So, I looked up synonyms for the word unexpected. Here’s what I found!
Abrupt, Amazing, Eye-opening, Unpredictable, Startling, Astonishing, Surprising.
These are also words that come to mind when I think of training camp!
I have now been home about twelve days, and I haven’t been able to post about camp til now.
Training camp was completely unexpected.
That’s not to say that it was bad. Actually, in a lot of ways, it was wonderful!
I guess I went in to training, thinking it would be like a fun summer camp that you go to with your youth group.
I was very unprepared for what it was in real life.
The first few days were hard. New faces everywhere. New challenges. New foods. Learning new things. Basically a lot of new stuff.
And one of the things i learned is that new can be really good!
All of the people that I met, while they were new, were all amazing people. Who all share an amazing heart for God, and to make Him known!
And all of the challenges, while they were hard, they gave us confidence that we hadn’t had before.
The food, while it was very new, it was actually good! And it was exciting trying out new things!
And all the new things we learned about God and about ourselves, were so incredible! We saw God heal two people at training, we had amazing worship time, we heard God speak to us like never before, and we felt His presence all around us telling us to go forth and not be afraid!
So yes, Training Camp was not what I expected it to be. But I’m learning that my plans don’t work to well most of the time. And that God has a plan, to grow me, and stretch me, and move me from the stubborn place I’m in, to his freedom.
But that’s not to say it was easy.
Training camp was good. It was everything I needed to prepare me for this upcoming journey. But it wasn’t easy.
It was hot and sweaty. We didn’t have real showers, (we used buckets of cold water, which actually felt good cause it was so hot). Our tents were stuffier than being outside, so sleeping was miserable some nights. We had porta-potties. And no sinks, so we used a lot of baby-wipes and hand sanitizer. We did physical exercise quite often (running, push ups, squats, etc.), and we had to pack and unpack our gear more than once a day most days. We had field scenarios, which are situations where we pretend our bags got “lost” on a plane flight, or we have a 12 hour layover so we have to sleep in the “airport”, or half our team is sick, so we have to carry them uphill to the “bus” only to find it has “broken down”.
It was hard. I got very homesick, tired, hungry, and sweaty.
But I learned something I don’t think I will ever forget. I learned that God was right next to me. With me. The entire time. I learned that He is always ready to give me peace, and joy, and love. I just have to accept it. I learned that when I’m homesick, or tired, or hurting, I can lean on God. I learned that I need God to be able to do this. And isn’t that what I wanted? Didn’t I want to need God when I signed up for this trip? But in the midst of it, I forgot that Jesus calls us to die to our flesh. Everyday. That we serve the God of the cross. Who died for us. Was that fun for Him to do?? No! But He did it because He loves us so much. We serve the God who calls us to take up our crosses too. And that isn’t always comfy. Or fun, or glamorous. But it is rewarding. Because at training camp, I heard God speaking to me, and saw him moving in all of my squad mates. My relationship with God became so real, because I learned to depend on Him.
So yes, training camp was not what I expected. But that’s ok.
I’m super excited to be so close to my real journey! (It’s coming up so fast! 21 days!! ) And I’m sure it will be nothing like what I expect.
I also want to let everyone know, that am now, officially, (drum roll please) fully funded!!! WOO WOO!!
I want to thank everyone who has been a part of getting me ready for this trip! I have had so many people contribute money towards this trip with out me even asking. Thank you all so so so so much! I have not had to fundraise at all!! Praise the Lord!
Please continue to keep me and my team and my whole squad in your prayers!
Alright, now for the fun part! Here are some picture of training camp! I know you’re dying to see them!
This is my my wonderful team! They are amazing!!
