TRAINING CAMP
My story begins with throwing up on the way to the airport. I had been trying to avoid all of the sickness around me but it had caught up to me on the exact day I was to leave for training camp. I almost chose to call it quits and not go. However, I decided to tough it out . I did not know at the time what “tough it out” would really mean for me. I remained sick in the cabins for the first three days. I was frustrated, lonely and wanting my warm bed. Georgia was having a cold front and the living conditions were anything but fun-especially when your sick. We slept in 35 degree weather with only our sleeping bags. I even put socks on my hands in an effort to stay warm. The showers consisted of a hose with a power washer at the end so I only showered once in the ten days I was there. Also, I had not packed enough warm clothes with me so I think I only changed 3 times….Who would have thought Georgia could be so cold? Usually when I am sick I am still a huge baby who wants my couch, soup, television and my mom. Being away from home in these living conditions was a huge stretch for me and made me realize that I am stronger than I thought. I was also very humbled by the kindness shown to me by my squad members.
(N Squad taking a group picture before our campfire worship)
One of my favorite things about training camp was seeing everyone experience the Holy Spirit. Some have never fell on their faces crying out to God, or danced during worship, or felt the Holy Spirit fall upon them. I loved seeing everyone’s lives being transformed right before my eyes. Everyone left with a new found love for God that was more intimate than when they had first arrived. I was surrounded by 120 young adults who whole-heartedly loved the Lord. We all received a “breath of fresh air” and were awakened by how much the Lord loves us back!
I am blessed to have a new family of 60 men/women on fire for God. Though we are split into teams of 6 we are all permanently in each other’s hearts. It was amazing how close and comfortable we all became in 10 days time.
