“On
The Job”
The Job”
Real Life Training Camp: Day 7 (The Send Off!)
Yesterday marked the end of our first training camp of the year! Was it a success? Well, were people equipped with knowledge, experiences, and set free from the things holding them down? Why yes, yes they were!
As we packed up the trailer, cleaned up camp, and waited to ship out the
last group in vans I felt a sense of excitement for these Real Lifers.
The kind of excitement I imagine a parent feels when they are proud that
their precious child is walking into a new and GOOD season of their
lives. I am amazed at how much love the Lord gave me for these guys in
only seven days! I am so honored that God chose me to play a part in
their development and growth. I WAS MADE FOR THIS!!!! I love it!
last group in vans I felt a sense of excitement for these Real Lifers.
The kind of excitement I imagine a parent feels when they are proud that
their precious child is walking into a new and GOOD season of their
lives. I am amazed at how much love the Lord gave me for these guys in
only seven days! I am so honored that God chose me to play a part in
their development and growth. I WAS MADE FOR THIS!!!! I love it!
I want to thank you again for your prayers and following along throughout this week of camp. You have been a huge encouragement to me and for that I am incredibly grateful! Please keep your eyes peeled in the future as I will be running this same style blog throughout any and all training camps during the year.
And please feel free to ask questions on any of my blogs! I will be sure to get back with you (and Judy, I still plan to post a blog answering your question from a few days back!)
And now for the answers to your questions once again:
Q: Do Real Life participants choose which country to go to or
are they assigned by AIM? Did they know their destinations before
training camp?
A: Real Lifers sign up for the trip/country ahead of time. We offer MANY different locations in the Real Life program and participants come to camp knowing what country they are going to, who is on their team, and who their team leader is.
Q. Did you take team pictures before they depart for the field?
Q. After reading many blogs, I have learned that many participants are
traveling with heavy,suitcases instead of backpacks. Is this something
that was communicated that many teams are in very rural settings and
rolling suitcases are not a logical choice.
Q. Do you get a few days to rest after they all leave today?
Q: Have you and/or other AIM staff been out in the snow running to be prepared for the 5K for Kenya race in February?:)
A: I personally did not take team photos, however SOMEONE did! I believe they will be putting up the team photos on the Real Life Team blog pages. So keep a look out for that update!
Q. What surprised you most during this training camp?
A: This was my first time at a Real Life training and I was interested to see the differences between this camp and the World Race camps I’ve been too. I was actually surprised by the age difference and how that makes a difference in how participants learn, communicate, act, have fun, think, eat, breathe, etc. It was not surprising so much as interesting. I suppose I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was THRILLED to see them so open to picking up any and all the tools we laid out to try to best equip them. These folks are some real go getters!!!
Q. After reading many blogs, I have learned that many participants are
traveling with heavy,suitcases instead of backpacks. Is this something
that was communicated that many teams are in very rural settings and
rolling suitcases are not a logical choice.
A: We do communicate on the front side what may be the best option for traveling and luggage. It’s true that in some rural locations suitcases might prove to be a challenge. In most instances the teams will only initially be traveling to one location and remaining fairly stationary throughout their time there. It’s much different from the World Race lifestyle of CONSTANT mobility and traveling every month. Real Lifers have the luxury of sowing into one location for the duration of their time. An excellent opportunity to build relationships within the communities in which they’ll live!
Q. Do you get a few days to rest after they all leave today?
A: I am currently sitting on the couch in my apartment, covered with a lovely blanket, with a hot cup of coffee. *Sigh* Yes, I do get to rest. I wrapped up some loose ends today at the office and will have an extended weekend (don’t have to go into the office tomorrow). Time to rest!
Q: Have you and/or other AIM staff been out in the snow running to be prepared for the 5K for Kenya race in February?:)
A: Thankfully the snow has melted! I certainly have not been out running just yet though. It is on my list of things to do tomorrow though! Watch out Gainesville, here I come!
