For the longest time, World Race Training Camp had been somewhat of a fairytale to me. I read the stories and watched the videos but somehow it still remained a mystery. I was never truly able to figure out what happened at Training Camp. It is a rite of passage long veiled in secrecy by both racers past and present. I realize now that there is truly no objective explanation or definition of Training Camp. It’s an indescribable 10 days. Going into training camp, I clung to the stories I had read as if they would somehow prepare me. In my mind the expectations grew and I reached for anything trying to piece to together the essence of it all.
But now, I understand. I get why Training Camp is veiled in such secrecy.
The funny thing is, I realized Training Camp is not kept secret on purpose. Truly it’s not a secret at all. It is just impossible to put into words everything our Abba Father has done.
For me, the simplest way for me to describe Training Camp to all of you would be this: unexpected freedom. I showed up with stories from past racers in my head, thinking truly I was in a good place. Oh my heart how my world was rocked.
We serve such a good, good father.
In 10 days old wounds were healed. Chains broke off. Walls fell down. God showed up. Vulnerability became beautiful. He healed my heart. I learned the importance of my story, the power of my words. I learned what it feels like to breathe deep.
Jesus breathed new life into me.
He gave me exactly what I didn’t know I needed. He introduced me to a new family. One that I have the honor and privilege of spending a year of ministering the gospel around the world with. I truly cannot express how much these people mean to me. I love each and every one of them in their own unique way, spirit filled, crazy, adventurous way.
I am so immensely thankful for those 10 days in the middle of nowhere Georgia. God’s love radiated in that place. It was real, it was raw, and it was hard but ultimately, it was so incredibly freeing.
I found my freedom in the river.
