Hi everyone! If you’re reading this then your either friends, family, maybe someone I’ve recently met or possibly just someone who came across this post. Whatever the reason, I’m very happy you ended up here!
Last time I posted a blog I was letting you all know that I had decided to push my trip back to August. I’m anxious to say that it is getting closer and I just made it back home from training camp. I can’t wait to tell you all more about it but first let me tell you about a few other changes.
I am still launching for my trip this August. However, I was moved to a different route. I will now be going to the following countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Moldova, Ukraine and Latvia. I have a lot of peace on knowing that this is exactly where I’m suppose to be. God has placed me on this route for a reason and I can’t wait to see his plans for me and my squad this upcoming year!
Now, to talk about training camp! Oh how God has blessed me with such an amazing, encouraging, God loving group of individuals. Spending just eleven days with them has truly made me even more excited to start life with my small squad of 20. We may be the smallest squad but we are mighty with hearts on fire for the Lord. The Inspiration, encouragement, and love from this team could brighten anyones day. Introducing Y Squad in the picture below.
Training camp was an amazing 11 days filled with love, laughter, encouragement and so much more. I showed up nervous about meeting my squad and the amazing but terrifying journey we will be going on. The first couple days was filled with high anxiety for me. The devil just kept putting rolling thoughts about why I couldn’t do this trip. After the first couple days of prayers of my own but also those of my friends and family, the anxieties began to fade. God was starting to reveal to meWHY I COULD do this.
I began to open up to the wonderful individuals in my squad, my leaders, trainers and just truly began to trust God. It made a world of difference and I was able to begin friendships and a deeper relationship with God. I can tell you training camp wasn’t always easy but I left knowing that I not only met my new squad but a group of people I will consider family even after our long journey together. I also left knowing, this is right where I’m meant to be and God has truly placed this desire of going on the World Race on my heart for a reason.
Me being the person I am, I decided to pack more than I probably needed. The weight limit for our packs was set at 45 lbs and of course mine was at 44lbs. I guess you can say I was dreading having to do our 3 mile hike. When it came time for the hike, I started off strong but was really starting to struggle. I was getting to the point of giving up but I began to pray and ask God to give me breath in my lungs and strength to finish. By the time I got to the top of the hill one of our trainers, Dan, was there and stayed back to walk with me. He started to encourage me and guide me on how to manage my breathing. I was starting to see how God was bringing breath to my lungs by bringing Dan to me in the area I was struggling in. Closer to the end of the hike some of my squad met me and finished the rest of the hike with me. Not only did they finish it with me but they were constantly encouraging me till the end. I can defiantly say God truly answered my prayers by bringing me breath and strength in my squad during this time of struggle. This is only one of many ways God moved in my life during the short 11 days at training camp.
Have you ever seen the holy spirit completely fill a whole congregation? Well I can defiantly say I have. Training camp was an amazing experience of the Holy Spirit moving through everyone in sight. In some way or form I truly believe God had spoken to everyone at one point or another. Moving people to their knees and to tears, it truly was moving and fulfilling. Everyone connects and worships different. It was awesome seeing how the Holy Spirit moves in everyone. One of our nightly scenarios was to take turns throughout the night to spend time in prayer and worship. I went with three other girls at 2 am and it was one of the most fulfilling parts for me. We were suppose to spend an hour in prayer and worship and before we knew it 2 hours had past. That night I spent time in prayer with a few of my squad girls Kirstin, Megan and Nichol. These ladies are prayer warriors and fully in love with the Lord. It was amazing seeing the Holy Spirit not only through me that night but through them. I am looking forward to seeing how God moves through my whole squad this year. I believe with everything that he has big and amazing things planned for this squad. If you haven’t experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit I pray one day you’ll get to. It truly is the most wonderful, fulfilling and amazing experience ever. Once you experience it, I promise you’ll never want to walk away from it.
I mention the story above just to show how God really does answer our prayers. He is not going to leave us in a situation we can’t move on from. When you truly trust in the Lord he will provide and give you strength. That day he not only provided the strength I needed but the peace I needed to calm my anxieties and know I can do this but I am not in it alone. I’m not going into this journey alone, I know God will be with me through it all. Not only will he never leave me or forsake me as it says in Deuteronomy 31:8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” But he also brought me a squad who will be there for me, as well as all of you who have supported and kept me in your prayers. I would just like to thank everyone for your love, prayers and support. There’s no way I could have done it without all of you. God has blessed me with so many amazing and special people in my life (that would be you).
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Love Paxtyn! 🙂
