Before leaving for training camp in Gainesville, Georgia on July 6th I had the “uh oh this was a mistake” pit in my stomach.
TRAINING CAMP
Training camp was easily the most uncomfortable yet comforting 10 days of my life. Walking into it I was doubtful and questioning my adequacy for being there/ going on this trip in general. Throughout the first 3 days I honestly just wanted to go home and drop everything.
Between bucket showers, sleeping simulations, rain storms, broiling porta potties, sleepless nights in tents, mud fights, lice outbreaks mmm, dance offs, hours on hours of sessions and sermons, team building activities, the to do’s and not to do’s in ministry, how to handle and love vulnerable women and children… on the surface, I was experiencing a lot of new circumstances. A lot more was happening on a deeper level, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Things started to change after the third day- I could actually feel my heart changing. My expectations were crumbling, along with my walls. It was like a veil dropped- I saw myself, this opportunity, the power of community, and the Holy Spirit through a new lens. It felt like all the strings of my past and present were falling into place. All the hard things I have been through have shaped me for this exact moment. I am able to reflect and be thankful for the seemingly miserable, hard, unfair, seasons of pain and growth- because they’ve molded me into the person I am and supposed to be. My eyes were opened to the fact that I am resilient and that I can do hard things.
I CAN DO HARD THINGS
YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS.
There is something magical about community, encouraging and uplifting people for who they are! I witnessed the power of forgiveness and freedom and love and growth in OVERFLOW.
This week opened my eyes to a different world, one that is far more spiritual than I could’ve ever imagined. I was blown away by how big and creative and mysterious and mystical God truly is.
“This is where you want me”
“You CAN actually do this”
“I am proud of you”
Throughout the week these truths became more and more real. The tension I felt inside me was there for a reason. I left training camp feeling renewed, inspired, and simply ready.
I don’t know what this next year holds, but I’m ready. I’m ready to step into the unknown and just EXPERIENCE it fully with an open mind and open heart. I’m ready to grow and to love and invite new people in.
FUNDING UPDATE!! My next deadline is 10,000 by August 25th. If you want to donate click the “Donate” button on the top of this blog! Thank you to everyone who has donated & stepped into this with me, it means the world.
