Preparation for training camp can be daunting as you frantically try to shove everything you could possibly need for 10 days into a 70L pack 5 hours before you’re supposed to leave for your flight. That was my experience anyway, but hopefully you’re more organized than I was. I wasn’t someone who stalked blogs trying to figure out the infinite mysteries of the enigma of TC. I knew one girl on the race, and I decided to read what she wrote. Her blog was titled, “Training Camp – Have Expectancy, Not Expectations.” I stopped right there and said okay, Jesus, I trust you. Whatever comes my way help me take it on with strength and grace.
If I have any advice for future racers who are digging through blogs trying to piece together a fragmented idea of what TC will be like, stop. It will not prepare you for the things you’re about to experience. It will not put your heart at ease. Trust in your God. Let Him bring peace to your heart. On the Race you’ll have no other choice. Start now.
Here are a few things I will tell you about Training Camp:
Training camp was hard. It was hard to be away from home knowing that I’ll be back in just 10 days. It was hard to wake up early in the morning after going to bed so late at night. It was hard to sleep. It was hard adjusting to an always-hungry stomach. It was hard adapting to whatever the staff decided to throw at us that day. It was hard going out of your way to make connections with 50+ new people in 10 days.
But, training camp was worth it. I discovered that with God’s strength I am completely capable of overcoming challenges. I made new, wonderful relationships. The Spirit moved. There were miracle healings, prophecies, and powerful prayers. Everyone came together in support of one another. Our minds were opened and boundaries were broken, all for the sake of Jesus. Looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It was uncomfortable. I was pushed far outside on my comfort zone in every way possible. I left all the comforts of home. I slept in tents, outside, and on the floor. I met 50+ people that I didn’t know. I ate strange food. I took on 10-hour days with two hours of sleep. I faced physical obstacles in 90-degree heat. I stood outside in the cold and rain for hours. And you know what? It was amazing.
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” John 4:16
I had no idea how much comfort existed in the Holy Spirit until I was too uncomfortable to find it anywhere else. Reliance on God is an absolute must at camp. Without His strength, I would have crumbled. Without His love, I would have been lost. But He was always there. He was ever-present. In the moments I was scrambling to put up and take down my tent, AGAIN, He was there. In the quiet moments He was there. In the worship He was there. In my conversations He was there. He taught me the omnipotence of His presence. Something once learned is never forgotten.
Training camp was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed with love. Through all the obstacles we faced, U squad banded together with a type of community I have yet to experience anywhere else. We were 54 strangers coming together from all corners of the country, but we didn’t stay that way. We became an instant family. The only thing we all had in common was Jesus, and that was all we needed. I’ve never been so blessed to be a part of such an encouraging, selfless group. I am truly excited to witness God moving through all of these people in their ministries over the upcoming year. There are big things ahead for the U squad.
So, in order to have a successful time at camp, my suggestion for you is to leave everything. Leave your expectations at the door. Leave your phone turned off in your tent. Leave your insecurities at the cross. Leave the comforts of your home to receive Jesus, to receive everything. He has it all – more than you could ever imagine. And He loves you enough to give it all to you. So, are you willing to walk away? Are you willing to leave what you know? You never know just what you might receive in return.
