WOW WOW WOW. Where to begin?
Late last night, I flew home from training camp. The past ten day have been UNBELIEVABLE. After enjoying the luxury of a shower and sleeping in a bed last night, I woke up excited to make coffee, process, unpack and thank God for all the HUGE ways of reveal. In an effort to share my experience, but keep the details/magic of training camp a surprise for any future racers, I want to share five of my favorite moments from the last ten days. When I landed in the Atlanta on June 4, I had little idea of what training camp would hold or just who my squadmates were. The Spirit has moved in such miraculous ways in the last days–the interweaving of stories, cohesion, community and reality of love is truly such a beautiful reflection of God’s sovereignty. I flew home yesterday knowing these friends and brothers and sisters in Christ will be part of my heart forever. I flew home yesterday knowing that BIG things come and have already come when we respond “YES” to God’s invitations.
During training camp we were intensely discipled and enjoyed much freedom in worshipping together. Our days were filled with field scenarios, challenges, teachings and cultural activities. We tented, took bucket showers and enjoyed all kind of new cultural experiences…. including eating crickets! We further met our awesome leadership and delved into our route, mission and the Biblical mandate behind what God has called us to do. I could easily drop a top twenty-five+ of the best moments, but here are just a few from this whirlwind.
- Worship: Under the Tarp
Worship was central to training camp. As a daughter of Christ, I continue to be overwhelmed by the vastness of our Heavenly family. Singing, worshipping, collaborative prayer and sharing of testimonies are places I see God’s hand in such clear ways. All the times of worship at camp were incredibly powerful, but there a specific session I’ll always remember. One night, we had a squad campout at our tent site. The sun was setting, rain was falling, a fire was burning. Some of the squad built a shelter with some tarps and prepared a time of worship for the team. For what seemed to be a few seconds but must have been at least an hour, we all sang, danced, let go… worshipping our Father undignified under this tarp in the raining woods. For a song, I stopped singing and just took in the atmosphere; I looked around at my squadmates, these radiant friends who were undone in worship. What sacred moments. Just strangers a few days ago, yet now nothing short of family, worshipping our Father with all they had!
- Community: Night Run
There are a lot of strong women on my squad–not just physically strong, but emotionally mature, spiritually rooted. I loved getting up early and sharing morning workouts together. Our last night at camp a few of us decided to go for a night run under the stars. It was nothing so extraordinary, but it was so extraordinary. The constellations were spectacular, the stillness was magical. On our way back to our tents, we stopped and laid down under the open sky. While we were looking up at the stars, we took turns verbalizing our praises to God while witnessing multiple shooting stars. God certainly reveals His goodness, sovereignty, rest and community in such amazing ways.
- New Norms: Bucket Showers, Unknown Foods, Tenting and Backpack Living
Who knew one of my cherished memories would be taking bucket showers?! But seriously, these cold showers felt amazing! Washing clothes by hand, sleeping outside, eating without silverware, not being able to do my hair, wearing the same outfit three times, etc was….different (haha), but I’m excited for new norms in regard to living more simply and minimally. Maybe we really don’t need so much control and comfort anyways? Just a taste of different culture and a different living style makes me very excited for all that will be experienced this coming year.
- Life is Ministry, Ministry is Life: Water Bottle Evangelism
There are 28 people making up the Expedition Squad. (Check out their blogs at https://www.worldrace.org/?tab=participants&group=18W08EX) They are such radiant, God fearing followers of Christ. Within the squad we are split into five teams; these are the groups we will travel and do ministry with. My team is comprised of four beautiful women: Landry, Gina Marie, Kelly& Joelle! A motto I was introduced to and continue to learn to adapt more deeply is ‘Life is Ministry, Ministry is Life’. Our first ‘ministry opportunity’ was a three part: listen for the Spirit and share a bottle of water/love with a local member of the community, make a music video and get to know this new team over dinner. We ended up stumbling across a beautiful park in Gainesville and met four amazing people who we were able to get to know, share love with and pray for. I specifically met a man named Larry; he is a fellow brother in Christ who walks at that specific park a few times a week. He was walking towards me when I first saw him. I asked him if I could walk with him for awhile. After hearing much of his story, I learned he was struggling with cancer. We walked further and then, along with my team, we had the opportunity to pray healing for Him and lift him up to God right in the middle of the park. Words, our music video (https://youtu.be/5TNVHbNRIQ0) and my own comprehension can’t fathom how this was all so carefully orchestrated by the Spirit. This certainly felt like a new beginning of living with fresher eyes for the Spirit’s prompting.
- New Life: Austin’s Baptism
At the end of every WR training camp, a baptism service culminates the sqaud activities. One of my squadmates, Austin, stepped out and made public proclamation of her faith, freedom, identity and her boldness in Christ. Witnessing her baptism and celebrating her continued life in Jesus Christ pulled a heart string so deep within me. It was such a powerful and emotional reminder to watch my sister and so many other souls proclaim boldly their identity and the saving grace Jesus lavishes over His children. The journey is so AVAILABLE for anyone who is willing to embark on it. Seeing so many people giving their WHOLE self over to the Lord was incredibly powerful.
As I continue to process, I am so encouraged by God’s presence, His continued redemption in my life, this beautiful community He invited me into and the victory of journeying with Jesus. As I pray over many things, I am confident in Christ. As I’m learning to a new degree, Spirit living is so dynamic, exhilarating, challenging and growing. In seven weeks we will come back together for a few more days of training and then we will be off to Spain to further continue this INCREDIBLE journey. I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity that God has gifted me. God’s plan for universal reconciliation for the purpose of universal worship comes through the body of His believers. Thank you for your role in that reconciliation and all the support and prayers. I couldn’t do it without you!
I am a sheep; my Father the Shepherd
He brings me to peace and surrenders to rest
His presence is like the morning lake
still and powerful
He restores, awakens and brings true life to my spirit
His grace refines me and directs me
I am not who I once was
even in darkness, He claims all authority
His love casts out my fear
though challenges comes
Your lovingkindness is never ending
Your presence infuses my bones with life
You prepare a path of provision before me
You call me child
You redeem me from my
rebellious and afflicted heart
You train me as your ambassador
You say, “Follow me, trust me”
You use broken vessels
to further the Kingdom
I know you are with me,
now and always
Your goodness is my life
You saved me and
I will be protected under your wing
forever;
my heart is hidden in you,
but your love is not to be hidden.
-Psalm 23 (rewritten)
