Who knew so much could occur during 11 days in Gainesville, Georgia?! Training Camp was nothing like what I expected!! Every day was jam-packed with activities, which led to my complete exhaustion. I will try my best to highlight/summarize all that occurred:
1. Warfare, Growth & Restoration
Something I’ve always heard said is that “the closer you are to God’s will and doing His work, the more the devil will try to bring you down”. This was so real; I was spiritually struggling a lot the first couple days of camp. I had so many lies running through my head, telling me everything that I’m not and I was comparing myself with others’ journeys/faith. Those first two days felt so LONG because of this; I wasn’t able to focus on God or much of anything that mattered.
On the third night before worship, I thanked God for everything that was attacking my thoughts and surrendered it into His hands. I immediately felt so free and full of JOY, which I haven’t truly felt in a couple months. The rest of camp was amazing!! God kept pouring truth into me. I am fully known and fully loved by Him. He has already given me courage, peace, and the ability to do what He calls me to. All I have to do is walk out in that truth and say “yes”.
2. Culture
Every day was designated to a country or continent (South America, Africa, India, Asia & more). Our meals were made according to that day’s country. This allowed us to try a variety of different foods, which were mostly really good! There were some adventurous meals, such as crickets, duck eggs and unknownmeats. We also were instructed with cultural norms and proper dress for that day.
3. Session, session & MORE session
I learned A LOT in 11 days! Every day we were learning something, both in and out of “sessions”. We had some sort of class or sermon or both every day. Our speakers were incredible and they shared so many helpful stories of their experiences on the field! We also had a time of debrief at least once a day with our team and a leader, which allowed us to ask many questions, process information and what God was working on in us.
Some teachings included the cost of disciple, evangelism, discipleship, spiritual pathways, prophecy, OT walkthrough, roadblocks to intimacy, religions we’ll encounter, missional living, worth, grace, effective ways to share the gospel, hearing the voice of God, and communication.
4. Bucket showers & Porta-potties
We were told the first day to be appreciative of these luxuries because it is much nicer than what we’ll encounter overseas. However, sharing porta-potties with about 300 other people was not pleasant. They were emptied about every THREE days due to necessity! This allowed us at least one whole day of not having to hold our nose while using the bathroom. I loved the bucket showers! Although there were about 240 other girls also needing to use the grand total of 8 stalls, I managed to find time when there wasn’t a twenty-person line. Dumping a big bucket of cold water over my head felt so good in that Georgia heat!!
5. Excitement
Guys, I get to spread the love of Jesus with these 46 other Christ-centered people for 9 months!!!! I’M PUMPED! This alone is such an answer to prayer; I have desired more intimate godly friendships for so long and He’s blessed me with 46 godly friends who are more like family. Every single one of them have huge hearts for God and are going to do amazing things through Him!
We also found out who our team is, which include the people whom we’ll be working directly alongside in ministry. These six young women of God are incredible. Their hearts are directly after God’s and I’ve already learned so much from them! We’re all very different, yet similar in such a beautiful way.
