Here are some specifics about training camp that you will probably find very amusing
BUCKET SHOWERS: yes, we had to fill a bucket with ice cold water and “shower” with it… to the person on flight DL1810: ATL to DFW, I am sorry that my personal hygiene went out the window and I only took 2 bucket showers in 10 days.
FOOD: Each day was a new type of food, ranging from Indian food to East European food. Crickets for breakfast, cow heart and intestine for dinner… I am still trying to process.
SLEEPING SCENARIOS: Most nights we had different sleeping scenarios, from camping to airport simulations… I don’t think any of us ever had a full night of rest.
PORTA POTTIES: I don’t think I have to expand on this…
The Physical Aspect: We had to do some challenging things physically including a 3 mile hike with our 65-80 liter packs on. It was challenging but worshiping through it all was incredible.
The Mental Aspect: AIM challenged us to face our baggage and the things we were struggling with head on. It was difficult, but oh so freeing.
The Spiritual Aspect: I don’t even have words to describe this. The worship was unlike anything I have ever seen. I was challenged in my faith, learning to lean on the Lord for every single thing I am struggling with or happy about. I got to pray for my squad mates and those who are on other squads. I had people come and pray for me. It was spectacular.
Before training camp, my prayer was that God would show up. I just wanted to see Him and be near to Him. Boy, did He. Every single moment of every single day, through the tears and the praise, He was there.
These are the 53 godly men and women I get to go on this journey with. To think that 12 days ago, we were all just internet friends and today, we are brothers and sisters who are constantly trying to push each other more towards the Lord, is crazy. WE ARE J SQUAD. We have each said yes to each other and walking this path together. To J Squad, I will always and forever say yes to each one of you.
INTRODUCING TEAM TRUIMPH
I am so honored to be a part of this triumphant team. Going into team building, I was concerned that I would be put on an all-girls team. Right now, I see 6 women who will push me to the Lord, call me out on my crap, love me, and help me grow in my relationship with God.
katlynwood.theworldrace.org
jessjohnston.theworldrace.org
torreydawson.theworldrace.org
emilyfoor.theworldrace.org
breeanalopez.theworldrace.org
One thing I have been thinking about these 2 weeks is the definition of home. The Websters definition of home is this:
home
[hom]
NOUN
- the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household
I am calling that definition crap. Home is not where “one lives permanently”. Home is where the Lord is. The Lord is everywhere. Therefore, HOME IS EVERYWHERE YOU ARE WITH THE LORD. When I was with my 53 brothers and sisters, I was home. Sweating my butt off while carrying squad mates up a hill, I was home. Writing this blog, I am home. God is home. We are home.
Some cool news… the first month of living on mission will be spent in Quito, Ecuador with my entire squad! After the first month, we will break off into our teams and go to different parts of the country.
