So I've had about a week to digest my experiences at training camp and I think I'm ready for a tell-all post. I kid. I kid. I won't divulge too much into the details to preserve the mystery behind some of the events for future racers. But I'll start by saying the World Race training camp is NOT for wimps!! TC was a week long excursion that was challenging physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
How was it challenging physically? Great question! Let me preface this by saying the last and only time I camped was in 5th grade at Camp Schmidt (You know what this is if you're from PG County, MD). Thirteen hours after leaving home I arrive in the beautiful state of Georgia, painted with such a beautiful green palette, the sun beaming behind the trees. Wow! I got to the campground and thought I'm out camping! I stared at the cloth like apparatus called a tent and thought how in the world does this work AND is this really my home for the next 7 days?!? To my rescue came my squad leader, Lauren. Check. Challenge #uno conquered. Then came the torrential downpour which seemed to happen every night for the first few days which left my hiking pack and practically everything in it with that musty wetness smell….and OMGee is that a spider in my tent!?! Eeek, yea safe to say night one was far from pleasant. You think that was bad then came sharing a very confined sleeping space with 45 other people and an even more confined space with 12 other people. Wait. What's going on, I thought camping was all about smores, campfires, and singing ridiculous songs….haven't these people seen Bug Juice?!? Let's just say I struggled the first few days. With support from very patient squad mates, by day three I was a pro!
How was it challenging emotionally and spiritually? Spoiler alert, you will hardly EVER have alone time at training camp. You will be surrounded by people with all sorts of personalities from ENTJs to ISFPs (myers-briggs personality indicators). I'm an ENFJ and ENTJ. I happen to be dead center between feeling and thinking in the way I make decisions. As extroverted as I can be it is especially important for me to spend time alone to get re-energized. And it was hard to get that time. So I struggled. But once I got over the fact, I finally let go of my walls and learned to be more open and vulnerable. My squad-mates are an amazing bunch and have taught me what it really means to show love, be giving, and selfless. I can honestly say these people are like family and I'm excited to embark on this journey with them! Oh and we won squad-wars!!
Training Camp took my spiritually understanding of who God is to a new level. I learned and experienced the power of prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit. I witnessed healing, not only bore witness but was used as a vessel to heal. I know I serve an amazing God and because of that I am completely unabashed about telling the world about Him!
Bottom line: Training Camp was an amazing experience and really pushed me out of my comfort zone. 11 months in 11 different counties sounds pretty exciting and IT IS, but it's going to be hard. I'm very appreciative of all the staff who put TC all together. All the different events, sessions, and activities help to shape my perception of who I am and what I am capable of through Christ. I learned not to place too much emphasis on my expectations and be completely open to what God is going to do. I learned I am so much stronger than I give credit for. I learned I'm not wimpy instead I'm a bold, strong, fierce woman who's striving to change the world – one encounter at a time! I left training camp with such joy and excitement for my journey! I can't wait for you to share in the journey with me!
Here are a few pictures from training camp. Yes I made you wait till the end. Enjoy!
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Up Next: Meet My Team "Real Love" (stay tuned for that post!)
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