I think it would be beneficial for my readers to get some insight on the past two weeks of my life! There is so much to say, but I will keep it as brief as I can. My World Race Squad and I went through training camp in Gainesville, GA in preparation of the World Race. In short, it was an amazing experience! In following with my last few blogs, I want to talk about how we did things to prepare physically, spiritually, and relationally (which will be included in the second part to this blog-posted tomorrow).
Physically: Training Camp for the World Race was most difficult in this area for me. Now I want to forefront this with the positive. Yes, it was hard, but it was also freeing and beautiful. I didn’t feel miserable like I thought I would. I actually felt joy because God is simply greater than the hard physical stuff. I knew I could get through it and that good things waited because of these “hardships.” That being said, here is a picture of training camp, physically: We slept in tents; I was freezing cold the whole two weeks. We only had porter potties, which got pretty gross after a few of the meals we were served. I was coffee deprived. Many of our activities were physically demanding. I took a shower outside using only a bucket of COLD water. Yikes. On top of that, we played out several “real life” simulations that could happen on the field, which in general, meant less sleep or some sort of changed environment (I’ll leave it at that for any future world racers reading this). I also ended up getting a terrible cough (which I insisted were allergies until it got so bad that there was no pretending) and having to go to the doctor because of some cold sores gone wrong (you don’t wanna know). NOTE for those of you who are wondering… yes, I did pass the timed hiking test on my first try (shocking, I know).
Here’s what I learned: 1) It is in the moments of exhaustion and sickness that you form some of the most raw friendships. 2) I need to be more conscious of my own grumblings- complaining is not from the Lord! And 3) I need to take my vitamins and listen more intently to my body when it needs something.
Spiritually: This was the focus of training camp, everything else were side notes, really. This, I am more than thankful for. We had sessions all throughout each day, and we had times of worship several times throughout the week. God did amazing thing during these moments, where He really declared Himself as King over all brokenness. It was beautiful. The sessions were taught by an array of leaders on subjects like Forgiveness, Shame, Missions, Storytelling, Listening Prayer, Sabbath, the Kingdom, Spiritual Warfare, The role of the Holy Spirit, Women in the Bible, Identity, ETC. NOTE If there are any of these subjects that you are interested in talking about with me, I would love to have a conversation with you! You can comment on this blog, and we can set something up!
Here’s what I learned and what God did: 1) You can NEVER have too much of Jesus. God restored a thirst for Him and His Word in me during training. 2) God’s power is just as great as it was in the Old Testament. God reminded me to expect unthinkable miracles from Him always. 3) Sabbath is not only a NECESSITY, but it is also so precious and sweet. God gave me rest beyond belief when I spent my day with Him.
The beautiful thing about what I’ve learned is that it is only the beginning. I am 21 years old and I have an eternity to hear from my great and awesome Father. John 10:14, 27 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Read my next Blog, which will be posted tomorrow afternoon, to hear more about my experience at training camp!
*While reading this, if you felt like the Lord was leading you to give financially, you can click here to donate!
