A huge part of the beauty of these nine days is the mystique, so I don’t want to give away too much of the amazingness that is training camp (just in case there are some future racers out there!). Suffice to say, camp represents a time for major growth and learning, intentional choices, and community. Here are my Fab Four highlights!
ONE: Meeting the TFK squad
There is something beautiful about coming together with a group of people who share your heart, and meeting the men and women I’ll join in this venture was an awesome experience. Passion just oozes from my new friends, and I am more excited than ever to walk alongside these abolitionists as we carry a light and set the captives free!
TWO: Finding my voice
Let me tell you something… these World Racers know how to get down and worship the King. Jonathan David Helser and his wife Melissa led us in some powerful times of worship. I would highly recommend looking up their stuff on iTunes. The truth in their lyrics and transparent hunger in their voices will touch your heart and change the way you view worship. I could say a lot more about this, but I’ll save it for a future blog.
THREE: Community living
Sometimes I need space. I absolutely love being around people, but every now and then, I need to go off by myself for a half hour and just be alone with the Lord. I did not get that during my training camp experience. I was constantly surrounded by my squad. And you know what? I survived. I can tell that this trip is going to be an exercise in community and learning to prefer and encourage one another. And I’m really excited to stretch myself and see how God uses the lack of alone time as a teaching tool in my life.
FOUR: Kitchen duty
My squad went home on Wednesday, but I stayed for the rest of training camp to help with Serve Team. I won’t lie, it was hard at first. Gone were all the people I’d just spent 5 days getting to know, leaving me in the midst of a whole new group. I’m outgoing, but also an introvert, so it was pretty intimidating. Serve Team is made up of past World Racers, so once I got over myself, I heard some amazing stories and made some sweet friends. I have so much respect for the people I met and the way they pursue Jesus.
Basically, my time in Georgia is utterly unforgettable. I’ve found healing in areas of my life where I’ve been walking wounded for years. I’ve discovered a whole new way to worship Jesus with a Voice I never knew I had. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and learned to see people with Kingdom eyes. A flame has been ignited in my heart for the women on my team and the women we will serve on the streets of Cambodia, Thailand, India, and Atlanta.
Thank you so much for covering this week in prayer. If you want to know more about what I experienced and how I grew during training camp, I would seriously LOVE to share!
