11 days. 49 new family members. A newfound awareness of how breathtakingly beautiful, yet absurd, the next year of my life is about to be.
**Disclaimer to future racers: Stop reading right here. It is better to go into training without preconceived notions of how God is about to turn your life upside down**
Training camp was a hot sweaty mess (thank you Georgia humidity) that pushed each of us emotionally, physically, and mentality. We spent each night sleeping under the stars whether it was in our tents, huddled under a tarp, or in a hammock.
“Showers” were courtesy of a bucket, a hose dispensing frigid water, and a measuring cup. Meals were prepared in small portions, uncommon to the American standards and were shared communally. Napkins were nonexistent and many times we were not given utensils, and would have to eat with our hands. Germs became irrelevant and half of our squad caught what we called training camp plague– some sort of annoying cold. Most days we ate a random assortment of rice and beans. (One day we were treated, no joke, to crickets).
Essentially training camp was a mixture of missionary boot camp and what felt like Survivor. We joked that perhaps the hidden camera men were going to emerge from the trees at some point and tell us we had all been punked and were actually not going on the World Race at all, but were on the Biggest Loser. We often had morning exercise that started at 7am and had to complete a fitness test that involved sprinting over 2 miles with our 40 pound packs weighing us down.
While conditions were primitive it is important to put it in perspective that many places we will be living in the next year will pale in comparison. The heat in India will only be hotter, sketchy food in Asia might lead to uncomfortable sickness, and clean water in the African Bush or South American jungles may be minimal.
So you might be thinking at this point, what on earth, why is MC choosing to do this?
But in reality it is quite an easy choice for me. This week God reminded me over and over again why my decision to go on the World Race was not a mistake. I have squad mates who have quit their jobs for this journey, sold their homes, or their cars. Yes, sacrifices will be made in the next year but each sacrifice will reap such a greater reward. I will have the opportunity to continue growing in friendship with these 49 equally crazy individuals who felt called to recklessly abandon their American comfort, all the while growing in my walk with Christ, and seeing his work be done through us among the nations.
While each day was exhausting we were never choosing sleep because there were not enough hours in the days to intentionally get to know the hearts and the powerful stories of 49 people. We learned to embrace the layer of dirt and appreciate the freedom from IPhones and social media. We took joy in late night talks laying in our hammocks, dance-offs, worship, and prayer.
Towards the end of camp I was assigned my team consisting of 6 other women who will be serving alongside of me in India, in only 6 short weeks!! These lovely souls will be with me through the good times and the hard times and I could not be luckier. Each one brings something so unique to the table: Jess with her humor, selfless leadership and musical talent, Amaris with her calming, compassionate presence, Stephanie with her wisdom and practicality, Alex with her energy, encouragement, and openness, and India with her fiery passion for others and a powerful way with words.
Most importantly, training camp was a rollercoaster of emotion that completely wrecked my small idea of God’s power and his great love. I was face to face with Christ’s overwhelming bigness. His ability to redeem, restore, and heal. I learned what it means to lose yourself, your reputation, and your comfort, in return for something so much greater.
I accepted my call to recklessly abandon my American comforts, and carefully crafted reputation.
I accepted the backlash that is sure to come from those who are close to me and not comfortable with the idea of Christianity or any organized religion at all.
I accepted the call to live boldly and with reckless abandon.
Psalm 138:3 On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.
***SCROLL down to the bottom for some photo evidence***
UPDATES!
Thank you to all of my amazing supporters who have partnered with me on this journey! Once several donations are processed I will **OFFICIALLY** reach my launch goal, meaning I have a seat on the plane heading to India in 6 short weeks!!
GOD IS SO GOOD !
I have roughly $4,500 left to raise and my hope is to be fully funded by August!.. so if you feel led to partner with me on this journey in anyway, financially or through prayer please reach out.
Additionally, I was selected to work as one of the “Storytellers” for my squad. This means I will be responsible for creating written, photo, and video content highlighting some of the awesome things God is doing out there on the field. I will need to bring a good bit of camera gear on the field which will be additional expenses so if you feel led to contribute to my equipment fund, and or have access to some awesome used camera things please reach out !!
As always thanks for reading and don’t forget to subscribe up at the top ^^!!
XOXO, MC
Tent City
The Hair Salon
Eating African “Ugali” with our hands
Crickets for Lunch
Post Fitness Hike
All the ladies of “W’ Squad
