Training camp has come and gone, and what an incredible and intense 10 days it was. I got to meet my squad, and oh my goodness who would have thought I could love these 31 humans as much as I do after 10 days in community with them?! I’m so stoked God chose me to journey with all of them the next 11 months.
Over these 10 days we lived in tents, took bucket showers, used port a potty’s, ate communal style meals with our hands, and maybe even ate crickets for breakfast one day?? But guys, we did it! And I am so proud!
During my time at camp, I felt the most freedom I’ve ever felt. I felt free to be exactly who I am. Coming into training I had a lot of fears surrounding my squad, the fitness hike (another blog coming soon about this), and quite honestly my self image. I was scared that I wasn’t going to be accepted for who I am. I’ve realized recently that I really do care what people think of me, and I don’t like it. I’ve spent many years of my 27 years on earth dealing with a distorted view of myself. I’ve gone through seasons of not feeling pretty enough because of the color of my skin. “Oh, if I were just lighter maybe just maybe they will be my friend?” Or, “If I could lose 100lbs, more guys will think I’m attractive and will pursue me?!” I know what you are thinking, Kayla how in the world could you think these things are true?! It’s not true, but these are the nasty lies the enemy likes to feed me. He comes after the very things we are the most self conscious about and it’s sick! These thoughts at one point in my life brought me into a very dark season of my life (you can read more about it https://kaylaburgess.theworldrace.org/?filename=who-am-i) BUT GOD. He came in just like the gentleman He is and reminded me of who I am and Who’s I am. He started me on this journey of identity and it’s been incredible. I can honestly say I’m definitely not the same person, but unfortunately there is a nasty thing that roams earth speaking lies and death over us all, and sometimes I fall for it, like I did weeks leading up to training camp. But guys, as I’m sure already know, none of the things I was thinking (my squad is going to make fun of me because I’m overweight, I’m not pretty enough, I’m too overweight to even be apart of this journey, or I’m not equipped) were ALL LIES! I’ve never felt more accepted, free, or loved! I walked around for 10 days not even questioning whether or not I was pretty enough or even worried about my weight. I got to be me.
My prayer is that over these next 11 months and beyond that I get to experience this freedom 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and that others will experience it too!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers!! I’m still $1474 away from my $10,000 goal that’s due July 10th! I have to reach this goal in order to launch with my squad on August 4th! So please consider donating. No donation is too big or small! You can click “donate” at the top of this blog. Again, thank you for all of the support I’ve received thus far!
With love,
Kayla
