For those of you new to my blog:
I am preparing to go on a year long mission’s trip called World Race with Adventures in Missions. Our ministry route will be Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Swaziland, Lesotho, South Africa, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.The first step in preparation is Training Camp a 10-11 day intensive to give you tools and get you holistically (mind/body/spirit) in the framework for the ministry field. Thanks to the financial support of many I was able to attend, having reached my first goal of 5k!! (^_^)
Life for me is best depicted threw analogies and metaphors. The one the comes the closest for this experiences is a Roller Coaster Ride but not just your average ride! Number one thing for me is that roller coasters are a HUGE no go but when God is calling the shots you pretty much get a simple YES or NO.
The pictures above represent my emotional inner child freaking out as unexpected curves, twists and drops happened beyond my control. But God strategically placed patient, loving, and extremely intentional people all around me to bring comfort/wisdom just when I needed. He designed this roller coaster ride just for me.
I probably could write a book about my full experience. There was so many exciting moments whether it was me personally or one of the 87 racers training with me. One moment that embodies the overall spirit of camp would be our hike (below is a little story recap)…
The sun hadn’t even rose but we were all up, packed and headed to the starting line. Some hikers gear weighing up to 40lbs hugged our back, hip, and collar bones. The goal was to complete the 2.2 mile hike in 38 minutes with all your gear. Never in my life had I taken on a challenge like this. Thoughts floated in my mind about my Zumba, Hip Hop Abs, and personal hikes in preparation for this moment. “Was I ready? I knew I would put my best foot forward and just pray!” Then I exited my tent, breathed out and realized I wasn’t doing any of it alone! There were 87 other people hiking right along side me and, most of all, they feel like friends or family even.
We prayed together as a camp standing in our smaller groups. Each small group was staggered a couple minutes apart. Get ready, get set and we were off! Our team of 6 were released. Elyssa became my walking buddy I kept pace with her. Our personal goal was to set a good pace so we had enough time towards the end.
Trainers were at every point cheering us on, one said, “Make up timing by running on even ground and down hills.” Naturally, the up hill slopes were a challenge. Lots of groups behind us picked up speed and passed but we just stayed focused. I started to feel my tired legs and a bit of an achy right knee so I stopped running. Only power walked but we were so close to finishing I could see it in my head.
Then to my surprise came a bunch of my teammates that had already passed. I was sure the were finished and it was true they had but they came back to walk with and encourage those still hiking! I got a second wind and began to push a little harder. The finish line was in site and another mate came running across the line to tell me I had less than a minute. Up, up, up the final hill I went and the rest of the teams where there to welcome me with hugs, cheers, and genuine enthusiasm. This is what heaven must feel like, I thought; Forever celebrating! Forever wanted! Forever home!
Training Camp was eye opening, fun, challenging and trans-formative. I spent time with my team, tasted new food, pushed myself physically, and gained in valuable life tools. Top three life lessons:
-How to Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships within the Church Body
-The Power of Forgiveness
-Shame Vs. Guilt
Shame says I am a bad thing and creates a disconnect w/ God.
Guilt says I did a bad thing and creates room for a connection w/ God.
My Squad
Please help me reach my next goal. I am $4,868 away. Any amount helps!
47 Donations @ $100 would bring me to my next goal.
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