I was prepared for Training Camp. I was prepared for tent sleeping, bucket showers, different cultured foods, and for the the Race simulations. I wasn’t prepared for the incredible God encounters (next blog will explain more!) I wasn’t prepared for the powerful worship that made me want more of God as each day passed. I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming sense of peace and assurance as I met each member of squad. I wasn’t prepared for the idea of community that God had already so wonderfully crafted within our group!
This is my squad, also can be known as “S” squad or Sojourners! When I look at this picture, I see the radiating love, kindness, acceptance, laughter, and joy that this squad exemplifies. Before our squad leaders and mentor even knew us, they prayed over some truths that they could speak into our squad over the next year. Here are just a few of what they heard….united, chosen, leaders, mature disciples, family rooted in love. WOW if that doesn’t perfectly describe this lovely bunch!!
There are countless stories I could tell you about throughout those 10 days where I saw each of those attributes lived out! I am so blessed and honored that God has chosen me to serve alongside these Kingdom seekers!
While we are at Training Camp, we are broken down into teams (4 all-girl teams and 2 all-guy teams). For the first 4 months on the field, my team is the girls I will get to serve alongside with. Ready to meet them?!
Our team name is Papoula Fogo, which means fire poppy in Portuguese. We put a lot of thought into our team name, and really wanted it to be based off our team verse that was given to us (Matthew 15:13) Within this group of women are powerful stories of the redeeming love of our God! We are using the parts of our stories that were meant to destroy us, to give new life and hope to others. We are women who are on fire for God, because His love is enough. We are resilient and beautiful daughters of the King! I have loved getting to know each of these women on my team. I have loved the vulnerability and acceptance that embodies who we are as a whole!
So here they are! Here is my squad, my team, my community, and my family! I am so glad that I get to introduce them to you 🙂
Training camp as a whole, I am still unraveling and processing. I am looking forward to sharing with you all in my next blog about one key thing God showed me throughout camp. It should be up this week, so stay tuned!
McKenzie
