Camping as a squad at Training Camp is in-tents! (get it?)
I arrived in Ocoee, TN at World Race Training Camp in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions last Sunday morning. Jet lag, late-night unpacking and repacking and re-entry culture shock left me feeling exhausted and, if we’re being honest, a little cranky about the idea of camping in the wilderness all week. All I could think about is my craving for a good night’s sleep and a good ol’ American meal….and how I would be deprived of such luxuries for 8 more days.
During the first couple of days, I wallowed in thoughts of doubt and questioned if The World Race was where God wanted me. Thoughts of comparison consumed me during worship as I stood motionless while others lifted their hands and danced in a spirit of praise:
Am I supposed to be dancing too? What if I just don’t feel like it? Everyone seems to be so comfortable dancing and raising their hands…why is it so hard for me? Should I just pretend to dance and sing so that I fit in?
Somewhere in the middle of the week, between the international meals and team-building initiatives, God transformed my heart.
As I met and grew in community with members of my squad, my heart began to fill up with excitement, peace and confirmation about The World Race. I fell in love with the people God has placed on our squad. I began to look forward to worshipping my Heavenly Father with complete abandonment, unaware of anything around me except for His consuming presence. Slowly but surely, my thoughts of doubt and questions dissolved into words of confirmation from my Heavenly Father:
Daughter, this is where I want you to be. Don’t worry by looking at those beside you…look at Me. I will take care of you. I have been preparing your heart for this time and I will not abandon you. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. I will make your steps firm and you will not fall.
By the end of Training Camp, God filled me with an overflowing eagerness and excitement for what is to come on The World Race. In fact, I have never felt such confirmation and peace about His calling in all my life…I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am smack-dab in the middle of the will of my Father, and it feels so good!
My new World Race Family!
