Hey everyone!!! About a week ago I arrived back home from World Race training camp. Training camp is a 10 day period spent getting prepared for this journey and meeting the wonderful people who will be joining me on this adventure. First I am on a squad, which is the group of about 40 that will be going to Thailand, Malaysia, Costa Rica and Ecuador. Then they divide the squad up into teams, which are smaller groups of 8-10. My team is made up of 8 amazing girls from across the US. More often then not I will be doing my ministry work and living with these girls during the 9 months. Throughout our time at training camp we were tested with all the worst case scenarios we could face in the field. As hard as some of them were I feel more confident that when certain situations happen in the field we now have the capability to take charge in stressful moments. Training camp was not only preparing us but it was an eyeopener for many to see what community should feel like. Spending 2 weeks with people I barely knew and having to adjust to a whole different lifestyle was very intimidating. I was extremely nervous when I showed up on July 10. Immediately after check in and setting up my tent for the night….yes I really did sleep in a tent for 2 weeks and it was so fun….did I then realize I had nothing to be nervous about. Everyone from the squad leaders, mentors and squad members were so kind and made transitioning into this week way easier then I expected.
Training camp was full of lots of excitement and love but there was definitely some bumpy spots everyone faced. Training camp was not just a summer camp where you hung around these people for the summer and then say goodbye. Halfway through camp everyone was hit with the realization that when we see each other again it will be the real deal. That was hard for me to hear not because I was afraid of hearing it but more so because after months talking about it, fundraising and getting ready it is finally about to really happen! I actually leave in less then 6 weeks and as exciting as that is it’s still hard to process. Training camp was also hard because it tested you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Physically because you’re adapting to other cultures and their ways of life which include the food, the housing, the bathrooms and so many other things. It was hard at first to change a lifestyle I am so use to, but after a couple days you get use to it and realize the difference is refreshing but can also be shocking. Emotionally it was hard because I always felt tired. Some days you sleep and eat better then others and on those days when you are deprived it can take a toll on how you feel. Facing these days are important because it allowed me to see how I would act personally and how my squad acted together even when we weren’t feeling 100%. Spiritually it’s hard because everyone has a different walk with the Lord and at camp we had the chance to grow, learn and understand what that relationship looks like.
The best part of training camp was bonding with my team!!! This group of 8 girls are excited and pumped to take on the world and spread the love of Jesus!! They are all fantastic and ever since I have been home it’s been weird to not have them by my side. They are uplifting and incredible girls who show the light of God through all their smiles and unique personalities. I am so glad that in less then 6 weeks they will be my part of my everyday life for 9 months!!
Training camp made me more excited then ever and even though it was rough it was so worth it! This whole journey is incredible and I’m so grateful that I get to experience it and share it with all of you! I appreciate everything y’all have done thus far and I can’t wait get this adventure started!
Tatyana
