“Let’s go back to training camp!”…..said no one ever.
This was my second time at training camp.
I was dreading it.
I knew the drill.
You think you reach breaking point.
Then you break again.
And again.
It was cold.
Freezing actually.
I got sick.
I was hungry.
Showers were available but it was so cold when you got out that I only took 2.
Everything was damp and smelled.
I had to wet wipe and febreeze my feet every night.
My tent still smelled like feet.
Most of the talks were repeats for me.
I kept falling asleep.
I missed U Squad.
I was scared A Squad wouldn’t think I wanted to be with them.
I cried.
A LOT.
Good thing I didn’t go to training camp alone, because with that attitude I would’ve left Saturday night when I thought my body was a popsicle. God held my hand the entire time. He guided me in my words and actions that broke walls between me and my new precious family. Missing U Squad will always be a thing, but I have two marvelous families who love me and I learned this week to let go of them and LOVE A Squad with my whole heart.
We huddled for warmth.
My squad now embraces (ha) the cinnamon bun hug.
We have been praying healing over each other.
My stomach may have been hungry but my spirit has never been more STUFFED.
I’ve only taken one shower since being home anyways…overrated.
We all smelled and luckily no one sat next to me on the plane home.
We all realized we share the same issues…not a single one of us is alone with our garbage.
We sat around countless fires and continued to bear our souls to one another, in confidence.
We laid hands on each other and prayed for miracles to happen.
They did.
People were healed.
People were forgiven.
People began to let go of junk that held them back.
People realized how much they are loved.
Stories were told that had been hidden for years.
Chains were BROKEN.
Weight was lifted.
God showed up.
Sure, I was not the one looking forward to training camp 2.0, but it was the best week of my life. I cried enough to refill an empty Mississippi River but I was able to process and grieve things that hadn’t come to light at training camp 1.0 in july.
I approached unforgiveness that has scarred my heart.
I faced the fear of losing my U Squad.
I learned that my value is in my Heavenly Father and no matter what, I am loved more than I could ever fathom.
I was more vulnerable than ever in my 22 years of life and saw the benefits of it quickly as I became closer to my new family.
I was encouraged that this is the place I was meant to be, despite the pain I had endured to get here.
If you don’t believe I had a fantastic week, watch this……
