On June 5, 2017, I went back to World Race Training Camp.
But this time, I was an Alumni Squad Leader.
That means I got to participate in just about everything the squad participated in, including sleeping in a tent in the wilderness for 10 days and the 3.3 mile timed fitness hike.
I also got to participate in everything the leadership team participated in, including creating activities to explore team dynamics and encourage unity among the squad.
I got to spend 10 days pushing, challenging, loving, and encouraging the people around me.
10 days diving deeper into my relationship with the Lord.
10 days praying to be more than uncomfortable.
10 days answering questions and hugging new friends and growing into this role the Lord has called me to.
It was a lot of things. Exciting. Exhausting. Exhilarating. Extraordinary.
So to sum it all up in a manner conducive to sharing, I’ve made a list of
10 things I learned in 10 days of camp:
1. The There-Here Path
We spent a few days before training camp learning as a leadership team.
I went to a session about vision and values, and we talked about the There-Here Path, a way to vision cast from where you are to where you transcendently want to be.
The goal is to live out of this vision and value as I lead.
My “There Statement”, or life mission statement if you prefer, is to Love on Purpose.
2. “Look at me.”
Every time I’ve prayed the past few weeks, the Lord has responded with this.
Just “look at me.”
Nothing else.
It’s been a wonderful reminder that this isn’t about me.
Any time I’ve felt unsure or insecure or inadequate, the Lord whispers, “Look at me” and I’m reminded of where my strength, value, and purpose come from. It’s not from a need to perform or please people, it’s not from a need to prove anything, and it’s not from a need to be perfect.
Everything I need comes from the Lord, who loved me before I ever even noticed him.
3. I need to fear God more than I fear my fears.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m afraid of EVERYTHING.
Seriously.
Everything.
But that’s not God’s intention for my life.
He doesn’t want me to live in fear of all of these silly things.
[Really, some of the things are really silly. Like my fear of portapotties.]
He’s challenged me to live in awe of him. To live out of a place of reverent, respectful fear of who He is. Not to be afraid of things like bugs on my tent, or talking to people, or walking in the dark, because if I’m always afraid of everything else more than I trust in Him, nothing good, exciting, and unbelievable could ever happen.
4. More money is embezzled by the church each year than is given to missions in the 10/40 window.
One of the girls on the squad wrote an awesome blog about this already. We learned some shockingly sad, but frustratingly true facts about missions to unreached people groups (people who have no access to the gospel).
You can read about it here.
5. Love is in the little things.
So I’ve been told that a squad leader’s role at training camp is the most demanding.
We have to do double duty between meeting the requirements of being on the leadership team, and participating in all the activities with the new squad members.
But honestly, I felt spoiled.
I LOVED the time I got to spend getting to know the squad.
Plus, the rest of the leadership team and my sweet former squadmate Kate brought me snacks, and let me take showers in the real bathroom.
And there is something to be said about having access to a real showerhead.
And I even got cookies and a burrito on my birthday.
Seriously, it’s the little acts of love that make challenges seem easy.
6. “Show them your heart.”
My style of leadership is one of vulnerability.
That may be right, it may be wrong, but it’s where I feel the most authentic.
This week, I learned that that’s okay.
It’s actually what the Lord has asked of me, so I intend to continue showing my heart and leading with vulnerability for as long as he lets me.
7. Twerking is not just for girls.
Thank you, Ross Garrett, for all of the incredible performances.
8. I make people uncomfortable.
Apparently, a Christian who works in a bar isn’t a normal thing everywhere.
And while I know it’s not for everyone, I love that I get to be a light.
I love that I get to be a safe place.
When someone is at the end of their rope and looking for meaning, I love that I get to show them Jesus.
And I love that I get to know their hearts and love and enjoy them right where they are, just like He does.
My friends are beautiful and valuable, no matter where they work and play.
I couldn’t be more excited to push buttons this year and challenge people’s beliefs.
Even if someone doesn’t agree with me, I love the opportunity they have to wrestle with their convictions, and either question or strengthen them.
I love the uncomfortable, because it’s where growth happens.
9. My co-leader rocks.
His name is Benjamin. And I think he’s the greatest.
He was easily my very best friend at training camp, and I am so excited to learn from him and to see him be free in this new season of life.
10. Blogs are hard.
But I’ve been told you can blog about anything.
Even avocado socks.
So here I am…trying again to put all the feels into words.
And let you all be a part of this crazy life called The World Race.
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