My ten day training camp experience has officially come to a close!! I never thought I’d say that Gainesville, Georgia has a special place in my heart (especially considering the 90 degree heat and 80% humidity every day), but this past week has completely changed my perspective of what the race actually is. At first glance, this trip may seem like it’s about occasionally playing with orphan children and seeing how many weird foods we can try, but I now clearly see that this trip is about changing the hearts of people around the world and turning them to Jesus.
The name training camp could not be more fitting for what we went through. The camp was filled with every possible “what if” scenario, and real possible problems that we could run into while on the race. Most nights we were presented with a new sleeping scenario, which ranged from half of us “losing our bags in transit” and being able to only use our day packs, to the entire squad having to simulate a 12 hour layover at the airport. Needless to say, I am not looking forward to having to sleep in the airport ever again.
Each day was a different country day for meals as well. We tried traditional dishes from all over the world, from places like Asia, Eastern Europe, India, Central America and Africa. This became interesting when we realized that with each meal, we had to also follow the culture rules for that location. You can imagine how “India” day went for us when we realized they do not eat with utensils…
The camp also needed to make sure we are all physically fit enough for what the race will demand. Each day we woke up with the sun to exercise for 30 minutes, which ranged from just a nice morning of yoga to a 30 minute run. Other days they put us through physical challenges that were formed around scenarios we may run into on the race. As teams of 7 we had to run up and down hills, collectively do 250 push-ups and each do 100+ lunges and squats. The main physical test was a 3 mile hike that had to be completed in less than 50 minutes, with our 35 pound packs on our back in the 90 degree weather. My squad of 50 people was the only one to have everyone make it on the first try!
At training camp, they also invited me to be the logistics coordinator of my squad of 50. This is an incredible opportunity and responsibility that I am more than ready to tackle! As logistics coordinator, my partner and I will be in charge of moving our squad from country to country. We will plan transportation to the airports and make sure the entire squad is accounted for, and make sure everyone successfully gets to where they need to be. We will also be in charge of planning debriefs for the squad. A debrief is held at the end of our time in each country to discuss how the time went, and what we can improve on as teams. My role as coordinator will be to choose the locations of debriefs, hopefully being in big cities, and to find housing for the squad. We will also be in charge of planning fun days for the squad to spend together!
Not only was camp filled with many physical scenarios, we were pushed to our limits emotionally and spiritually. Each day we had sessions that were about our own relationship with God, how we can show our love as christians through our actions, and what it looks like to be a missionary. This trip is about abandoning all the comforts I have here, and letting God be the only thing I am able to depend on. By making room in my life, I am letting God be the one to fill the new and open space! He has something more for me in this world than just the comforts of my home, and I am more than excited to find out what that is.
Overall, training camp was amazing. I feel more prepared than ever to leave for my nine month journey, and could not be more excited to share the Gospel all over the world! Thank you for all your support and God bless!
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19
