Well, I had originally thought it would be a few more days before I posted this blog, but I ended up with some extra time on my hands today and thought I would take advantage of it.
Training Camp
I will not be going into great detail here for a few reasons: A) There may be future racers blog stalking me trying to figure out details of Training Camp and I don’t want to ruin/disappoint/spoil the surprise. B) It would take up too much time/space. If you really want to know more, leave me a comment or send me a message and I would be happy to answer any questions and/or elaborate more at a later time.
We received some teaching by Dr. Ronald Walborn from Alliance Theological Seminary. Amazing!!! I highly recommend checking out his podcasts. There were several sessions of teaching at camp. Some of the topics include: Modernity, Grief, Forgiveness, Brokenness, Healing, Identity, the Power of the Holy Spirit, etc.
Let me tell you, lean in, when I really surrendered my pain, God brought about Emotional Healing. Something else special to note that I took away from a session: we must grieve the painful losses of the past seasons of our life before we can effectively embrace the present and the future. If you want to grow, then be willing to do something different that will probably be painful. Hebrews 12:11 says “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
A prayer that Ron had us pray was this: “Lord, Do anything you need to do in me, so that you can do everything you want to do through me.” Mmm-mmm-good! Right? Short and sweet.
Let me be real honest for a minute: Before Training Camp, I knew God and thought I was living for Him. I had kind of become lackadaisical in my walk with Christ and I had let a few things have a grip on me. At camp, I was released from those things, and God has renewed my passion for Him. I realize that my identity is found in Christ alone and that God the Father desires to love me and He calls me His daughter and beloved. I knew all these things in my mind before but never really walked in those truths and believed it deep down in my heart; it was more of a superficial/half-hearted love. You could probably also say that I had a very legalistic view of God. Through it all, God really just wants a true, authentic relationship with me (and you). He wants to be intimate with me (and you). My challenge to you: Let Him love you.
On a different note: there were some physical parts to Training Camp as well, as I had expected. There were several times when I wanted to quit because it was hard. One of my squad leaders even offered to step in for me to take my place several times (Kat) but I didn’t give up; I persevered with God’s help. Side benefit: I also lost 7 lbs. at TC.
Training Camp broke me, beat me up, stretched me, left me feeling exhausted, BUT it also made me stronger, built me up, filled me, and gave me hope for what is still to come once we get out on the field starting in January.
I also never knew that I could fall in love with 31 other people so quickly! I love my small squad (compared to squad sizes of 55-60 people) and squad leaders. I miss them already! I can’t wait to get to know them all and hear their stories and DO LIFE TOGETHER all over Central and South America!
Want to help make all this possible and partner with me (and M-Squad)? There are several things you could do: contact me with any questions, support me by praying for my team and I, and/or give a financial gift, share this blog via Facebook or other media, or any other way the Lord leads you!
Have a blessed day!
Misha
