So it took me a bit to process through training camp. I even started writing 3 days after returning but then stopped halfway through. I thought i should write a story or make it funny or what would catch my reader’s eye, but in the end i just need to make this short and sweet and to the point.
Training camp was both fun and very hard to get through. My mind was constantly at war. What am I doing, Why am I here, Im positive this is what God has for me, etc. I know for a fact that God was working in me and that I’m exactly where I need to be right now, but that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. I didn’t have no revelation or massive breakthrough. The hardest thing for me was friendships. Here are so many people I’ve never met and for you fellow new racers if your team is big on social media you might want to jump on board as it might make things easier, specially if your like me and this type of situation makes you quiet and clam up. I am thankful for the learning experience and God can always surprise you.
I loved the dancing moments (there is ALOT if you take advantage of it). The speaker Ron Walborn was amazing to listen to and had a lot of interesting things to say that caught my attention. The worship was powerful and moving with 5 squads of 200 or so people lifting up there voices to sing praises. The Holy Spirit was definitely at work the entire camp time. Food was interesting and small to say the least….eating with community and wondering what some of it was. Least favorite was African lunch but dinner made up for that, PB&J anyone hallelujah….is that even African…
Running in Chaco’s never a good idea but they are a must have. I took one “shower” and it was cold. My thought was it wasn’t worth it and yes I did smell but so did everyone else. I wasn’t prepared for the cold in Georgia and the unforeseen constant rain so i basically wore the same sweatshirt and sweatpants all week and I didn’t care….well I kind of did but being warm won out as always. The scenarios you go through can teach you how to share and care among other things. I wont go in to detail on that but definitely try to be prepared for anything like cold, hot, bright, loud, squished, or lost items. It’ll help you be prepared for launch going through it! My favorite thing of all was the last night having an unplanned late night worship session underneath a beautiful tapestry of stars and God’s creation!
I learned so much that week about myself, God, the Holy Spirit, my team, my squad, and more on next years mission that it was all totally worth it. Matthew 7:7 came to me while at camp. I will strive to ever grow in Him and want more and more and more and more of Him. Anyways thank you as always to God and all for everything!…that was longer then i meant it.
Favorite motto of the past year: Enjoy where you are at and live in the moment as you never know when its your last!
