From the moment that I applied for the World Race there was a looming mystery that surrounded Training Camp. It reminded me of fight club, the first rule of training camp is you don’t talk about training camp. To be honest I wondered to myself, “Am I joining some sort of cult?” What kind of people expect 200 people to drive out to the backwoods of Georgia not knowing what the heck they were getting themselves into. Thankfully no matter how many blogs I read I still did not have a full grasp of what to expect during this week of preparation. This enabled me to go into TC with little expectation ready for God to show up in any way He chose to.
So what exactly did happen while I disappeared into the Georgia wilderness? That is the same question I keep on asking myself. The only way I can think of describing it was transformation. I came into training camp with so much crap in my life and I came out significantly less crappy. For the benefit of future racers this blog will be vague, but if you would like to hear more I would love to talk to you personally. But for now here are 11 things that I learned from training camp.
1. I can survive without my iPhone.
Now I wasn’t without it completely I did have my beloved iPhone with me but for the majority of the week it was turned off and surprisingly I loved it! I forgot what it was like to sit around a table and share a meal without one person bringing out their phone disengaging themselves from the conversation. It is incredible how well you get to know someone when technology is not in the way.
2. Coffee is a luxury not a necessity.
In a whole week I had one yes I said it one cup of coffee!
3. You can go survive a week with only one shower.
When everyone stinks no one stinks…. At least that is what I told myself over and over again. Nothing builds community like unified stench.
4. When you don’t know what to do, DANCE!
The World Race has a knack random dance parties, even when you think you are physically drained to depletion; you always have more energy to do the wobble!
5. Clean Clothes is a relative statement.
The term smell check has a whole new meaning to me.
6. It is ok to be Silent.
Not only is it ok but it is necessary. Taking time to be silent and listen to the voice of God can be the most important part of your day. It is in those still silent moments that God radically changes you to the core.
7. I am incredibly and undeniably loved.
As much as anyone has ever loved me, God loves me more.
8. Brokenness is a choice.
For God to build us up we have to be willing to be broken. He is not going to tear down the walls and intrude into your life. His works starts in the most hidden inner places of our hearts.
9. Family is not reserved for blood relation.
I have found a family in my squad that I did not think possible. When you are willing to open your heart to people they are going to fill it.
10. God wants an intimate relationship.
It is called a relationship with God for a reason. It is not a friendship, partnership, or any other kind of ship.
11. I am a freaking WORLD RACER!
I know this one seems silly but it really hit me at training camp. I am doing this; I am one of those crazy people that I have been stalking for the last year. This is real life.
