Here are 12 things I learned in the 12 days at training camp!
1. Your story matters, tell it! Whether it’s in a video, blog, book or face to face with someone. God is the author of your story, and the power of your testimony can change lives.
2. Community will be what you make of it.
3. Be vulnerable from the start. It makes building relationships with your team/squad/leaders so much sweeter and authentic.
4. It’s okay to not have it all together & it’s okay to let people be strong for you (@ all the folks who gave me life during the hike. I’ll love you forever!)
5. But on a realer note from #4:: we all have weaknesses, some are just better at hiding them than others. So instead of trying to hide them (like I did), allow them to love you where you’re at so they can help you grow! That’s what they’re there for.
6. While snacks are great, they aren’t a major necessity. Save the space in your bag for something like an extra pair of underwear.. you won’t regret an extra pair of underwear.
7. If you aren’t a dancer, dance till you drop! If you aren’t a singer, sing at the top of your lungs! If you aren’t an extrovert, make it a goal to meet 5 new people a day (it’s not as hard as it seems when they’re 300 of you.)
8. BUCKET SHOWER TIP:: If you hold your breath for the first 3 scoops, the cold water won’t pierce your soul as much. After the third scoop, its feels heavenly. thx GA weather.
9. Don’t be afraid to pray out loud. There’s something powerful about the body of believers proclaiming truth for all to hear. It’s actually very encouraging.
10. Pray. Cling to prayer. Pray when it gets hard. Pray when it’s goin great. & express your gratitude to the Lord; we don’t do it enough.
11. God isn’t safe, but He’s good. Let that one sink in.
12. There’s no safer place to be than next to the most powerful being to exist. Jesus.
BONUS:: You’ll be uncomfortable. A lot. Embrace it, share it with your leaders & team, you’ll only grow because of it. & also because Jesus wasn’t beaten & crucified for you to be comfortable
If I could leave any future racer with one thing it’s this:: throw out every expectation you have, go with expectancy, and leave your “no” at home.
This is only a sliver of training camp. It was uncomfortable, numbing, equipping, encouraging, powerful & altogether some of the most beautiful days of my life that I’ll never forget!
I want to thank everyone who has prayed for me, sown financially, called, sent texts, and loved me so well. I’m beyond thankful for you & your sacrifice. If you have any questions about my training, I’d love to chat with you over coffee or something! Feel free to message me!
I am still fundraising, and so far we’ve raised $6,295!! That means I’m only $3,705 away from meeting my next goal that will ensure my spot for launch in September. Please pray about partnering with me as I go on this awesome journey with the Lord!
If this is your first time reading my blog, you can check out my latest blogs explaining what my team and I will be doing in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nicaragua & Costa Rica.
Peace & Blessings::
Shelbs
