Training Camp - Explore Archived World Race Alumni Blogs

“How was training camp?!”

When people ask me how training camp was, I pause for a moment and decide if, “It was good!” is actually an honest response and after the pause I say, “It was hard!”

I think that’s the most truthful response because guys it was hard, it was really hard. Before I left I knew it was going to focus on growing spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically but reality sure blew me away.

To start off, the first night I killed 6 spiders and 1 baby cricket in my tent. I thought that it was normal and was bracing myself for ten days of exterminator duty and then realized that my newbie skills at camping were at fault, specifically not knowing how important it is to fully close your tent door!!

I became a pro at setting up my tent and on sleeping in a hammock. I learned that bugs respect your sleeping space in the air for the most part so that was a nice discovery.

I completed the 3 mile hike with my 31lb pack in like 44 minutes, glad to have my whole team cross the finish line together.

I ran to the bucket showers every chance I got although I was instantly sweaty afterwards.

I ate with my hands and it wasn’t frowned upon (Africa day) thank God for hand sanitizer!

I gagged at first when using the disgusting porta potties but later conquered them like a champ.

I fiddled with my thumbs when I didn’t know what to say to people around me realizing I use my phone as a clutch a lot.

I ate a cricket by choice and as a result of peer pressure mixed with adventure and wanting to get a funny picture.

I woke up in my tent by the sound of heavy rain and wondered if I would be swimming that night or swept away (a groggy mind is a bit irrational)

I had a great belly laugh that hurt my abs while trying to interpret a prayer with some girls, Elisabeth and Danielle this shout out is for you!

I told a group of squad mates some of the hardest things about me that I will ever have to tell someone, and I was able to see how much alike we all really are despite the lies of the enemy telling us we are in this alone.

I listened to my squad worship all night from my tent, thanking God for their lives.

I felt the familiar pang of feelings of rejection trying to find my place among all the different personalities and failing miserably at some times.

I felt the Father’s love knowing that he put me in the team that best suits me, thankful for their loving, encouraging, and kind hearts.

I felt proud after finishing a covering above my hammock in case it rained and wanted to show my mom haha, thanks Bird and Tyler for your help!

I leaned into the Father’s love and decided I was more than enough.

I cringed every time I heard the word, “dance battle” but laughed at the masterpiece that our squad came up with which earned us 2nd place in squad wars.

I sat and listened while alumni squad leaders spoke truths into our lives and was blessed by their words.

I survived training camp and I am leaving in a little over a month!!!!

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I’m currently about $1,800 away from being fully funded and I pray and hope that I will be fully funded before I leave!! Woohoo!!

God made all his possible through your generous hearts. I am so incredibly blessed. This journey is going to be hard but with Him all things are possible!

P.S- I heard that we should be expecting a 50 hr bus ride to our first location!! Pray for us! haha