A few weeks ago, I went to Georgia for 7 days of World Race training camp.
And those were some of the hardest, most emotional days I have had in recent years.
First, training in itself was not designed to be easy. Waking up early. Experiencing all elements of nature from cold and rain, to hot and humid. Foreign foods. Going through a few “worst case” travel scenarios. Busy days with minimal schedule. No home comforts.
And all this with 43 new people.
For me, this was the hardest part. A lot of the training elements were expected and manageable. But I was not expecting the loneliness that came from being in a crowd of 43 strangers that were to become my squad family. It was hard watching so many people come together in what looked like instant friendships and not have it myself. I was homesick for my own friends and family. For me, a week just was not enough time to know people and be known.
But throughout the week, God taught me a very important lesson: I am never alone. God is with me always. He knows me – better than I know myself. During the week, God spoke to me in so many ways. Through scripture, through song, through my inner thoughts and through others. God also spoke through me to bring encouragement to others. It was amazing.
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” [Psalm 16:8-11]
I am never alone. God is with me always. This is the truth that I must continually rely on in the upcoming year. Training camp was just a snap shot. The World Race itself will probably be the hardest, most emotional time of my life to date. There will be tears. There will be fears. There will be sacrifice. There will be unexpected changes in plans. There will be loneliness. There will be uncomfortable days and nights. But God does not want me comfortable. God wants me to grow and be stretched in ways I could not even imagine. It is in those moments that I will better learn to trust Him.
Training camp was a long, hard 7 days, but looking back, I know it was good. While I still do not feel like I really know my squad family, I do know that they all love Jesus and have chosen to go on this journey, therefore I am excited to get to know them better and serve with them around the world. I saw with my own eyes that God’s hand is in this journey – leading us all. I am confident now more than ever that the World Race is exactly where God wants me to be.
