So, I’ve decided that I’ll do a series based on my experiences, thoughts, musings, anxieties, etc. before, during and after Training Camp. Training Camp is the 8-day crash course in all things World Race; it’s our mandatory training before we are in the field. I’ll learn a lot, probably cry a lot and definitely grow a lot during my Training Camp week. I’ll also be put into my Team!! Which reminds me, there’s a whole lotta World Race(henceforth known as WR) terminology that gets thrown around. And it’s probably kinda confusing so here’s a quick run-down of key WR terms:
- Training Camp (TC): A week-long period of instruction used to prepare Racers for the Race. We do a lot of things, mainly learn more about the Race and its structure or protocol. This is also the first opportunity for Racers to meet his/her new family for the year. This week stretches Racers physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
- Squad: A group of 40-60 young adults, ages 21-35, who travel together to the same 11 countries in 11 months. Once a Squad reaches its country for the month, it divides into teams. I’m on O Squad and there are approximately 45 people on my Squad.
- Team: A group of 6-8 people from the Squad who live together 24/7. They do EVERYTHING together….eat, minister, pray, study, laugh, and cry together. They build on each other, also holding each other accountable. They get real and raw with each other in an effort to stretch, change and grow. I’ll find out who’s on my team at Training Camp!!!
- Launch: The few days preceding a Racer’s departure from the States. The Squad reunites in a select city. They spend time catching up, worshiping, studying, and preparing for the Race. Each Squad departs the States at the end of this 3-4 day period.
- Route: The 11 countries in which a Racer is projected to serve in 11 months. This can change at a moment’s notice and for many reasons. Rest assured the Leadership of AIM stays abreast of current events in each country. Safety is essential. If needed, AIM will remove Racers from a country or withhold them from entering a country to maintain as much safety as possible.
- AIM: This stands for Adventures In Missions. They’re the “parent organization” of The World Race. They are an interdenominational missions organization based out of Gainesville, GA. They focus on discipleship and offer a wide variety of mission trips for families, high school students, college students and adults. Trips range from a few days to 11 months (or more).
Ok, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s take a closer look at training camp. The video below is a quick 2 minute introduction to what my life will look like from October 11 thru October 18.
It’s 2.5 weeks until camp. And how am I feeling? The honest answer is: I don’t know! I don’t think I’ve allowed myself to stop and process yet….
I’m happy and excited to meet my fabulous O Squad family.
I’m ready to just be off the grid(more or less) for a week and get wrecked for Jesus.
I’m frustrated that I don’t have all of my gear yet… after a while spending money just gets old….it gets real old, real fast.
I’m overwhelmed. Packing? Ha, don’t say the word packing to me! It’s gonna be a train wreck. I don’t even have both my bags!
I’m thankful that people like YOU have partnered with me in this journey and are supporting me financially. Without ya’ll, I wouldn’t even be able to go to camp, so thanks.
I’m expecting and praying for miracles.
I’m as ready as I’ll ever be I guess. I mean, how do you prepare for something you’ve NEVER experienced before and know very little about? The realist in me is saying “Just expect the worst and hope for the best!” but the optimist in me, the hopeful, joyful, believer in God is saying, “Hey, He never promised this would be easy; He just promised it’d be worth it. Following Him is always worth it.“
So Let’s do this.
