I also ask for prayers as I begin to get back into fundraising. I am almost 50% funded!! Lord willing I hope to be fully funded by January 1st. Please contact me if you would like to know how you can partner with me.
“My soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. ” Psalms 62: 1-2
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8
Love you all,
Katie
