For the past 10 days, I have slept in a tent in a field in the middle of Georgia. I have taken (only a handful of) bucket showers. I have danced and sang and cried tears of joy. I have learned to embrace a lifestyle of less. I have hiked 2 miles carrying 40 pounds in the humid Georgia heat, eaten a lot of rice and one cricket, and made friends that will last a lifetime. I’ve been to TRAINING CAMP!
Imagine over 200 people scattered around campus sleeping in tents. Bucket showers- literal buckets, filled with hose water and a measuring cup. (You would be surprised just how clean you end up feeling.) Tables of people bonding by eating curry off of a single plate with just their hands. Hundreds of 18-22 year olds in love with Jesus and excited to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Worship like you’ve never seen before.
Training camp was uncomfortable, stretching, physically and emotionally exhausting, but so filled with JOY. I have never felt the Holy Spirit move as much as I have this past week. Everything I thought I knew about the church, worship, Christ and His goodness and power and love was completely redefined.
You may be wondering “what IS training camp? What did you even do?” Good question. Honestly it’s hard to sum it up. Training camp was community, worship, learning, and prayer. Learning to listen… not just talk at God but talk with him. Letting go of my reputation and being authentic. Looking out for each other. Being FREE. Free in who I am in Christ and realizing I am a worthy daughter of the King! Learning to live in authentic community with my new family… (sometimes in simulated airport layovers as seen in the picture below.)
One of the most impactful events at training camp for me was signing our squad’s contract and saying “yes”… verbally committing to my brothers and sisters, leadership, and the Lord for 9 months (and the rest of our lives for that matter) of life and ministry. I will never forget everyone’s yes and running down the line of high 5’s and hugs to stand with my squad. The body of Christ is powerful and together we will fight for the fame of Jesus around the world. I am ready for this journey and anxious to see the ways Jesus will work in and through us and the ways He is already at work around the world!
M SQUAD! I love each one of these people so dearly. Green squad dream squad!!
Thank you all again for your continued prayers and support!! I appreciate you and I am so thankful for you!
Much love, Lydia
