And its only just the beginning! Training Camp was a week full of challenges and exhaustion but it was so refreshing and utterly amazing! I can tell you that I began the week with anxiousness and uncertainty, but after being surrounded by such a loving and inspiring group of people, I left at the end of the week feeling completely whole. Every single one of you J-Squad men and women are truly incredible and such a wonderful blessing to be around. I’m so thankful for this God given family. The memories that I share with my squad mates form training camp are unforgettable. From winning squad wars and unbelievable worship, to swimming in the lake and “sleeping” on a school bus, we’ve already begun to create unbreakable bonds. I have so many memorable moments and strawberries to take away from that week spent together.
I experienced Jesus in extraordinary ways during camp. He moved my heart and touched my soul through intimate worship, through my squad mates, and through my squad mentors. Jesus was present everywhere, each step of the way. He opened my mind and my heart to new experiences, new friendships and most importantly to growing a new intimate relationship with Him. It was truthfully a humbling week all around.
Amongst all of the sweat, the tears, the laughter and the learning, God worked and moved inside each of us. Prayers were answered, hearts were changed, walls were torn down, and people were healed. If God had all of us come together to experience this within a week, I can’t even imagine what He has in store for us all throughout the next year. I can not wait to embark on this life changing journey with my squad mates, and see the impact we make on the lives we touch across the nations.
I’ll leave you with this……tips for you future racers heading to training camp!
1. Pack snacks. Trust me on this one, you’ll be hungry. I didn’t pack any, but REALLY wished that I had!!
2. Leave your lap tops and what not at home. These aren’t needed at training camp. You’ll be so busy getting to know your squad mates anyways!
3. Pack something warm. You may be coming to HOTlanta, but we had a couple chilly nights, even in July.
4. Bring clothes you don’t mind getting stained by the red Georgia clay. It’s a safe bet that at some point you’ll be on the ground in the clay. It’s worth it 🙂
5. Come with an open mind. Be open to new experiences, new friendships and a new relationship with God.
6. Be ready to have your world rocked in the best way possible.
