Training camp was rough.
From the hot scorching sun to vicious fire ants, freezing bucket showers, not-so-great sleeping arrangements, and even the loud obnoxious cicadas at night; I could go on and on. Training camp was essentially eleven months of the World Race squeezed into one week– one week of roughing it with the bare minimum with the occasional worst case scenarios sprinkled here and there. It was a good glimpse of what to expect and I definitely feel more prepared, learning to be prepared for even the unexpected.
I apologize for not being able to give more detail on training camp for the sake of future racers because it’s something you guys just have to experience (but for those who want to know more, hit me up!)
Since deciding to embark on this trip, I have heard and read a lot about this infamous training camp, yet nothing could have prepared me for what I experienced. It’s been about a week now since I’ve come back and I’m still having trouble finding words to adequately explain what happened or how I feel. Heck, I still can’t believe that training camp even happened. As I sit here, trying to process all the different emotions and thoughts that I felt during camp, I still find myself struggling to summarize the longest week of my life. The only thought I can articulate is that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Going into training camp, I continued to have my doubts about everything and anything imaginable.
Is this the right route for me? Am I in the right squad? Will I be able to raise all my funds? Am I even supposed to be going?
To be honest, on my second night into training camp, I seriously questioned whether I could endure eleven months of this hardship and, truthfully, I just wanted to go back home. Although the circumstances didn’t get much better, my doubts began to go away as I began press into Him and be filled with Him. Even though I barely slept, I found my soul being awaken and energized during worship. Our speaker, Ron Walborn, was fantastic and spoke directly to my heart. I was able to get multiple confirmations throughout the week– that this camp is exactly where I need to be and this race is exactly what I need to do. I was reminded again and again that I needed to trust in the Lord and that His plans for me are much greater than the plans I have for myself.
Now, on a much happier note, I finally met all of my teammates! They are all truly amazing and handpicked by God. I could not be more excited to go on this journey with this group. I had a great time getting to know my team, building relationships, and growing together. Oh and of course our team won Squad Wars! Never had doubt #LSquad!
It’s funny that I complained how slow the week was going, and by the time we had to say goodbye the week felt so short. Training camp was indeed rough, but it was so good at the same time. It has only increased my confidence in God, in myself, and in the journey I am about to embark. In all the hardships that I have faced and will face in the next year, I am only more excited to see how God will shape my life and mold me to become more like Him and grow into a true Man of God.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:11-13
