Thoughts from Training Camp

        Training camp… it seemed so far away and then BAM! It came and went like a rainbow in the sky after a tornado. As I looked back over the notes I took and journal entries that were made, I quickly realize that there’s no way that I can accurately share this interestingly dynamic thing known as World Race Training Camp. So here are a few thoughts from each day…

Day 1 – Thursday, May 21^st

• Thought – “This is a crazy mix of my life as an orientation leader and MOCS camp counselor at UTC, a national Intervarsity conference, and crack all rolled into one! This is going to be a CRAZY week and a half for sure!”
• Note – God is calling me to a life of abandonment, and it’s time to become a disciple who makes disciples everywhere I go.

Day 2 – Friday, May 22^nd

• Thought – “Asian broccoli and noodle soup and an orange for breakfast… Umm okay. That’s a little weird. But at least it tastes great! But wait, there’s no protein in this meal and we just ran for 30mins. Hopefully it holds me til lunch, whenever that is.”
• Note – Band sang the song “Good Good Father.” God really does love me…. When did I stop believing this at my core?

Day 3 – Saturday, May 23^rd

• Thought – “Oh my goodness! Who knew it could be so exciting to eat vegetables with a meal?! Those tomatoes and cucumbers just made me so happy! Maybe they’ll help my system and I’ll be able to use the bathroom soon…”
• Note – Bounded set vs. Centered set. Am I living based on rules and regulations (theology), or relationship with Christ where He’s the center of my focus?

Day 4 – Sunday, May 24^th

• Thought – “Today’s the hike and I’m a bit nervous about it even though I’ve done well in my practice runs at home…… How the heck did I go over by 2 mins?! Ugh, this is so disappointing! I should’ve listened to myself when I thought about jogging those other 2 times. God, please let them let me redo it and not just send me home for missing the mark by 2 mins.”
• Note – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Walk in authority at all times, and understand that while there may be strongholds in this life, I do not have to live captive to them because I walk in the dunamis (miraculous power) of God.

Day 5 – Monday, May 25^th

• Thought – Josh prayed that God would remove the doubt from my heart and replace it with power and confidence. “Lord, he’s the 2^nd person to say this. Please reveal the areas of doubt to me so I can release them to you.”
• Note – Shame is belief driven by expectations. If God says I’m enough, who am I to think otherwise?

Day 6 – Tuesday, May 26^th

• Thought – God, PLEASE take away these symptoms. I know what my body does when I’m getting a cold, and now is NOT the time! Camping in the rain away from campus is NOT the business!
• Note – As a woman of influence, I must understand that my influence is an avenue to lead, not my identity. Influence is an avenue to lead, not your identity.

Day 7 – Wednesday, May 27^th

• Thought – Pride goes before the fall. If I don’t accomplish the goal the first time around, it’s okay. Learn a lesson, allow others to help me, and keep it moving.
• Note – Walk in victory because victory gives birth to faith.

Day 8 – Thursday, May 28^th

• Thought – Active team builders…. I haven’t done these in a while. I wonder who’s gonna be on my team. I really hope there are men on it!
• Note – “You do a great job of being both people-oriented and task-oriented. Just try to make sure the task doesn’t take precedence over the people.” -Jeremy

Day 9 – Friday, May 29^th

• Thought – Immediate willful obedience. Okay Lord, I hear you.
• Note – “I think you’ve gleaned long enough, Shonda. It’s time for you to lead again.” –Vanessa

Day 10 – Saturday, May 30^th

• Thought – SQUAD WARS!!!!! WE KILLED IT!!!!
• Note – Leaders are servants of those they lead. The purpose of being a leader is to raise up new leaders.

Day 11 – Sunday, May 31^st

• Thought – I’m going home!!!!
• Note – Sometimes you have to pull off the road to see where you’re headed.

Thank you so much to all of my supporters! This would not have been possible without your prayers, love, and support! It’s because of you that the funds necessary for training camp were raised and I was able to go. I am now 44% funded! I will be leaving June 27th and am hoping to be fully funded by then. We are just $213 shy of the next official goal of $7,500 due June 11th.